VOTING IS NOW CLOSED

Pop Idol Darius burst to fame performing Britney Spears’ ‘Hit Me Baby…’ so it’s no surprise to learn that the star has been snapped up to host the Irish Kickboxing Awards in March.
The chart-topping sensation will jet into Belfast on March 5 for the inaugural ceremony at Belfast’s Holiday Inn – and he can’t wait.
“This is something I’ve been really looking forward to,” he said today. “I love the sport – it’s been a big party of my family as my brother is a keen kickboxer. When I was approached, I didn’t think twice. This is the Oscars of Irish Kickboxing and to be asked to host the ceremony is a great honour. I would not have missed it for the world. I’m looking forward to a brilliant night.”
Darius is familiar with some of the rising names of Irish kickboxing, but has yet to make it to a live event over here.
“I’m told the atmosphere at the Irish shows is like no other and I can tell you that I’ve made it a priority to get along to one in Belfast in 2005.”
Billy Murray, the veteran kickboxer who is helping to stage the event, is delighted to have secured the star.
“It’s great news to have Darius hosting the inaugural Irish Kickboxing Awards,” he said. “He’s a man who certainly stops you in your tracks when he performs and he is perfect for the show. We’re reveal Darius co-host in the coming days – a female television star familiar to sports fans in Ireland – and I can tell you they are going to make a wonderful couple!”
The awards will pay tribute to the fighters, coaches, gyms and support staff who have helped the sport grow in Ireland at such an incredible rate over the last two years.
“It’s an acknowledgement of the people across the island who have made Kickboxing such a powerhouse sport,” said Murray. “It will also mark the first time that all groups and associations involved in the sport have been honoured at a single ceremony. It’s exciting and it’s historic and it also says much for Belfast’s place within the sport that the first national awards ceremony will take place in the city.”
Votes have been collated from coaches, fighters and gyms across Ireland and the top three in each category have been short-listed. Voting is now open - VOTING IS NOW CLOSED for the Kickboxing awards .

Tickets for the star studded event can be phurschased here>

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