It’s not quite ‘Undefeated’ by Ricky Hatton or Floyd Mayweather standards, but footballer-turned-boxer Curtis Woodhouse has continued to defy his critics by making it four wins out of four.

The 5ft 8in welterweight recorded his maiden KO as a professional boxer, knocking out Barnsley’s Craig Tombs in just one minute 57 seconds of the first round. A cracking left hook by the former Birmingham City and Sheffield United midfielder sent Tombs staggering across the ring, before the referee decided he was unfit to continue

Woodhouse’s whirlwind career started back in September, 2006, when he quit Grimsby Town to ply his new trade as a professional welterweight, taking on Dean Marcantonio at London’s Grosvenor House Hotel in his first bout. Since his points win against Marantonio, he has gone on to beat Duncan Cottier and Peter Dunn, again on points, before his latest success against Tombs.

'The 5ft 8in welterweight recorded his maiden knockout as a professional boxer, knocking out Barnsley’s Craig Tombs in just one minute 57 seconds of the first round'

Woodhouse claims: “Boxing has always been my first love, even as a kid, and I've always wanted to do it for real. I was sparring in the boxing gym every day after football training and I never let the manager know what I was doing.”

Dave Coldwell, Woodhouse’s coach, has now backed the former England Under-21 International to complete an incredible journey from pro footballer to British boxing champion.

Coldwell said:  “There is a lot of pressure on Curtis, being an ex-footballer, and I must admit when he first came to me I thought, who’s this idiot? But he’s been nothing of the sort and is one the best lads I’ve ever worked with.”