SINCE beginning his fascination with Muay Thai three years ago, High Impact gun Charlie Bubb has always had one eye on the world title.
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He never thought he’d have it by the age of 17 though.
On Saturday Bubb claimed the Super Middleweight Martial Arts Sports Association amateur world title belt, defeating the hugely impressive Michael Mathetha via split decision after five bruising rounds at the Blayney Community Centre, cementing his place upon the upper echelon of Muay Thai fighters in Australia.
A quietly spoken student, Bubb said he claimed victory thanks to a tighter muay thai technique.
“I’m feeling good.,” Bubb said.
“I was nervous going into the fight, that was because I knew he was really big and really strong. I knew it was going to be a good test but I knew I could do it.
“I think my knees and elbows won it ... he was more of a kick boxer style and elbows and knees score higher, I was just trying to score more than he did and finish a lot stronger.
“But I never expected anything like this, not so quickly I didn’t.
“I’m only 17 and I thought it would have still taken a couple of years.”
High Impact head instructor Anthony Wharton was stunned by his prized fighter’s ability to lift and claim the title.
“His opponent was the favourite. He’s a superstar in New Zealand and he’s really big in China. He’s won King In The Ring. I can’t believe Charlie beat him. It was close. It went down to a decision,” Wharton said.
“I reviewed the video on Sunday morning and I thought Charlie won three rounds and his opponent won two.”
After a first round where neither fighter gripped the ascendancy, Mathetha rose in the second and third before Bubb clinched crucial victories in the fourth and final rounds to earn the world belt.
The first round “feeling-out period” went Bubb’s way too.
“Both of them could have easily gone another five rounds,” Wharton enthused.
“He stuck to the game plan. The other guy had a wicked overhead which we’d been reviewing. He’s got a good body shot and he’s good with his high kicks. Charlie picked his shots well.
“He’s only just starting.”
This is the biggest win in Bubb’s blossoming career, having already won a gold medal at the world championships as well.
And despite just finishing the massive bout, Bubb is already eyeing off more success.
“Hopefully I can continue on with the world titles, fight the best in the world. Head to Thailand and fight the best over there, because they are the best ... it’s their sport,” he said.