Ipswich kickboxer turning pro admits 'I don't even like kickboxing'

Martin Dimitrov secured a World Kickboxing Organisation championship belt at a tournament in August

A 19-year-old kickboxer who hopes to become a world champion has admitted he does not enjoy the sport.

Martin Dimitrov, from Bulgaria but living in Ipswich, began kickboxing when he was 14 years old.

He was inspired to turn professional after securing two European titles and winning an amateur world championship belt in Barnsley last August.

Mr Dimitrov said: "I don't even like kickboxing but I do enjoy getting achievements or proving myself."

Gary Staff (right) has coached Martin Dimitrov since the start of his kickboxing career

After moving to the UK to be with his dad, Mr Dimitrov began training under Gary Staff at Ipswich Kickboxing Academy.

"It was really hard at the beginning. I remember just getting beaten up for a while," he said.

"I wasn't really motivated, but I just pushed through and from then on I started taking it more seriously."

Despite his determination to compete, Mr Dimitrov has contemplated quitting many times.

He said: "I've not enjoyed training in years. When you're competing, especially at European or world level, there's not really much room for enjoyment."

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The business student won his first European title in February 2023, when he knocked out his opponent in just 42 seconds.

His recent wins have encouraged the amateur fighter to train professionally.

"Even though I might not enjoy it, I'm good at this, so that's all that matters," he said.

"I'm 100% turning professional. I'm just completely focused on pushing as hard as I can, winning as many fights as I can and I'm trying to get about 15 to 25 this year, at least."