MICHAEL Lobby says he has no fear about getting hit after switching to bare-knuckle boxing.

The 33-year-old from Didcot has fought professionally, but lost the motivation to continue.

Instead, he is looking to take a tougher route in what is a

fast-growing area of the sport.

He said: “I didn’t have the hunger to go back to professional boxing.

“This has given me the drive to get off the sofa and back down the gym.

”My missus isn’t bothered as long as I’m positive and happy – but friends think I’m crazy to do this.

“They’ve been saying ‘aren’t you scared of getting hit?’.

“But I’ve been taking punches all my life.

“I know I’m tough enough.”

Lobby, who used to fight under the name Michael Lobb, got a taste for bare-knuckle boxing while in the corner with best friend Marley Churcher when he fought last year.

He said: “Ever since that night I’ve been keen to give it a go myself.

“I reckon I have a couple of years left in me.”

The scaffolder has been working with strength and conditioning coach Kieron Davies at Didcot Boxing Academy to prepare and it is hoped conditions could allow him to fight in August.

“There are talented fighters in barek-nuckle now,” he said,

“You won’t get away with just going in there and swinging.

“I know there will be times when I have to stand and trade toe-to-toe, but I’ve got the skills and experience to size them up, control the pace and then take them out.”