IF the word convincing had a walking, talking self, it’d be Charlie Bubb.
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With the weight of the World Kickboxing Association (WKA) Australian super-welterweight title on the line, 16-year-old Bubb defended his crown against Terrigal’s Chris Chapman courtesy of an unanimous points decision won over five, two-minute rounds.
Using his height and reach to supreme advantage at the Central Coast Leagues Club on Saturday night, Bubb cut his opponent above the left eye with a devastating right knee in the opening round, and never looked back.
Trainer Anthony Wharton said Bubb had to reach a new level to defeat Chapman and reclaim the title.
“His opponent had worked hard and knew a lot about Charlie ... everything came together for us in the end though,” Wharton said.
“He kept level headed. A lot of people get in that situation, cut their opponent then lose their way, but Charlie kept level headed.
“He stuck to the plan perfectly.”
Fighting in front of a parochial Gosford crowd, Bubb was followed by over 30 High Impact supporters to the Central Coast for the biggest fight of his young career.
Taking his record to 14 wins, two losses and a draw from 17 fights, Bubb said Saturday’s convincing win was all about patience.
“We started off with the same pace in the first round, just seeing what each other has to give,” he said, describing the bout’s initial stages.
“But at the end of the first round I cut him with a knee over his left eye.
“In the second I kept pushing the pace, hitting him harder.
“I was trying to work the body, working everything I could. By the end I think I won every round ... but he wouldn’t drop, he’s as tough as anything.”
Chapman’s toughness has developed from maturity and despite being eight years Bubb’s senior, the age difference wasn’t an issue for Bubb.
Nor was the defending champion’s tag, one the Orange muay thai fighter says came with little nerves.
“[Being champion] gave me more confidence. I knew I could do it already,” Bubb fired.
“I had to defend what was mine.”