An athlete who studies plumbing at a Suffolk college has hopes of becoming a professional boxer.

Louie Palmer from Braintree first picked up the sport when he was nine.

Now, at the age of 18, he has competed in over 20 fights, winning around half of them.

In late 2022, the student, who studies on a plumbing apprenticeship with Suffolk Rural, won the England National Amateur Championships that took place at the Magna Science and Adventure Centre in Rotherham.

Since that win, he narrowly missed out on the 80kg light middleweight title fight, gaining a silver medal.

Mr Palmer said: "I started out playing football. 

"I tried to make myself better but it wasn't happening - so I tried boxing and liked it.

"I train in Halstead and our club has helped the likes of Lewis Richardson and Dan Azeez go on to decent success.

"My mum doesn't like watching me, it makes her feel ill."

Mr Palmer, who has been on a plumbing course at Suffolk Rural College, part of Suffolk New College, based near Ipswich, has said that he has received lots of support from his tutors and fellow students.

He said: "I always tell them about upcoming fights and they love it.

"They watch them and support me, everyone is as good as gold."

He currently boxes at light heavyweight, which is 75kg to 88kg, or just under 13 stone.

Mr Palmer has said that he would like to turn pro by the time he is 22, saying: "I'd love to make it right to the top.

"At the moment it's tricky balancing work, college, training and fighting, but id I ever go the opportunity to turn pro, I'm willing to do what it takes.

"I've got a feeling that it's going to happen for me."