Woodhouse faces Chris Brophy in his next fight

Former Sheffield United star Curtis Woodhouse says he wants to be taken seriously as a boxer.

The 28-year-old quit professional football two years ago and now trains six days a week with the aim of becoming British Welterweight Champion.

Some people have claimed he is a "novelty act" and Woodhouse told BBC Radio Sheffield he hates the tag.

"It does annoy me that people don't think I'm for real, but ask those I have fought they will tell you I am."

Woodhouse still plays football for non-league side Rushden and Diamonds and combines that with his desire to become a champion boxer.

"My aim over the next year is to be taken seriously, I have used what they have said as motivation and that drives me to get out of bed and go running first thing in the morning," he said.

Woodhouse, who now lives near Hull, once moved from Sheffield United to Birmingham for more than a million pounds but said he does not regret giving up the sport he once represented his country for.

I have chucked a lot of money away to follow a dream, I have given up the nice houses, expensive cars and the good bottles of wine and that is why I work so hard. Curtis Woodhouse

"The money in boxing at the level I am at is not great, but it depends what your aim is in life, if you want to turn round in 15 years and have loads of money in the bank then fine.

"For me my main ambition is be proud of what I have achieved and be an example to my kids.

"I have chucked a lot of money away to follow a dream and I have given up the nice houses, expensive cars and the good bottles of wine and that is why I work so hard."

Woodhouse is undefeated in five fights with three knockouts and boxes this weekend at Bramall Lane, the place where he made his footballing debut.

He faces Chris Brophy and if he wins he could appear on the undercard of Amir Khan's next fight.