MICHAEL KING has gone from being homeless and sleeping in A&E waiting rooms to training with two Brit world champions.
The welterweight is currently perfecting his trade under the watchful eye of the much-respected Shane McGuigan.
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King regularly trains with world champions Caroline Dubois and Ellie Scotney, as well as surging contender Adim Azim.
But his life was very different just a few years ago when he was left homeless after being sacked for “eating too much” at KFC, where he worked to fund his dream of becoming a world champion.
In an interview with the BBC, he recalled: “I sometimes went back when I didn’t have money and they’d give me free food.
“Maybe I wanted to get fired because I was boxing and working. I couldn’t find a balance.
“When I got told to leave, I thought it was a sign.”
He added: “I couldn’t afford a place and so I stayed in my car.”
Despite his trials and tribulations, King – who grew up in war-torn Congo – was determined not to give up on his dream.
He’d eventually turn pro in 2019, although he’d lose his first two fights.
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Those defeats, however, didn’t deter the 27-year-old, who was eventually forced to take numerous bouts in Russia just to remain active.
“I had to go because nobody wanted to face me but I learned a lot,” King said. “It was taking around 30 hours to get there.
“[I was] taking three different flights, and I’d arrive 48 hours before getting in the ring sometimes.
“But again, it taught me to always be ready, always in shape and always in top condition.
“I’m looking to kick on now and get some really big fights. Who knows?
“We might eventually even be able to get one back in Congo, which would be something else.”
Before he’d even set foot in the ring, King’s father was against the idea of him making a living by punching people’s heads in.
But he’s since changed his stance and is immensely proud of his son’s achievements so far.
King said: “I want to change my family’s financial situation.
“Sometimes, we were just eating rice or bread and butter. Being [a] world champion didn’t cross my mind.
“I just saw an opportunity to bring hope to the people who care about me.
“My dad is proud of what I’ve achieved so far.
“When he goes back to Congo, he takes pictures of me to show people and tells them about my story.”
