Fighting for the Australian junior team at the International Federation of Muay Thai Amateur World Championships in Langkawi, Malaysia, the High Impact fighters both earned gold medals in their respective 75kg and 27-30kg weight divisions.

Before the pair flew out, Renshi Anthony Wharton, the Australian junior coach, said despite his confidence in both fighters’ ability, they faced a huge task to even win a medal, let alone gold.

“They were literally fighting the best fighters in the world,” Wharton said.

Coming up against the top ranked fighter from Belarus, Wharton said Bubb was under no illusions heading into the fight.

“Belarus have been the most successful and strongest team here, so we knew it was a huge task,” Wharton said.

“We knew he would be strong physically and aggressive so formed our plan based on this. Charlie dominated every round, focusing on hard leg kicks to take some power away from the Belarus fighter. Charlie finished very strong, dominating the final round with damaging elbow strikes to his opponent’s head to take the match in a points decision.”

Incredibly, Bartimote wasn’t even supposed to be representing his country.

Originally he just missed selection, but as first reserve took his place when his division’s top-ranked fighter pulled out.

Now, he’s a world champion.

“Tyler drew a very skilled boy from Malaysia who was very well supported and the crowd favourite,” Wharton said. 

“The boys stood toe-to-toe trading the whole fight. The Malaysian won the first rounds, Tyler the second with great counter striking and movement. 

“The third round was declared a draw which is uncommon, so the match was a draw and both boys shared the gold.”