News
Ian Young Returns to the Ring for an Inspiring Father-Son Moment
Event Date: 7th June, 2025 - 11:00am
Event Location: Belfast, Stormont Hotel
Father and Son duo will feature at the Bash 'n' Mash event: Former Linfield football star and World WKN Pro-Am Kickboxing Champion, Ian Young, is making an extraordinary return to the ring this June. This time, it’s not personal glory he’s after but the chance to inspire and encourage his 13-year-old son, Jude, who trains under Billy Murray at Belfast's ProKick Gym.
Bash n Mash June 7th 2025 at the Stormont Hotel in Belfast - A Formal Dinner event
At nearly 50 years young, Ian sees this as his opportunity to share a moment like no other with his son. "I’m coming close to 50 years young, and I want to do this with my son before I get much older," he said. Despite a 15-year break from competitive kickboxing, Young has committed to an intensive training regime to ensure he’s ready for the challenge. “I’ve missed this adrenaline rush,” he added.
The father-son duo will step into the ring at the highly anticipated "Bash and Mash" black-tie event, held at the Stormont Hotel in Belfast on 7th June. The evening promises to be a celebration of inspiration and perseverance, featuring four bouts, a three-course dinner, and live entertainment.
Amongst those joining the action is Ewe Menzer, Ian’s former opponent from whom he clinched the European title back in 2007 at the Millennium Forum in Derry / Londonderry. Menzer, hailing from Hamburg, has no intention of going easy in the ring, adding another layer of excitement to the event. Negotiations involving Jude Young are currently underway, with further details to be announced soon.
Two other headlining matches big enough to command the spotlight on any event.
Jay Snoddon will compete for the All-Ireland Professional WKN title under full K-1 rules, facing Corey O'Malley from Black Dragon in Galway. O'Malley, a decorated athlete with multiple championship titles across various federations, promises to be a formidable opponent. This highly anticipated match will be contested over five 3-minute rounds.
The other big match, Dan Braniff, the reigning WKN European Amateur Champion, will contest for the Irish title at 69.9kg against Conor Hynes from Birr K-1 Kickboxing, based in Riverstown, Tipperary. This Pro-Am Irish title fight will be fought over 4 x 2-minute rounds under K-1 rules.
Tickets for the event are available for £75, including the dinner and full-night entertainment. Secure your seats now via ProKick website to witness this unique and motivating father-son experience first-hand and cheer on the rest of the event.
Event Details
Event: Bash and Mash Gala
Date: 7th June 2025
Location: Stormont Hotel, Belfast
Tickets: £75 (includes a three-course dinner)
Celebrate dedication, resilience, and the bond between father and son at Bash and Mash. Don’t miss this unmissable night of inspiration and action and featuring two All-Ireland title show-downs!
