Hamilton has held his current title since he sensationally snatched it in 2002 in Lyon, France. Any decision to quit will shock Hamilton’s army of fans who have followed his exploits across the globe and in some incredible encounters in Northern Ireland.

It has been rumoured that Hamilton’s commitment to boxing would see him leave aside the rigours of his first love.

His coach and mentor Billy Murray has been non-committal about his most successful student’s future. “I’ve always said that it’s an honour to coach Gary,” said Murray from the ProKick Gym.

“As a kid he had such amazing raw talent and boundless energy. We worked on that to turn him into a world-beater. He’s an inspiration to kids in the gym. He’s an inspiration to those in his local community. When his local area decided to paint over the old political murals of the past Gary was chosen as the face they were most proud of to represent the future. He has shown what talent, commitment – and quite a lot of character and ring charisma – can bring.”

Murray added: “It’s true he has had some fights within conventional boxing. And it’s also true that he’s not getting any younger and that he really wants to prove he can make it in boxing. He is continually setting himself newer, bigger goals – that’s part of his make-up.

“I can guarantee to any Gary fans out there that come December 1, when he steps through the Waterfront Hall ring ropes, all he’ll be thinking is that Marty Cox Jnr is not going to take his belt. I’m getting goose-bumps just thinking how incredible this fight could be. Let’s not miss this piece of history.”

In Hamilton's glittering career he has held every available title in his division from national to world. He has also competed within the brutal and demanding Muay Thai variation of kickboxing.

The KICKmas Box event is Backed by the Belfast City Council's supported through the support for sport programme and sponsored by Schwarzkopf international and the Norman Emerson Group. The event will also be screened on Setanta Sports three days later on the 4th December at 10pm in a two hour special.

Tickets are still available for the biggest kickboxing show of the year. To reserve your seat go to www.ProkickShop.com