'Mark’s preparation was just right,' said his coach Billy Murray from the ProKick Gym in Belfast. “He came into the fight off the back of two victories, so his confidence was up. We worked on some stamina issues, he had a training session with the legendary Ernesto Hoost and we got out here early to allow him time to get properly ready. “He remained focused right through and he showed that as Napoleon might have said, it was not tonight, Dylan for Salvatore. Being holder of the Corsica Cup is nice, but it’s time now to build for titles.” 

For more on Bird’s Corsican adventure – and other kickboxing news and pictures from the Corsican Cup – check back here at Prokick.com