National kickboxer Melih Erdem shared his career and goals
World champion national kickboxer Melih Erdem talked about his journey into sports and his championship goals for 2027.
National athlete Melih Erdem, who started kickboxing at the age of 10 at his mother's request and achieved international success in a short time, aims to defend the top spot at the World Championship to be held in 2027.
His story of starting sports and his nickname
National kickboxer Melih Erdem shared his journey of starting sports along with the successes he has achieved throughout his career. Starting kickboxing at the age of 10 at his mother's request, the young athlete stated that he was given the nickname "Bam Bam" by his coach İzzet Arabacı due to his powerful punches.
Championships coming at an early age
Stepping into his competitive career with the competitions he participated in the cadets category in 2022, Erdem managed to become the Turkish champion in the same year. Afterwards, he reached the top in the juniors category in 2023, while also showing the success of coming third in the European Championship during the same period.
World championship won in Budapest
The young athlete experienced one of the most important turning points of his career in 2024 in Budapest, the capital of Hungary. By leaving his opponents behind at the World Championship held in this city, he reached the world championship and made his name known internationally.
Words about his family and education
Stating that his mother wanted him to get an education and become a doctor while also supporting his sports career, Melih Erdem expressed his feelings with the words, "My mother didn't have a doctor son, but she had a world champion son."
2027 target statement from his coach
Coach İzzet Arabacı emphasized that his athlete has won 8 Turkish championships, one European third place, and one world championship so far. Arabacı noted that they continue their work to defend their titles at the World Championship to be held in 2027.