MUNRUBEN-trained martial artist Dylan Pollock has struck his way to an Australian championship after knocking out his opponent in the hardest fight of his career to date.
Pollock, 17, trains at the Martial Sciences Academy in Munruben and was ready for the match at the Acacia Ridge Hotel after it had been rescheduled when his initial opponent withdrew.
Pollock stepped into the ring on August 9 against New South Wales title holder Jordie Bargallie to fight for the WKBF Atomweight division Australian championship.
After enduring two rounds of fast-paced attacks from his opponent, Pollock ramped up his own offence and dropped Bargallie with a knee to the head, putting him down for the count and delivering Pollock the Australian title.
"It's the highlight of my career so far," Pollock said of his win.
Despite the knock-out win, Pollock said it had not been an easy match as he had to counter and overcome his opponent's aggressive style.
"He came at me hard, fast and strong," Pollock said.
"He flurried me with kicks and punches, he had me on the back foot.
"It was the hardest fight so far."
Pollock has come a long way in his sport and said he was over the moon at having an Australian title to go with his two Queensland titles.
"I got in (to martial arts) for self-defence and after a few years I saw some of the guys fighting competitively," he said.
"One of them had an Australian title. I held it and said 'I want one of these one day'."
Pollock has a few months to enjoy his Australian title before he steps into the ring again to defend it on November 8.
