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 It
was mixed emotions in Turin at the weekend as two Ulstermen
won and lost a European title on the same night.
Young the current British champion was on his way to pulling
off the 'Italian Job' at the Palasport La cupole in front
of the champions home supporters when suddenly Danilo Fanfano
pulled off a kick that even Juventus would be proud of.
The referee, Deano didn't take time to do the mandatory count
of ten as he called the medics to assist Young.
Young was soon on his feet applauding Danilo Fanfano as formalities
of awarding trophies and belts took place. "I'm absolutely
gutted" said Young on his return to Belfast. "The
judges and fighters told me that I was well in front, I felt
so comfortable in the fight and got careless for a split second
and paid the penalty, but hey, I'm still learning in this
game and the most important thing is it will make me stronger
and I will fulfil my destiny in the sport of kickboxing."
Young went on to say, "I don't remember anything about
the kick. It's one of those things that you'd be really proud
of if you done it yourself and I have to compliment Danilo
it was a beautiful kick. After seeing it back on tape, he
set me up beautifully. The first kick hit me hard on the leg
and then with razor sharp speed and accuracy the next on my
neck and my ambitions of European championship were just suspended
for now."
It was Mark Hennessy that defended
Ulsters honour for European glory by stopping the European
super middleweight Stefano Deregibus in the third round. Hennessy
started slow in the opening round taking some heavy punches
and was two rounds down on a scheduled four rounder but out
of nowhere he turned midway through the third by flooring
local hero Deregibus to stay on the canvas for a count of
ten.
"I'm over the moon." said the North Belfast law
student. "I'm known as a slow starter and I was informed
by my corner that I was two rounds down going into the third
and not to forget where I was and what I was there for. Suddenly
all the combinations and the hard work paid off as everything
seemed to click into place and the champion was flat on his
back and I was declared the new champion of Europe. It's been
a great trip even though the disapointment we had for Ian,
but Ian is a very talented individual and he'll bounce back
from this hiccup no trouble. We really should have brought
back home a double championship because Ian was a mile in
front and the Italian was starting to whine and complain.
He may think himself the lucky man. Anyway back to me, I'd
like to thank the whole Prokick team for getting me to this
point, I've had an amazing rollercoaster ride this year and
I don't want it to stop."
It's been a busy year for the Prokick club. Eight home shows,
ten away events and an event a month for the next generation
of champions the Prokick kids. And a total of ten championship
titles from Irish to World champions in the stable.
Below are some links from
the trip to Turin Italy.
Mark Hennessy New Champion
Ian Young picture special
in Turin
Irish/Italian hospitality in Turin
Hosp-Itality
For more info on Kickboxing :-
t: 00 44 (0)28 9065 1074
e: prokick@group.tm
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