PRESS RELEASE
December 6, 2005

Re: Gary Hamilton v Mohammad Samir – World Kickboxing title fight, December 19.

Billy Murray Promotions and the Prokick Gym official press conference was held at the Hilton
Hotel, Belfast on Dec 6th 2005.
The event is backed and sponsored by the Northern Ireland Events Company and the Hilton Hotel.
KICKmas BOX III is part of the Kickboxing Mania serries set for -
December 19 at the Ulster Hall.
FIGHTCARD RELEASED

Hamilton’s coach and event promoter Billy Murray announced the news on (December 6) as he revealed the full mouth-watering fight-card to the upcoming Kickmas III event.
The show, set for the Ulster Hall on December 19, will see Hamilton take on brilliant French show-stopper Mohammad Samir in a top of the bill clash. They will contest the WKN Light Welterweight title.
“I’m delighted that Marvin Hagler, a legend who transcends the fight game, has agreed to fly in and lend his support. He has already seen Gary Hamilton fight and let me tell you – he’s a Hamilton fan and Samir fan who’ll be roaring on the entire card.”

Murray added: “Hamilton V Samir is the show the kickboxing world has been waiting for. It’s without doubt the fight of the decade. Samir has a record of 108 fights, 108 wins. He’s reckoned to be the best pound for pound fighter in the world. But let me tell you, we have an incredible world champion of our own in Gary Hamilton. He is moving up two weights to take on Samir. He has no fear and is going to add to his fantastic KO record.”
Hamilton too was upbeat. “I can’t wait, I just can’t wait. I’ve been looking for this fight since I was in my teens,” said the 25 year-old. “He’s an all time great, but I’m coming out firing from the first bell and if it goes 12 rounds, I’ll still be firing at the end. This is the fight that matters and I’m winning it for Belfast, for Northern Ireland, for my fans who have been so loyal over the years. They are going to savour this one.”

MR Hagler had this to say:
"I'm looking forward to visiting the city of Belfast. I've never had the pleasure to visit Northern Ireland before and it is something that my wife and I are looking forward to. I've heard so much about the country and how vibrant Belfast city has become since the troubles stopped.
"I can't wait to be part of this historical fight between Gary Hamilton,
whom I saw fight in Geneva last April, and Mohammed Samir, reputedly the best pound-for-pound kickboxer on the planet.
“And to see this fight first hand at one the world’s most famous fight venues which has witnessed some of the finest boxers and fights, is definitely something to look forward to.
I expect to see a good show between Hamilton and Samir and some good punches too!"

Murray said getting the fight on had been his most difficult challenge ever as a promoter, with the Frenchman’s camp flip-flopping constantly over the last number of weeks. He commended the Northern Ireland Events Company who helped guarantee Samir’s demands could be met.
“It’s an incredible card,” he also announced at the Hilton Hotel press conference. “Aside from the bill toppers we have two of Thailand’s best fighters on show, we have Ken Horan back on song challenging for yet another title, we have the Pocket Dragon Lydia Braniff looking for further success to add to her European crown – in front of her adoring home fans, and we have French model turned kickboxer Chantal Menard bringing a touch of glamour to the event as she takes on Dublin’s Barbara Delaney. This is the best Kickmas Event ever.”

Janice McAleese, Chief Executive of the NIEC said:
“The Events Company was established with the primary objective of supporting
major events in Northern Ireland. The magnificent setting of the Ulster Hall enables us to host events of this scale, in turn promoting positive images of Northern Ireland both here and abroad. For Kickboxing fans this event offers a wonderful opportunity to once again witness World-Class competitors compete against our local heroes.”
Janice McAleese went on to say: “Following our past success in supporting the Kickboxing Mania series it is a pleasure to once again be working with the team from ProKick. May I congratulate Billy Murray for all his hard work and dedication in setting up another magnificent competition.

Meanwhile tickets for the December 19 KICKmas BOX show at the Ulster Hall are available by calling the Prokick hotline on 028 90 651 074.

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