Change of rules for Bird: "Although this is a full contact bout, kicks above the waist. I prefer low kick and Thai but I started in Full Contact and have experience there. I know Michael is a tough campaigner, it will an interesting fight and I look forward to it."

Bird went on to say "A fight is a fight and I think showing versatility speaks volumes. All the great fighters have always switched styles, they don't stick to one style and that is what I am looking for, experience in the fight game. Bring it on."

Teammate James Gillen the Irish and Celtic nations champion faces Englishman Jamie Moore. Moore with a record that demands respect - 13 fights and only 2 losses. James is not fazed: "Yes a respectable record from Moore but who has he fought, I have travelled to about 6 different counties to fight, has he?" said Gillen "It doesn't bother me going to Newcastle, it will be as if I'm at home as I have a lot of family there. "

Coach of the two fighters Billy Murray is welcoming the invitation to fight in Newcastle. "Master Goff and I go back a long way from the Tai Jutsu days. I know it is short notice for the guys but my lads are always ready for a fight. And Mark is just off the back of a busy couple of months so he is more than ready. James is always ready for a fight and it doesn't matter who James fights, he just loves to fight."

Bird is hopeful of a win which will see him travel South of the border to compete in Waterford on the teams second within a week.

Bird and four other ProKicker's are heading back to school. This time they're hoping to teach a few lessons of their own, kickboxing style, as Irish lynchpin Billy O'Sullivan promotes another top night of fights at the Waterford Institute of Technology.

Anne Gallagher will face Kilkenny woman Anne Marie Bergin in a 66 kilo 3x2 minute bout. Ursula Agnew will also take on a top pro Kilkenny fighter. David Bird will have a rematch with Dylan Morran, of which he lost on a close points decision at the recent Bash N Mash event. Older brother Mark will face Sean Barrett in a full contact bout and still to be confirmed is a match up with ProKick's Stuart Jess and John O'Shea.