Local fighters take to ring in Seagoe spectacular

Lurgan, Craigavon and Portadown men will all enter the ring on the Fight Club NI Kickboxing annual fight night.

The brainchild of Lurgan man, David Boyd, the former top ranked European title contender, turned promoter, has endeavoured to bring kickboxing back to the area. David has promoted numerous shows in and around Craigavon over two decades. After years of hard work David Boyd has managed to bring a top flight national titles to Portadown on an amazing 15 fight bill.

While this event is one of the biggest kickboxing bills to be staged in the province, it doesn’t sacrifice quality for quantity. Every fight is an adult full contact match-up, no junior, nor light continuous or exhibitions on this top flight show.

Local favourite Derryadd’s Gerald Doran, the current Northern Ireland light heavyweight champion, is set to step up from his 79 kilo title to take a shot at the British title. Gerard is renowned as one of the stalwarts of Fight Club NI kickboxing. Coach Davy Boyd remarked, “Gerard is among the toughest fighters I’ve ever trained, he is willing to step in with any man, at any time.” A sentiment reflected by the fact that Gerard currently owns the NI light heavyweight title, having won it three times in emphatic style less than a year ago – yet is keen for a new challenge at a lighter weight. Gerard is famed for his aggressive, non-stop punching and so his fight against Scotland’s Chris Duncan promises to raise the roof.

Also from the impressive Fight Club NI stable is cruiserweight contender, Craigavon’s, Simon Grey. The Bible college student is stepping up his pursuit of title belts, as he risks his undefeated status by taking on the current Irish champion in a non-title bout. The Letterkenny champion is widely respected in the sport, but Simon is keen to prove himself and his coach Boyd believes he has the talent to win.

Making it a hat-trick of great fights is Lurgan’s Thomas Harvey, a hard working fighter so expect an all action bout in his fight with a Sligo based fighter. Tommy too has title hopes in his sights and has already went for one title belt and is very keen to bring the belt back to Craigavon.

In addition to the Lurgan clubs involvement in this top event, they have shared the billing to include local counterparts from Portadown. Alan Campbell’s club makes a welcome addition to the billing, providing a real formidable team from the Mid-Ulster area, against the rest of the province. Coach Alan, who owns fitnessfactory Lurgan, is keen to build his own fight team. This time he is putting out novice fighter Davy Silcott. He takes on a Strabane first timer.

Portadown’s Rui Oliveria, who runs Portadown Boxing Academy, is taking on a Lithuanian national from Dungannon in a real cultural mix. Rui is hoping for a large home support from both the Portugese community and his many friends around the town.

Now all that remains is the sound of the bell and come Saturday night at 7.30pm, the Seagoe will ring with the cheers and roars of an expected capacity crowd. Tickets are payable at the door. Come early, numbers are limited.