A kickboxer from Ipswich is hoping to retain his world championship belt this weekend with a second victory.
Martin Dimitrov, 19, will head to the Metrodome in Barnsley where he won an amateur World Kickboxing Organisation title last year.
Dimitrov, originally from Bulgaria, came to Suffolk five years ago.
He has gone from toying with becoming a professional in the sport to giving thoughts about packing it in entirely.
Dimitrov completed a business course at Suffolk New College in Ipswich and is now working in sales and business consultancy before starting a law degree at the University of Suffolk on the Waterfront.
He said: "During my last fight, I threw a punch and I think I broke my thumb.
"I lost the fight on a split decision - it was the toughest decision I've faced.
"But it was a good experience and I learnt a lot from it, but I was really low after this fight.
"My dad told me I need to give it up. I went back to the gym a few days later and talked to my coach, Gary Staff, and I was devastated.
"People look at you differently when you lost, and it was a wake-up call.
"But I was told not to worry about it and don't take losing personally, I went back to training and now I can't let it go and I'm ready to go."
Dimitrov will compete for the 82kg world title this coming weekend in Yorkshire at the WKO Open World Championships.
He will be fighting for England and there are set to be 22 other countries involved.
He said: "I feel I have a point to prove. I'm determined and I am going to Barnsley to get a medal."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here