The pay-day on offer for the warriors in Belfast will be a little down on that – but the pressure will be no less intense. Irish heavyweight champion Gillen, will be up against Nige Penlington (England), Edon Bytyqi (Switzerland) and Dylan Scally (Republic of Ireland).

“It’s going to be blistering, edge of seat entertainment,” said Billy Murray, Gillen’s coach and himself a four time world champion. “These mountains of men will each try to win two fights in order to take this title. It’s going to push them to the very edge of stamina and reason. It’s a brilliant set of battles in store for fight fans. It truly is a festive feast of fists and fun.”

Murray added that the man they call Mr Kickboxer, Ernesto Hoost, will be ringside to watch the action. Hoost has himself competed in the Japanese K1 showdowns and comes with a reputation for dazzling ring speed and strength with a big time boxer’s charisma. “He’s something else!” said Murray. “We’re delighted he’s coming to Belfast for this event. He’s becoming quite a fan of the city and he loves the kickboxing powerbase we’ve built here.”

Topping the bill will be local hero Gary Hamilton. The evergreen Belfast veteran is attempting to add the world lightweight belt to his featherweight title. However, there are growing rumours that this will mark Hamilton’s final kickboxing battle before he switches to boxing.T

There are some tickets left for Kickmas. To get them, see http://www.waterfront.co.uk or call the 24 hour ticket hotline on 028 9033 445