“He was in sparkling form from the first bell,” said Young. “He had a hunger to do the job quickly. He spent the first round laying down a marker then I sent him out in the second to finish the job. He has one of the best right hands in Europe and when he struck, the German wasn’t getting up again.”

There was double celebration for Northern Ireland at the event. Young Barrie Oliver, in only his fifth fight, emerged with a draw - he still remains unbeaten. “I thought Barrie should have been given the victory on points,” said Young. “He definitely did enough to win and I think the home supporters needed some brightness rather than Irish domination! Still, it sets both men up for their bouts in Derry in September.”

Both men fight out of the ProKick gym in Belfast and ProKick head coach Billy Murray was delighted with their showing. “It’s never easy going to fight in Germany,” he said. “They know and love their kickboxing there and produce a succession of champions. I’m delighted our boys did such a good job. And Ian proved himself a great travelling coach – as well as being a great kickboxer.”