WHEN Charlie Bubb first fought 21-year-old Charlie Thompson for the World Kickboxing Association (WKA) Australian super-welterweight title five months ago in Canberra, it took Bubb all five rounds to secure victory, via a unanimous points decision.
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Last Saturday night in Cooma, it took the Orange martial artist just three to defend the same title, against the same opponent.
Halfway through the third round Bubb landed a sickening knee to Thompson’s liver, flooring him.
All part of the plan according to Bubb’s trainer Anthony Wharton.
“We planned for Charlie to go in and work the body, and really utilise his knees,” Wharton said.
“It worked pretty well in the end. It was in front of his home crowd too - safe to say we weren’t very popular after the fight.”
Wharton said after the pair’s first encounter, he had expected a tough fight the second time around but was confident in Bubb’s development.
“Charlie has grown, in terms of improvement, a lot since they last fought,” Wharton explained.
“I’m not sure how much better his opponent has got since then to be honest.”
The win is the perfect preparation for Bubb, leading into the 2014 International Federation of Muay Thai Amateur World Championships in Langkawi, Malaysia in a fortnight.
“He had to get this win leading into the worlds,” Wharton, who will coach Bubb’s Australian team, said.
“It gives him a lot of confidence, and this will be a huge step up for him. He’s fighting the best of the best.”
Fellow High Impact fighter Tristan Roach fought on Bubb’s undercard on Saturday night, winning via a unanimous points decision.
