BARNSLEY’S world champion kickboxer Sonny Greaves is hoping for a long and successful professional career.
The 21-year-old won the ISKA 65kg title belt on a Wolverhampton show, defeating Spanish champion Nico Melgar earlier this year.
A former student of Upperwood and Netherwood Academies, Greaves lives with his parents in Darfield and works in the family’s rendering business.
The UK number one is hoping to turn professional and compete at the top of the sport.
“I started out at The Combat Academy in Wombwell,” said Greaves.
“I was a small boy of seven. Now I’m a man of 21 and a world champion.
“The thing is, I didn’t like it at first. My parents are athletic. My older sisters are gymnasts. My parents encouraged me to commit to a sport.
“Football, swimming, gymnastics. Finally kickboxing. Initially so I’d know how to defend myself. Eventually I came to love it. Thank goodness.
“I dominated the championship bout and got the win by unanimous decision. I answered everything Nico threw at me. My shots and kicks went unanswered.”
Greaves may well have thought that the championship bout might never happen. He said: “You must be patient.
“Opponents get injured, more often in training than in fights. Sometimes they pull out. I’d progressed to the world final by way of winning the English, British and European titles but waited about a year for the world title shot.
“Five two-minute rounds. It was soon over but worth the wait.
“The ultimate is to compete on the ONE championship which is perhaps better known for Muay Thai.
“There’s also Glory Kickboxing based in the Netherlands. It’s a fast-paced sport and the longest even top pros fight is five three-minute rounds.”
Those 15 minutes offer an elite fighter the chance to showcase all the skills learnt and to entertain supporters with exhilarating and enthralling displays of courage. You have to be courageous.
“The sport is brutal. Beautiful brutality. But never cruel. You need the support of your team-mates.
“We respect our opponents.
“You’re getting punched and kicked in the head and at my level without any protection other than gum and groin guards and 8oz gloves. A fighter needs a high pain threshold and to not be fazed by shots and kicks to the head.”
Greaves thanked sponsors Datum Rendering, Kinetic Door Systems and HBW Fightwear. Other potential sponsors can contact him on Instagram @sonnygreaves_ or by e-mail sonnygreaves@outlook.com or on 07502 004191.
