Perhaps overshadowed by the championship finishes at Brave CF 9 was Charlie Leary’s third round TKO win over SBG’s Daniele Scatizzi.
After a back and forth fight, Leary was able to land a perfectly placed right hand, sending Scatizzi to the canvas.
“The fight went pretty much to plan,” Leary explained. “We knew my cardio was going to be better than his and knew he would want to take me down so first round after being taken down I Just worked to tie him up and wear him out without taking damage.”
“I feel it worked because second round once we clinched I felt his strength drain and he was tired so it was only a matter of time before a big shot landed and thankfully that came in the 3rd round.”
The performance seemed to catch the eye of multiple fighters on the roster as Leary was called out by Abdul-Kareem Al-Selwady, Lucas Mineiro, Hardeep Rai and Norman Parke.
“I’m not really surprised by the call outs and feel like I’m the number 1 lightweight in Brave and these guys know they have to beat me to get that number 1 spot,” Leary said.
“Plus, they know I always come to put on a show so it’s great publicity for them.”
One of the fighters that called Leary out, is surging lightweight Abdul-Kareem Al Selwady who is undefeated under the Brave banner.
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“I did see Abdul-Kareem Al-Selwady called me out as well and I was impressed with his last win but I think everyone knows if he really believes he is number one he would be calling for a title shot like I am, not calling for a fight with me.”
“He is definitely someone I can see myself fighting at some point and I have no doubt it would be a great fight he’s tough but there is only one way it will go and that’s me out working him and getting the stoppage.”
Another fighter who called Leary out, is Lucas Mineiro who has hinted at a move up to lightweight. He was scheduled to challenge Elias Boudegzdame for the featherweight title in Bahrain but fell sick trying to make the weight. For Leary, it would be an honour to get in the cage with a veteran like Mineiro.
“When Lucas Mineiro called me out I was actually quite happy about it because I have absolute respect for him and think he’s an incredible fighter,” Leary said. “So, for him to have me in his sights means I’m doing something right and I think if that fight happens everyone wins there is no way we could put on a boring fight and it’s one everyone will be talking about.”
“I also had Norman Parke call me out and even though I think he’s a bit of an idiot you can’t knock what he has achieved in this sport and he’s proved he is a top talent so if I don’t fight for the title next any of them 3 would be great.”
A new lightweight champion was crowned when Ottman Azaitar took on Alejandro Martinez for the inaugural lightweight championship.
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The two stood toe to toe in the middle of the cage before Azaitar was able to put Martinez down with a sharp body kick in the third round and become the new lightweight champion.
Leary, who previously fought Azaitar in what many considered the round of the year, shared his thoughts on the title fight.
“The lightweight title fight was an awesome fight. I don’t think Ottman does anything but have great fights and Martinez played his part I’m looking forward to seeing how both of them progress.”
And he would love nothing more than to get another crack at Azaitar who now holds the coveted prize.
“I think in my fight with Ottman, my biggest mistake was letting my ego get in the way after dropping him and not finishing him,” Leary said.
“I completely let my ego take over which led to lots of mistakes. I take nothing away from him he hits like a train and is a great fighter but I obviously believe I would beat him in a rematch and think we could put on another fight of the year candidate.”
Many options for the sought-out Leary who will undoubtedly put on a show for the fans like he always does.
