Supremely motivated.
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That’s how High Impact Gym Renshi Anthony Wharton says his five charges are feeling ahead of Saturday night’s World Fight Australia 2, which presents the quintet with the unique opportunity to fight in front of a home crowd.
“Everyone is very motivated, very pumped,” Wharton said.
“We always have a group that travels with us to fights, but being able to fight in Orange, there’s a real buzz around and they’re all really looking forward to it.”
Andrew Abbott, Sophie Courtney and Nicole Lowe-Tarbert will all hop into the ring prior to the night’s two main events, which feature phenom Charlie Bubb and reigning Martial Arts Sports Association K1 Amatuer Australian champion Sandon Gibbs-O’Neill.
The latter is fighting for his second national title, he’ll face former High Impact fighter Joel Noonan for the World Kick Boxing Federation Australian Amatuer 72.5kg belt.
“So if Sandon wins, he’ll be a dual-sanctioned Australian champion,” Wharton explained.
He’s confident too.
“His confidence comes from his win in the national title fight against Ben Regan, who actually beat Joel,” Wharton said.
“We had Sandon and Joel matched up before that last fight though and I know Joel is coming here very motivated, very keen to win.
“Some people have billed it as a grudge match, but it’s not at all. We know Joel has heavy hands and is probably coming expecting Sandon to kick a lot, so we’ll be looking to mix it up and throw something at him he’s not expecting.”
Bubb will take on Thai fighter Dieselek, a veteran of almost 300 professional bouts.
“He’s very, very experienced,” Wharton said.
“He’ll come here knowing how to read what Charlie is bringing, with a mixed, tough to read fight plan. He’ll be tough to beat.
“Charlie is coming off a good win in Townsville and is confident as always though. It’s a three-rounder though, three three-minute rounds, which will be great to watch. They’ll be busy, Charlie is used to the longer fights, outscoring a bit more so he’ll need to adapt.”
Scott Allen was on the undercard as well, but unfortunately broke his hand and was forced to withdraw.
Doors open at Orange Function Centre on Saturday night at 5.30pm, the promotion begins at 6.30pm.