But his team and Irish kickboxing figurehead Billy Murray convinced him and his team that the crowd in Belfast would offer the sort of support a talent like Samir deserved and secured him for the December bill.

“It’s brilliant to have him back in Belfast,” said Murray. “He has been such an integral part of modern kickboxing folklore – and indeed has fought here several times during his incredible century plus of wins. We’ve been talking to his people for a number of weeks and I’m delighted we can announce his place on the Kickmas bill today.

” Burton is no slouch as an opponent. Training out of Lincoln’s KBA gym, he is a hard, hard puncher with a string of titles to his name. He has had 35 fights, with 28 wins, 18 by KO.

Burton spoke with ProKick.com today and said: “I think it’s a great opportunity to share the ring with a legend like Mohamed Samir and a chance I am thankful to have been given,” he said.

“I am not going to Belfast to lose, I am going to make a fight of it and my hope is to cause a major upset. I also hope to make new friends and new connections in Belfast!”

For tickets on this  remarkable Fightcard at Kickmas, December 1 in the Waterfront Hall, Click Here