Champion amateur boxer Luke Sheppard, who is defending his East Midlands 80kg belt in November at Mansfield Town FC’s One Call Stadium, is looking for sponsorship to develop his career and hopefully bring championship titles to the town, reports James Bovington.

Luke, of Sutton, learned kickboxing from the age of seven before switching to boxing five years later.

Now aged 22, he said: “I was in and out of different gyms, but it’s only recently I’ve taken it seriously and joined Ashfield School of Boxing.

“I’ve gained a special bond with my coach, Dean Wilkinson, who’s been there since the club opened on Outram Street in Sutton in 2021.

“I’ve flourished, winning the East Midlands 80kg belt and a gold at the prestigious Riveria Box Cup in Torbay.”

Dean said Luke was focused and determined to succeed in amateur boxing, and eventually achieve his goal of boxing professionally.

“He’s been with us for 18 months and, having lost 18kg, has transformed himself from an overweight, unfit youth into a young man as fit as many a professional boxer — and who now does marathons for fun,” the coach added.

“We’ve developed an excellent coach/boxer relationship. Luke copes well sparring with some of the regional best. In the gym, he is the rock as motivation and positivity ooze around him. He’s always up for additional training outside the gym and a quality role model.”

Luke’s next fight is at One Call Stadium on Sunday, 17th November, when he will defend his East Midlands 80kg title during a Quarry Lane Boxing Club afternoon of amateur boxing event.

Former Quarrydale School student Luke works for Severn Trent, but aims to train full time.

“My ambition is to win a national amateur title and then go proffesional and be the next Roy Jones Jr,” he said.

“I’m aiming for at least 10 bouts over the current season and am on the cusp of becoming an elite amateur boxer.”

Like all high-level athletes Lee needs extensive sponsorship to assist with medicals, travel and accommodation at events, kit, gym costs and more.

“‘I appreciate the generosity of my four existing sponsors — Pirtek, IM Personal Development, Tomlin Personnel, and Kyle’s Corner Automotive — who are all sticking with me for a second year,” Luke added.

Businesses or individuals interested in sponsoring the boxer should contact him at [email protected] or on Instagram by searching for Lukesheppard or call 07475 019836.