Following the disappointment of her first international bout being cancelled just before Christmas, Thetford’s rising kickboxing star Charlie Browne is now focused on her first national title fight.
The 15-year-old will compete for the KBX title on 21st February in Grays, Essex, taking on 16-year-old Ella Augello of Rising Phoenix Fight Academy, London.
Charlie who attends Thetford Academy and trains at East Anglia Kickboxing Academy under coach Billy Brown, has had to step up a weight category and adapt to KBX rules, both of which present new challenges. As part of her preparation, she has intensified her training and incorporated clinch work. “Different shows have different rules, and this time a five-second clinch is allowed,” Charlie explained. “A clinch is a form of hold where you can use your knee or a punch as strikes.”
Currently undefeated in four fights, Charlie will contest five 1.5-minute rounds in her first title bout. Although she has met her opponent before, the pair have never faced each other in competition. If successful, Charlie hopes to defend the title and gain further opportunities to challenge for other belts. “I’m very excited and really looking forward to the fight,” she said.
Charlie will be supported on the night by her coaches, family, and sponsors. Also appearing on the card is fellow EAKA fighter Luke Goodge, who will be making his professional debut.
Training six days a week, with gym sessions on the seventh, Charlie also works one-to-one with her coaches and a nutritionist. Despite the demanding schedule, schoolwork remains a priority, although she admits to making sacrifices when it comes to time spent with friends and other activities.
Looking ahead, Charlie plans to begin teaching at 16 by running a women’s class, hoping to encourage more women into the sport. “It’s a great way to get fit and not just about fighting. I hope it will be part of the Olympics one day.”
Follow Charlie’s progress on Instagram at: @charliebrownkickboxing
