IRISH were smiling in France at the weekend when Belfast’s Gary Hamilton scored a momentous victory to retain his world featherweight kickboxing crown.
The accomplished fighter, the most recognisable face in the sport in the country, saw off European champion Bertrand Fleuret in a memorable encounter in Toulouse.
Hamilton was on the brink to stop the current European champion in the 7th and especially the 11th round. Fleuret took a six punch combination and a high round house kick to the head that floored the gutsy Frenchman at the end of the round.
The Belfast boy received the nod from all three judges on a night that was fit to have Irish eyes smile.
“I’m over the moon,” said an ecstatic Hamilton. “All respect to Fleuret – he was no mug. But our preparation was spot on. We had wanted this fight in front of our loyal fans in Belfast, but I think I delivered a St Patricks day to remember for those who made it over to France to support me.
“I’ve held this belt for five years and there was no way I was going to give it up. It’s mine and if anybody wants it, they’ll have to come to Belfast to try and get it off me.”
Hamilton’s coach, the former four weight world champion Billy Murray, was delighted with his man’s showing.
“He showed grit, skill and boxed a clever game,” he said. “He was in incredible shape coming into this fight. We had no doubt he was fit enough to go the distance, I knew he had the hunger and there is no question he is the most naturally gifted Kickboxer of his generation - I just wondered if the crowd would pay a part. They can act like a second pair of fists for the home fighter and it was up to Gary to make sure he quietened them down early. He did, he triumphed and now we’ll get to planning for the next one.
“For now, I think there’ll be some celebrating, St Patricks style, to be done.”
It was a St Patrick’s night to forget for our young Celtic brother, Scotland’s Alexander white
The brave White lost his bid for European glory in the 7th round of a scheduled 10. White, a familiar face in Belfast, was counted out after been floored twice with body shots. The 19 year old said, “I’m gutted! I trained very hard for this fight but I’ll bounce back. I’m still the current British champion; I’ll just put it down to experience”
White added “I’m so pleased for Gary; his performance has set a benchmark for me that’s where I want to be in the future. Gary is just awesome, he’s my hero.”
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