South Yorkshire has produced another world champion in combat sports, as Barnsley kickboxer Sonny Greaves won the ISKA 65kg title belt on a Wolverhampton show organised by the War Fight Series promotion. For Sonny, this victory over Spanish champion Nico Melgar was the culmination of fourteen years of “many highs and some lows with a life full of training and competing.”

“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. Everyone knows that in combat sports you can win by knockout. That’s why we fight to the end even if one fighter has clearly won most rounds. There can still be a knockout. To win on points, you need to be the more aggressive fighter on the offensive, constantly coming forward with an answer to everything the opponent throws at you. That’s what I did in Wolverhampton. I answered everything Nico threw at me. My shots and kicks went unanswered. I won. My teammate Lily Thompson won a European title on the show. She deserves a special mention for her quality performance.”

Greaves may well have thought that the championship bout might never happen. “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. Soon over but worth the wait.”

A former student of Upperwood and Netherwood Academies, Greaves lives with his parents in Darfield and works in the family’s rendering business. “I enjoyed school and was quite good academically. I’ve a good memory and particularly liked my English and geography lessons. I didn’t care for all the GCSEs. I ended up with a plastering NVQ. Rendering allows me to concentrate on kickboxing. I’ve been at The Combat Academy training under Mick Crossland all my life, really. Mick’s a second dad. He’s always been there offering invaluable advice, especially when things haven’t gone to plan. Gasan Gindra, who started out young like me and who’s now a professional kickboxer, is a close friend. That’s my ambition too. The ultimate is to compete in 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 fifteen minutes offer an elite fighter the chance to showcase all the skills they have learnt and entertain supporters with exhilarating and enthralling displays of courage. “You have to be courageous,” observed Greaves. “The sport is brutal. Beautiful brutality. However, never cruel. You need the support of your teammates. 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 8 oz gloves. A fighter needs a high pain threshold and not to be fazed by shots and kicks to the head. Stay composed. Concentrate on showing your opponent you can take it and give him something he can’t.”

A successful fighter draws strength from support. “I appreciate vocal support from family and friends, but what really helps is knowing that your teammates are watching you. Cheering you on and afterwards commending and encouraging whatever the result.  The Combat Academy is the most positive place, where the emphasis is on consistent hard work and discipline to build confidence. It’s not just family. It is family. I enjoy coaching younger fighters. A novice can become quite proficient in six months, so I encourage everyone to look back on progress made and plan for the next stage. I’d urge anyone to give it a go.”

 Crossland couldn’t value Sonny more highly. “It’s been a privilege watching Sonny grow from a boy into a remarkable young man. His commitment to his development has never wavered. He listens, learns, and shows a level of courage and character that sets him apart.  He stands as a multiple world champion and an independently ranked UK number one.  Sonny is a vital part of our kickboxing family and is an inspiration to others. I’m proud of this most deserving student who’s a close friend. We’re working together to unify the amateur world titles before he turns professional.  Sonny deserves all the support he receives.”  Sonny's parents echo these sentiments. “His dedication to kickboxing continues to amaze us,” said Mum Kay, “from the discipline he shows in clean eating to the effort put into every training session while working full time in a demanding manual job. He’s grounded and humble, never boasting, always focused, and forever pushing himself, giving 100% to everything he does. His determination and strength of character inspire us, and we’re immeasurably proud seeing him accomplish his goals.”  Sonny is remembered by former English teacher Kimberley Wharton as “a diligent and conscientious student who attacked his studies with the same commitment he shows to sport. He had a lovely sense of humour, bringing a smile to any classroom.  It is fabulous to see Sonny's hard work paying off – he deserves success!”

Greaves continues to increase his medal haul. “I was one of fourteen fighters privileged to attend the recent ISKA world championships in Brisbane. I won four bouts, getting me gold in two categories. We needed time to acclimatise and cope with jet lag. I fought competitors from Ukraine, China, Australia and an Englishman. You fight but can become firm friends. I’m in touch with the Chinese fighter. He has his own sportswear brand, and he’s sponsoring me.”

Elite Yorkshire athlete Greaves is “grateful to generous sponsors" Datum Rendering, Kinetic Door Systems and HBW Fightwear.  Others wanting to support me as I turn professional should contact me on social media Instagram @sonnygreaves_, by e-mail at sonnygreave@outlook.com or on 07502 004191. The Combat Academy is at Unit 4, Claycliffe Business Park, S75 1JU. Contact via Instagram @the_combat_academy_official or call 01226 755794 or e-mail thecombatacademy@live.co.uk.

Sonny Greaves will compete for the WKU world title, probably against an opponent from the Netherlands, on the first Jackhammer Promotions show of 2026 in Cannock on 21st March.