Hamilton, whose career has suffered a start-stop path in recent years, has been handed a chance to return to the top of the sport when he faces K1 world champion Daniel Zahra.
Hamilton, 33, who feels in the best shape of his career, said: “I have put so much into the sport and I owe it to myself to become a world champion again.

“It was great being the featherweight champion several years ago but for one reason or another my  focus was deflected and I have been on an uncertain path for far too long.

“This time I am ready. I have put in the hours at the gym and my coach, Billy Murray, would not have created this opportunity for me if he didn't think I was ready. I have a monster of a fight ahead of me in Daniel Zahra. He is a master in spoiling a fighter and is one of the best out there at the moment, and he has a wide range of kicking skill.”

Hamilton will meet Zahra on Monday the 11th November at the Holiday INN in Belfast for a Face-face and a check weigh-in. Then press and fight-fans will have the opportunity to ask questions in a Q&A section. Later the two will have an open training session for photos. More will be released closer to the time.

Former world champion Billy Murray, Hamilton's coach at the Prokick Gym, said: “I’m excited about the two lads going head to head verbally before the big show-down at KICKmas.

“Gary Hamilton has been with me for a very long time but it has been a while since I saw the hunger in him that once made him a world champion.

“He has that look in his eyes again and I am confident that he will lift another world title for Northern Ireland, and it will all happen at the epicentre for contact sports in Belfast, the Ulster Hall. I can't wait for the bouncing and chanting of his name as it did in 2005 when he clashed with the great Mohammad Samir.”

More can be found right here on prokick.com tickets are flying for the event and you can get yours from just £25 from ProKick's ticket hotline on 028 9065 1074