Mayor Bell dropped in at ProKick HQ.

Wednesday’s (November 26) election may have been local politicians busiest day in years, but former Lord Mayor of Belfast and current City of Lisburn mayor Billy Bell still found time to lend his support to kickboxing stars of the future.

Mayor Bell dropped in at the ProKick Gym Group HQ in east Belfast to give his backing to some of the sports rising talents ahead of their important bouts at the Ulster Hall Kickmas Box in December. Mr Bell was particularly keen to follow the affairs of Lisburn natives Michael Harkins, Nick Baird and Lisburn ProKick coach James Gillen. But he was also there to meet Andrew Grimason, the east Belfast teenager who is one of the sport’s brightest hopes.

"I was delighted to be invited to the Prokick gym to meet local Lisburn fighters and to learn more about the sport,” said Mayor Bell. “I was extremely impressed with the Prokick set-up and the professionalism of staff, students and fighters.

“I am very much looking forward to attending the 'Kickmas' event and wish all of the fighters every success on the night."

“We’re delighted Mayor Bell has taken such a keen interest in kickboxing,” said ProKick founder and chief coach Billy Murray. “There is a tremendous spread of talent in the greater Lisburn area and of course in Belfast. Andrew Grimason is a name to look out for in the future. He’s one of a new breed who will help the sport grow in the years to come.”

At the Kickmas Box in the Ulster Hall on December 22 – billed as a festive feast of fists and feet – the Lisburn trio will share a fight-card with World Champions Gary Hamilton and Gary Noade, both of whom train at ProKick.

Due to exceptional demand, special value family tickets have all now been snapped up. Remaining tickets are priced at £15 - Call our 24 hour ticketline 028 90 651074. They're also available from the Ulster Hall Box Office on 028 90323900.

Pictures by: Gordon Johnston

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