Ready to rumble: kickboxers compete for world titles

CHAMPION KICKBOXERS from all over the world are in Dublin this week for a major kickboxing tournament.

Some 600 athletes from 52 countries take part in the week- long World Association of Kickboxing Organisation World Championships. Among the countries represented are Belarus, the US and Jordan, with fighters seeking to take home gold in two disciplines – semi-contact and full contact – as well as musical forms.

It is the first time Ireland has hosted the event and is the result of more than 20 years of hard work by the sport’s official Irish body.

Minister of State for Transport, Tourism and Sport Michael Ring, along with representatives from the Irish Sports Council, the Olympic Council of Ireland and the local council, attended the opening ceremony at Citywest Conference Centre yesterday morning.

Kickboxing Ireland president Roy Baker opened the proceedings with a warning for overseas competitors.

“You’re in Ireland; when you step out on the mat against an Irish fighter, be prepared for a fight.”

Shortly after the official ceremony, fighters took to the mats to try to secure their place in the next round. They will compete throughout the week before the finals take place on Saturday.

National semi-contact team coaches Dave Heffernan and Ilija Salerno are confident that the Irish fighters will be well represented in the finals.

“We have 15 fighters in the seniors, nine women and six men; we’re expecting eight gold medals,” Heffernan said.

Salerno is a former world champion and Heffernan is not only coaching the team, but is also part of the squad.

There are more than 12,000 members registered with Kickboxing Ireland.