SWISS banker Michael Schmidt (Right) rolled into town this week to have Ireland's Mr kickboxing himself Billy Murray sum up his talent.
Schmidt, born in County Wickow, began kickboxing in Switzerland where he moved to 10 years ago but wants to step up his ambitions in the ring. So, on a week-long visit to Belfast he dropped into Murray’s Prokick Gym for additional training and advice.
Trained by Fernando Martins, who was beaten by Prokick’s Ian Young in Belfast last year, Schmidt said: “I want to progress in kickboxing and was advised to drop in to Billy Murray’s gym when I was visiting Ireland again. It’s been a great experience because I have sparred with Mr Murray and with Gary Hamilton, who is one of the best fighters in the world. I’ll be returning to Switzerland with a lot of lessons learned.”
Schmidt is planning to host a show in Dublin in the near future but fears divided loyalties will prove to be a dilemma for him.
“I am from Wicklow and my entire family circle is 100 per cent Irish. If I bring a Swiss team to fight an Irish team I’m not sure where I will stand. Maybe somewhere in the middle, just to be safe?”

Some action from the sparring class with Michael Schmidt from Switzerland

Michael Schmidt takes time off his hard training to meet some business people...

Michael Schmidt attends opening

Michael meets up with the lord Mayor at a lunching and open day at the Carrickfergus Adertisers new office.

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