April 28, 2010|By JASON STROMBERG
jstromberg@tribune.com
Charles Rosa's story begins with his family. Growing up, the Delray Beach resident had to deal with the loss of his two brothers, Domenic and Vincent, both of whom died of drug addiction. It wasn't easy for Rosa, who considered both siblings role models when it came to sports.
"I came down for rehab," said Rosa, who admitted to being addicted to drugs along with his siblings.
Domenic overdosed on heroin at the age of 24; Vincent did the same with morphine at the age of 20. The deaths prompted their father, Charles Rosa, to begin Chucky's Fight, a charity dedicated to battling teen substance abuse and educating youths about making healthy choices.
The younger Charles, now 23, believes he has found his source of inspiration through the American Top Team Mixed Martial Arts training center on 1790 N. Congress Ave., in Boynton Beach, and on 4301 N. Federal Highway, in Boca Raton.
"I was always interested in fighting," Rosa said. "It's been my dream, and in the back of my head. When I first came in here, I had been in fights before. Like bully fights. I was a tough kid. I had the background for it. I've always been very respectful, never tried to instigate anything. Just use self-defense. Don't be a bully."
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