Kickboxer Charles Joyner to go pro against Bernard Temu
Kickboxer Charles Joyner is about to turn a passion into a professional career.
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Charles Joyner remembers the day and the fight that convinced him he wanted to turn a hobby into a profession.
It was December, 2015, and Conor McGregor had just KO’d Brazilian Jose Aldo in 13 seconds in a shock victory which saw the Irish fighter claim the MMA featherweight title at UFC 194.
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The crowd watched in awe as a perfectly timed left hook sunk the champion in the shortest title fight finish.
“I saw everyone just go mental and thought ‘wow’,” Joyner said.
“It’s what started me on the competition route.
“I never had any intention to fight. I just liked the fact I was learning to defend myself.”
Now five years, Joyner boats a perfect record as an amateur but has decided to put himself to the test in the professional world of kickboxing.
The 24-year-old from Castle Hill will fight Bernard Temu at Bonnyrigg sports club on March 13.
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“I had nine amateur fights and went 9-0 so that was a good start,” said Joyner, who trains at the Evolution Gym at Rouse Hill and will fight in the 88-84 kilo class.
“My pro debut is against Bernard Temu for Cairns who has 14 fights for seven wins and seven losses.”
Joyner, who stands a towering 203cm, hopes to make a career out of the sport.
“When I started doing it I fell in love with it,” he said.
“The mental toughness, the preparation, the hard places you have to put yourself in to grow.
“The goal for the future is to be on the Glory Kickboxing Tour in Europe.”
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