Charlie Balmer is filled with confidence as he prepares to compete for his first amateur title at Kingdom Combat Championship 3 on February 25th. The lightweight fighter is set to face Billy Adams at camp and furnace, Liverpool, England.
Balmer, who holds a record of 4-3, has promised to deliver an active year in 2023 after competing just the twice last year. 2022 saw Balmer go 1-1, but gaining valuable experience in the process.
Interview With Charlie Balmer
Since his last outing in August of 2021, Balmer has taken the necessary steps on progressing as mixed martial artists and developing his skill-set at the newly formed fighters heaven that is Bangtao Muay Thai & MMA in Phuket, Thailand.
“Since my last fight in August, I’ve been to Thailand to Bangtao MMA, training alongside some of the best fighters such as Brendan Loughnane, Darren Till, Zhang Weill, and Brad Riddell and getting coached by high-level coaches the like of the Hickman brothers and Alex shields. Then went straight back into training, helping Kurtis with his camp in December.”
Having fought twice last year, Balmer was more than satisfied with his overall year, not only in competition, but in his daily life too. The MMA Academy representative came to the realisation that that sacrifices had to be made outside of the Octagon in order to get the results inside the Octagon.
“2022 was a good year for me. I learnt a lot, not only inside the cage but how I should be outside the cage with my eating habits and not ballooning up between fights as such I made a move to up to lightweight, which I feel has helped me massively as I’m not just doing a fat camp; I’m doing a fight camp and learning.”
Charlie Balmer Talks Training in Thailand
Elaborating on his trip to Phuket in Thailand, Balmer highlighted the significance of testing yourself with fighters from around the world.
“The time I spent in Phuket was something I’ve wanted to do since I was about 15, and it was amazing. Training at Bangtao helped me a lot with my wrestling and seeing how I am up against other fighters worldwide and where I need to improve.”
Balmer is relishing the opportunity to kickstart his 2023 by winning his first title, and the extra motivation has most definitely amped up his training in a number of aspects.
“This fight for me is a big one fighting for my first title, which definitely adds more to my training, fighting five rounds, building my cardio up, pushing myself in training a lot more each fight trying to improve in all areas.”
Having only fought twice last year, the main focus is seeking activity in 2023 for Balmer, who is eager to fight as much as possible, if his body allows it.
“I’d like to be active this year as I only fought twice last year. I’d want to fight as much as I can. Hopefully, no injuries will happen. I want to be fighting the best all the time to show my skill set.“
Becoming Kingdom Combat Lightweight Champion
When asked about competing against Adams on the 25th February, Balmer is aware of the challenge he has in front of him. Nonetheless, is still confident in putting on a show and leaving the newly crowned champion.
“I’ve been to 3 of Billy’s fights, he’s a solid opponent who I can’t wait to get in the cage with and put on a show for the people and claim the belt.”
Setting yourself goals for the year is vital to give an accurate reflection on how much you’ve progressed. For Balmer, he has one goal and one goal only for the year…
“This time next year, I want to have fought the best and beat the best.”
After a trip to Thailand training alongside the best in the business, Balmer is oozing confidence and doesn’t see any scenario where he doesn’t leave with the Kingdom Combat lightweight championship.
“My prediction for the fight is that my hand will be raised and the belt around my waist.”
