Blake "The Punisher" Charlton the new Victorian light middle-weight champion.
Hard work and dedication have contributed to talented local Blake Charlton’s rise in stardom on the boxing circuit.
He is coming off two straight wins and two stellar performances which are causing people to stand up and take notice.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
The performances earned him a chance to compete in Lilydale for the light middle-weight Victorian regional title on Saturday, against Lilydale’s Danny Vanderhuvan.
Vanderhuvan was Charlton’s toughest fight yet.
Charlton trains at The Fighters Academy boxing gym under the watchful eye of accomplished coach and third generation boxer, Scott Maskell.
“There were non-stop heavy punches being thrown to Blake in the first round, but he kept his composure and his guard up, working inside and almost sending his opponent to the canvas with his killer left rip body shot,” Maskell said.
“Vanderhuvan was saved by the bell in the first round and came out strong throwing uppercuts, hooks and straight rights at Charlton in the second round but could not get through his defence.”
In the third round Vanderhuvan came out strong again but Charlton worked his way in with perfect timing and well executed punches that left Vanderhuvan with a few cuts.
After the referee split the pair up for locking horns, Charlton’s following blows resulted in a standing eight count.
Charlton again came on strong with a flurry of left hooks and right hooks resulting in another standing eight count.
Having his opponent on the ropes, Charlton lived up to his name ‘the punisher’ and finished his opponent off with a number of hard hitting blows.
Charlton is now the Victorian regional champion with three straight wins, the last two fights via stoppage.
“I believe Blake is the strongest in his weight division and will soon be an Australian champ,” Maskell said.
“He is proving that he is a fighter to be reckoned with and the judges, referees and officials are starting to take notice.
“I am so proud of him and all he has accomplished in this past year since he has been at the Fighters Academy,” he continued.
“He has been robbed from decisions three times and hasn’t let that faze him.
“He is the hardest worker in the gym, the most dedicated and toughest fighter I have ever seen,” he said.
“If you were to know Blake you wouldn’t even know he was a fighter, he is the nicest bloke anyone would ever meet, but if you were to see him box he will have people running scared.”
The academy had three fighters in and recorded three wins.
“Blake is really pushing everyone in the gym to work harder and fight better, they all look up to him and all want to fight just like him.”
Charlton is very shy when it comes to recognition and said he “feels really good” about his achievement.
“It makes me want to work harder for the next level,” he said.
While he trains as often as he can between home and the Cobram Academy, he has his sights set on an Australian title.
“I hope to win the light middle-weight Australian title and I would love it to be held in Cobram.”
Charlton being announced the winner of the match.
From left is Aadyn Hicks, Ducky Aljassim, trainer Scott Maskell, Blake Charlton and Blake’s proud son Alfie Charlton. Alfie is so proud of is his dad and his number 1 fan.
