Country Derry Man is Ready”

WORLD champion Gary Hamilton believes County Derry man Darren Dougan is ready to make kickboxing history for the north-west.
Popular Loup-based fighter Dougan will challenge for the Celtic super-middleweight in just his 10th competitive outing in the ring.
Hamilton, who will compete in Geneva on May, has been helping Dougan prepare for his big occasion at the Prokick Gym in Belfast.

“Darren is fairly new to the kickboxing game after spending years in Kung Fu but you would think he’s been at it a long time.
“His progress has been swift and he deserves his shot at the Celtic title. He had a great win in Scotland (over the experienced Sean Wanless last month) and I think he’s bursting with confidence.”

Dougan will headline the May 14 Next Generation: Mayhem II show at The Loup and the quiet man of the sport said: “The day cannot come quick enough. I’ve been going over the fight in my head, in my sleep, in everything I do. I’m told it’s a special feeling to have a championship belt, so I am keen to get it and go on and win as many as I can.
“This time last year I would never have imagined myself fighting for a domestic title but I must have impressed along the way. I never even considered myself fighting as a kickboxer, so to win a title in a sport I feel I’m still learning would be a good achievement.”
Dougan’s corner-man, former four-time world champion Billy Murray, said: “Darren is credit to kickboxing. He dedicates himself to learning the ways of kickboxing and, as a natural in the art of combat, he has adjusted well. I have no doubt he can win the Celtic title. It would a superb feat in just his 10th fight to say that he is the best in the Celtic ranks. After that, he can go for the British title.”

Tickets for Mayhem II are available now, priced at £7.50 adult and £2.50 for children.