Pride Gym fighter Charles Bisset will get his shot at a World title this weekend.
The Retallack native will battle for the IKKC World Muay Thai title on Saturday as the Main Event at the Burbank Marriott Hotel in Los Angeles.
Related read: Pride Gym fighter captures WBC Muay Thai title
Bisset will face French fighter Diaguely Camara who sports an impressive 23-4 record with nine knockouts in what is dubbed the WCK Full Rules Muay Thai - Cali 33, The Next Level.
“I’m so pumped,” said Bisset. “And totally focused. There’s a lot of good fighters over there, and I can’t find a lot of stuff on him, but it doesn’t matter, I expect a hard fight, and my mental game is on a high right now.”
While little is known about Camara, the French fighter is a hard-hitting southpaw with ample experience. He fought for the World Superlight-heavyweight Oriental Rules title fight in July, 2017 in Belgium, where he lost a decision to Algerian fighter Hakim Laidouni.
“Fighting southpaws are always a pain,” said Bisset. “They’re never fun, but I’ve fought about 11 southpaws, so I’ve fought a lot and done alright, and I’ve been working with southpaws (in training), so I feel good and ready. It’s going to be a good fight, and I’m looking forward to it.”
Yet, Bisset may have a decided edge, as he will also have 11-time Muay Thai World Champion, Nathan “Carnage” Corbett, in his corner. The 40-year-old Australian and former World Kickboxing Network Muay Thai champion has been training the Pride Gym fighter in preparation for Saturday’s bout.
“It’s a really cool spot to be in right now, and I’m focused on the fight,” said Bisset. “But he’s helping me in so many ways mentally, and it’s just been so long since I’ve actually trained with somebody who is teaching me things, he’s amazing. He’s a humble, good man and he’s really helping me out.”
Bisset has been impressive on the road to his first World title bout. The 31-year-old Muay Thai specialist beat Iggy Zambrano by KO on Dec. 1 to win his second IKKC Muay Thai belt and up his record to 29-8.
He had won the WBC Muay Thai title against Casey Greene on July 20, but lost it to Andy ‘Merciless’ Murad on Sept. 29 in a controversial split decision.
“I have a good mindset and I’m in a good space right now, so I just have to keep it going.”
Bisset began his career at Pride Gym in Trail as a teenager, and was trained by owner Glen Kalesniko, who has produced more than 20 kickboxing champions.
Pride Gym’s programs for all ages continue today. Visit pridegym.ca for more information.
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