PROKICK'S heavyweight James Gillen has been handed a chance to revive his kickboxing career - with a title shot!
The security officer had a door of opportunity unlocked this week when his sparring partner Martin Connolly was forced to pull out of his Celtic title showdown with Scot Stevie Bonner at the Carrickfergus Leisure Centre on August 28.
Connolly suffered a knee injury at work, allowing Gillen to step in.
Gillen, who’s last competitive action was on the Kickmas Box bill at the Ulster Hall in 2003, said: “I haven’t been able to fight due to work commitments but I cannot afford to miss this opportunity. It is just what I need to get going again and I fully intend to make sure the title stays in Northern Ireland.”
His coach, Prokick supreme Billy Murray is confident the late replacement will ensure the Celtic heavyweight belt remains in Northern Ireland.
“James Gillen is an able replacement for Martin Connolly. He was on to a good thing just over a year ago but other commitments forced him to wind down his fighting ambitions,” said Murray.
“But now he has a second chance and as fate would have it, it’s a title shot. It was a devastating blow to lose Martin Connolly but I’m certain the Carrickfergus crowd will get behind James Gillen.”
Connolly, who will go through a scan to determine the damage to his right knee after a fall at work, said: “
“If there was one person I’d gladly give my place up for it’s big James. He’s a gentleman and deserves a crack at the title. He will be hard to shift and I will be at ringside to give him 100 per cent backing.”

Tickets for the Kings of the Castle show are available from the Prokick hotline, 02890 651 074, priced £5 for children, £7.50 for adults and £15 ringside. Family tickets (two adults, two children) cost £20. Alternatively purchase your tickets on-line. Here

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