Sporting history as Offaly man wins WKO title in Birr

SPORTING history was made in Birr recently when the first ever fully sanctioned World Kickboxing Organisation (WKO) fight night was held at the Marian Hall.

There were 18 bouts matched on the night with Birr k-1 kickboxing club having 12 fighters entering the ring. Five of Birr's fighters were in demonstration bouts and declared draws.

Seven of Birr's fighters entered into competitive action and they came away with six wins, all unanimous, and only one very close loss.

The crowd supported every fighter and acknowledged good fast action. They appreciated the fitness and skill on display from the fighters.

This was a day of firsts for Birr - Birr k-1 kickboxing's first show, first WKO fully sanctioned fight night in Birr, Conor Hynes' first fight in Birr, his first five rounder fight, his first WKO Irish national title challenge.

Conor started training two years ago at Birr k-1 kickboxing club and it completely transformed his life. After one year of training with Raphael Creamer, he entered Conor into a demonstration fight. Conor impressed Raphael so much he put him straight back into competition a month later in June 2023. Eleven months later of pure dedication and commitment and travelling all of Ireland and to England for competition, Conor was fighting for the Irish title having built up a fight record of 6-2, having fought the best in the business.

The main event was sponsored by Topspray Foam Insulation.

Conor stepped into the main event and the supporter cheered every moment of action as they had done all day and can be proud of the atmosphere they created. The roof was nearly taken off the building on a few fights and this was no different.

It was a dominant and controlled display of kickboxing by Conor Hynes, his most composed display in the ring to date.

In round 1 Conor hit the champ with a clean left front kick and hard right cross only a few seconds into the fight. This got Kacper's attention and he respected Conor's power and knew he was the real deal and had a real fight on his hands. Conor won the round.

Round 2 was a similar story. Conor controlled the pace of the fight with his left front kick and sharp hands. Conor won round 2.

In round 3 Conor got more confident and picked up the pace and used good footwork to evade Kacper. Conor landed the stronger cleaner shots. Kacper was getting frustrated at not being able to catch Conor and feel the fight slipping away from him. Conor won round 3.

In round 4 Conor came out strongly and hit the champ with some big punches and controlled the ring with aggression. Kacper answered with a couple of bombs himself, but Conor won his most convincing round and the crowd erupted roars and cheers at the end of the Round. Everyone could sense a new Irish champion from Birr.

Round 5 was a different affair. Kacper came out wanting to fight straight away but Conor didn't get drawn into a war but got caught with a couple of over hand rights a few times and a powerful left body hook. But Conor's fitness and conditioning took over and he shook of those shots. Conor used his jabs and frontkicks with his footwork and saw out the round.

The final bell went and Conor jumped to the ropes and knew he would become the new Irish champion.

Conor won a unanimous decision and became Birr's first full contact Irish champion.

The now former champion showed great sportsmanship and wrapped the belt around Conor Hynes. Waist.

Birr k-1 kickboxing fighters on the night were: Aoife Creamer - demo draw; Ellen Mugan - demo draw; Adrian O'Donoghue - unanimous winner; Brandon Troy - demo draw; Shane Bradley demo draw; Sean Cooke - unanimous winner; File Nunes - unanimous winner; Cormac Creamer - unanimous loser; Dean Brummell - demo draw; Will Fogarty - unanimous winner and fight of the night; Ross Buckley - round 1 TKO winner; Conor Hynes - unanimous winner.