A man thought to be Britain's first openly gay boxer went from taking part in a pageant to winning a fight in just a week - and wants to fight internet trolls who judge him online. Warehouse worker Mike Turner, 29, is following in the footsteps of his father and brother - who were both boxers.
After coming second in the Mr Gay England pageant on August 20, just seven days later competed in SM Fightclub's event at MECA in Swindon, Wiltshire. Mike was able to complete the match and win.
"On the night, in my head, I thought people would think that I couldn't win the fight because I'm a gay man", he said. "I had a lot of self-doubts; I thought people would expect me to lose. I don't think I was treated differently because I'm gay, but I do think people underestimated me."
Mike came out and entered to ring to the Megan Thee Stallion's tune Body - which he believes made his sexuality very clear. He added: "I don't think I was treated differently because I'm gay, but I do think people underestimated me.
"A few people were surprised afterwards, saying I could pack a punch... saying I did really well. I am about breaking boundaries - I want to shock people into changing their mindset.
"I want to inspire other gay men to step into the ring, or do other things that believe they can't just because of their sexuality. Even more so, I want to inspire other boxers to come out and be proud of who they are and never be afraid."
Mike plans to compete in another fight in December, and will continue training at Alpha Boxing Gym in Swindon until then. He says he wants to fight an internet troll after receiving negative comments about his ability to fight.
"Hopefully, in December, I'll be in the ring again - I'd really like to fight an internet troll, as they seem to have a lot to say and want to judge me online.
"My opponent was getting some abuse online too, being mocked for being beaten by a gay man. I think people believe it's banter, but it's really not funny.
"I can take the banter, but sometimes it's annoying - just because I'm gay, I'm the subject of jokes. A straight man wouldn't get the same treatment so why should I?"
Jesting, he added: "Luckily, I'm a boxer - so if it happened in person, I'd just spark them out."
