An Ipswich teenager is setting his sights on becoming a professional kickboxer having won amateur world and European titles in less than 12 months.

Martin Dimitrov, 18, said he is "hungry for more glory" after he secured a World Kickboxing Organisation championship belt at a tournament held in Barnsley in August 2023.

In addition to this under-18 cruiser weight world title, he has also secured two European titles in April 2023, and is set to compete in his next fight later this month.

Martin, who is a digital student at Suffolk New College, said: "I started boxing when I was 14 in Bulgaria.

Ipswich Star: Martin with his world title and his coach Gary StaffMartin with his world title and his coach Gary Staff (Image: Martin Dimitrov)

"After moving to the UK to be with my dad when I was 15, I started going to a gym.

"I then trained at Murrayside Boxing Club before working with Gary Staff at the Ipswich Kickboxing Academy, and this is where I am today.

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"I've had knockbacks along the way and I've been told I'll never make it, but I've always said I want to be the best.

"So far I've had about 20 fights and won all of them apart from three.

Ipswich Star: Martin Dimitrov with his World Championship TitleMartin Dimitrov with his World Championship Title (Image: Martin Dimitrov)

"Even with the losses, I think the decisions were questionable, but win or lose, I show respect in the ring to the referee and my opponents.

"Recently, I've taken some time off as I've been overdoing it and my body couldn't take it, but I've been training hard in January and now I'm preparing to go semi-pro or professional.

"My next aim is to win a professional title."

Not only does Martin have hopes of lifting professional kickboxing titles, he is also hoping to gain an apprenticeship with a law firm later in the year.

Ipswich Star: Martin while at collegeMartin while at college (Image: Suffolk New College)