 Magherafelt's Darren Dougan has received added support from family in his bid for European glory. Darren’s brother has put the muscle into the tussle to help secure the WKN European kickboxing crown for older bother Darren.
The Architectural Technologist Ryan Dougan from Magherafelt is the sole proprietor of Vision Design Architectural & Planning Services which just this week heard that the promoters were struggling financially.
Darren was due to take on reigning champion Jean-Philippe Mercer from France in a bill-topping tussle at the Millennium Forum in Derry on September 29.
The champion pulled out of the fight even though promoters had booked and paid for flights.
The French man, Mercer was sensationally stripped of the title by governing body the WKN (World Kickboxing Network) after he said he would be unable to make the event due to unforeseen prior commitments – despite signing a contract and agreeing all terms.
A WKN spokesperson said the reason for the withdrawal was not sufficient and as this was a mandatory defence that he was reneging on, the organisation had no option but to take the title from him.
“After the body blow we needed to have a plan of attack.” said Billy Murray, “We were finding it difficult raising the money to re-book flights for a new team, when Darren called me and said his younger bother could draw-up a plan to help us find a solution. And good to his word after sitting in his office, discussing the plans the 32 year old said he would sponsor the bout.”
The title is now vacant and the next in line challenger will face Dougan, we will bring who that is next week.
 
The change in opponent hasn’t fazed, Dougan, who fights out of The Golden Dragon Club in Magherafelt, but it has made him more determined than ever to win in front of home fans.
“Mercer was running scared,” he said. “He was looking for an excuse not to fight me. He knows what I can do in the ring and though I’m the top ranking challenger in Europe, I don’t care who they put in front of me. My goal is to bring the European title back to Magherafelt and make my family, supporters and town proud.”
 Murray said the fighter change would work in Dougan’s favour.
“He’s like a wounded beast now,” said Murray. “He wanted to take the title from the champ and do it in style. We’ll have the next opponent by the weekend. These things happen in the fight game. Mercer may have had champion written beside his name, but he had cold feet. Dougan fears no-one. I feel sorry for anyone that steps in the ring with the man from the Loup – he’s lethal!”
The undercard for the 'Brawl on the Wall’ will see fighters from Germany, Switzerland, France, Slovakia as well as the home nations pitted against Prokick’s top fighters. Tickets are selling fast and are available online at www.prokickshop.com or through the Millennium Forum box office priced £6 to £25 for ringside. For more information on kickboxing and a new Prokick club coming to Derry City call 028 9065 1074 or click to Brawl on the Wall
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