The St Patrick’s Day bash, promoted by Bird’s Prokick stable in Belfast, looked set to offer a routine bout for the current WKN European champion. But a welcome call from Cyprus this week confirmed a title showdown with Cyprian, Achilleas Leontides.

Bird’s coach Billy Murray, the former WKN professional kickboxing champion, said: “This could be Mark’s big breakthrough. He has been offered a great chance to make his name on the world stage. It’s the next step before professionalism in any kickboxer’s career and if that want Mark wants, he will do well to lift this title.”

But Murray warned his prodigy that he cannot afford to take his eye off his St Patrick’s Day duty.Bird will top the Holiday Inn show along with former world champ Gary Hamilton, who meets local rival Aubrey Tarr for a third time in his career.

Murray added: “Mark trains and lives like a professional. He is a superb talent and made a big impression on K1 legend Ernesto Hoost when he fought in Japan last December. Ernesto has taken a particular interest in Mark because he believes he could make an impact on the world stage.

“Today's fight is Mark’s most important task and he must focus on that only. He can only get the shot at the world title if he comes through his fight today March 17.”There is little worry about Bird’s career focus – he recently sold his car, computer and almost all his possessions to fund a training spell in Thailand where he improved on his skill and knowledge of the sport.

A lifeguard by profession, Bird is one of 12 Prokick fighters taking to the ring this week for a mix of K1 and full-contact kickboxing bouts. He has won 13 of his 24 contests with two draws and nine defeats and competes in full-contact kickboxing, oriental and Thai styles.

The fightcard will feature three Swiss opponents who will take on some of the best Ireland has to offer in the amateur league. Five Englishmen will also storm the Countries capital to take on the fighting-Irish on this famous day when St Patrick chased snakes out of Ireland and became a patron Saint. And if that's not enough there are three all Celt affairs on the 12 strong fight card.

Special guest will be none other than K1 super star Ernesto Hoost, whilst fight-fans will also be entertained by Acoustic folk rock sensation 'Scorpion Jack' who have been added to the St Patrick's Day Bash program at the Holiday Inn Belfast for today March 17th.

There there will be no tickets at the door. If you have no ticket there will be no entry....sorry next time please.