A BOXER from Powys, who swapped a daily diet of takeaways and 10,000 calories to become tee-total and the first professional fighter from his town, is targeting a first win from his next fight.

Tobie Vermeire, from Llandrindod Wells, lost his second professional fight to the highly regarded William Hamilton at Essex’s Brentwood Centre on February 10.

Tobie, 31, only turned pro last August and drew his inaugural fight against Ryan Labourn in Cardiff in October.

He’s come a long way from scoffing 10,000 calories daily and weighing 26 stone just over three years ago.

Tobie ditched his “horrendous” previous diet – which would see him nail 2 or 3 pizzas, a fry-up and a Chinese takeaway every day.

The former Llandrindod High School pupil said he would wash his colossal meals down with whole tubs of Pringles, Ben and Jerry’s ice cream and chocolate bars – admitting he used to eat around 35 Double Decker bars a week.

He has shed 11 stone, now weighing just 15st, and is only taking the positives from his maiden loss.

“I trained my arse off for it,” Tobie said of his second-round defeat to 27-year-old Hamilton, who is being touted for big things.

“William is a highly decorated amateur with a big knockout ratio. I was the away fighter, but I tried to upset the apple cart.

“I take a lot from it. I’ve only been boxing a few years. I’m in with people who’ve boxed their whole lives. I’m learning on the job. At this stage, simply boxing is good exposure for me and my career.”

Tobie, who had the word ‘Vermin’ printed on his shorts against Hamilton, added: “His (Hamilton’s) next fight will be for an English or British title; for me it’s about building my record and my skillset and my name too. I hope to be at William’s level in a few years.”

His third bout is on April 27 at Cardiff’s Vale Sports Arena, where Tobie hopes to get some local support from his hometown.

He’s certainly receiving plenty of Powys plaudits online, with a number of locals tuning in for his second fight, which was shown on Sky, another plus point.

County Times: Tobie, 31, only turned pro last August, having shed 11 stone in three years, after swapping life scoffing 10,000 calories a day to chasing his boxing dreams. Credit Created by Leandro Tobie, 31, only turned pro last August, having shed 11 stone in three years, after swapping life scoffing 10,000 calories a day to chasing his boxing dreams. Credit Created by Leandro (Image: Created by Leandro)

“You did yourself and the town proud by just being in the ring with him,” said Kevin Stevens, commenting on a Facebook post in which Tobie thanked the Llandrindod community.

“I am a strong believer in that you only get out of something by what you put into something and you will get there mate. It is a learning curve for you and I am sure that you will get there.”

Chris Brittain added: “I won't lie to you I was concerned as this guy has a great amateur record and is known for his knockout power.

“You also would (have) known this and you still got in the ring with him. Well done and don't beat yourself up for it. Keep training hard.”

Tobie is aiming for an area or Midlands title and is planning for that in 2025 by coming down in weight over the course of 2024, from cruiserweight to light heavyweight.

It is early days in the ring for Tobie. And when you think about where he’s come from he has already achieved so much.