Charlesworth talking with his fists
A kickboxing world champion aims to let his fists do the talking after setting his sights on the boxing world.
Halesowen's Reuben Charlesworth is no stranger to success, having picked up no fewer than 12 world titles as a kickboxer.
In that respect, the 18-year-old's early success in the boxing world should come as little surprise.
Charlesworth has won all three of his bouts so far and his coach and father, Jason, reckons he has the potential to go far.
"Reuben was looking to try something different so boxing was an obvious step for him," explained Jason. "Even so, it has been a little surprising how quickly he's taken to it.
"I've had a couple of former professionals come down to the gym and watch him and they've been really impressed.
"He is determined to do well.
"What can I say, the kid just likes to fight."
Charlesworth has won all three of his bouts at BBU Boxing events – a relatively new organisation looking to fill the gap between the professional and amateur ranks.
He is one of several fighters training at the Pride Boxing Centre, which is part of the Halesowen Martial Arts Centre, run by Jason Charlesworth, who has been training fighters since 1993. Another member of the gym, Keiran Biggs, claimed a debut victory in the latest show.
"Keiran is a nervous young man and it took him a lot of courage to step into the ring," said Charlesworth, himself a successful martial arts fighter. "But he won all three rounds and showed a lot of character."
