PFL CEO backs Belfast fight night to 'deliver'

Martin says the main event will prove whether Darragh Kelly is ready for the next step [Getty Images] PFL chief executive John Martin says the UK and Ireland are key growth markets as the promotion returns to Belfast with what he believes is a "high-quality" card capable of delivering "a night fans won't forget". Thursday's event at the SSE Arena marks the organisation's second consecutive visit to the city following last year's success, but it arrives under different circumstances. Paul Hughes, who headlined last May with a devastating first-round knockout victory over Bruno Miranda, had been set to top the bill again before withdrawing through injury , prompting a late reshuffle at the top of the card.

The revised main event now sees unbeaten Irish prospect Darragh Kelly take on New Zealand's Jay Jay Wilson. Despite the change, Martin insists confidence within the organisation remains high. "This is not a fill-in card, it's a really high-quality card from top to bottom," he told BBC Sport NI.

"It may be a card the fans didn't know they wanted, but I think it will deliver a night of fights they're not going to forget. " With Hughes sidelined, the spotlight shifts to Kelly, who enters the bout with a perfect professional record and a growing reputation as one of Ireland's brightest prospects. Martin believes the opportunity represents a defining moment in the Moville man's career.

"Careers are a collection of moments," he said. "For Darragh Kelly, this is one of them. He's 9-0 with seven stoppages and is now stepping up against a very tough opponent.