Ballymena schoolgirl Lacey Stewart strikes gold — and eyes home showdown

12-year-old Ballymena fighter Lacey Stewart

A 12-year-old Ballymena fighter is rapidly becoming one of Northern Ireland’s most exciting young combat sports prospects after claiming gold at one of the region’s top competitions.

Lacey Stewart, a Year 8 pupil at Dunclug College, delivered a standout performance at the Battle of the North tournament at Templemore Sports Complex, securing a unanimous decision victory in the 11–12 years novice category.

Her latest triumph builds on an already impressive run of form, marking her as a rising talent to watch both locally and beyond.

Dominant display against Belfast opponent

Stewart faced a strong challenge from an opponent representing Full Circle Martial Arts in Belfast but showed composure well beyond her years.

Blending sharp boxing combinations with controlled, clinical kicking, she dictated the pace of the contest and impressed judges enough to secure a clear unanimous decision win.

The victory follows her success at last month’s WKA Northern Ireland Kickboxing Championships in Larne, where she captured titles in both kickboxing and low-kick disciplines.

Home crowd showdown next

There will be little time to celebrate.

Stewart is already preparing for her next appearance — a step up into low-kick full-contact competition at the upcoming STRYKE.NI fight night on Friday, April 17.

12-year-old Ballymena fighter Lacey Stewart

The event will take place at the Leighinmohr Hotel in Ballymena and is expected to draw strong local support, with fans eager to see one of their own compete on home soil.

Promoted by local professional MMA and K1 star Alan Philpott, the night is set to showcase some of the best emerging fight talent from across County Antrim.

A fighting family in the making?

The event could also turn into a family affair.

Talks are ongoing to include Stewart’s younger brother, “King Kain” Stewart, on the fight card.

Despite being just 10 years old, Kain already boasts an extraordinary record, holding WKA World titles in boxing, K1 and low-kick, along with the current WKO British K1 crown.

If confirmed, it would mark a rare moment of two highly decorated young siblings sharing the same stage in front of a home crowd.

Growing local momentum

With back-to-back successes and a major hometown bout on the horizon, Lacey Stewart’s rapid rise is capturing attention across the Ballymena community.

Her progress reflects not only personal dedication but also the strength of grassroots combat sports in the area — with more young athletes stepping into the spotlight.

All eyes will now turn to April 17, where she has the chance to build on her momentum in front of a home audience.

The STRYKE.NI card features some of the finest up-and-coming talent Co Antrim has to offer. For the latest fight card news and event updates, be sure to check out the STRYKE.NI Instagram page.

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At a glance

• Lacey Stewart, 12, from Ballymena, won gold at the Battle of the North

• The Dunclug College pupil competed in the 11–12 years novice category

• She secured a unanimous decision victory against a Belfast opponent

• The win follows success at the WKA Northern Ireland Championships in Larne

• Stewart will fight next at STRYKE.NI on April 17 in Ballymena

• The event takes place at the Leighinmohr Hotel

• Promoter Alan Philpott is leading the fight night

• Her brother “King Kain” Stewart may also feature on the card

• The event will showcase emerging talent from across County Antrim