A PROFESSIONAL boxer is cutting it in a different arena after becoming a barber.

Joe Beeden, from West Swindon, runs Punch Drunk Barber and wants his journey from to inspire others.

The 28-year-old was diagnosed with dyslexia at primary school and often had the support of a teaching assistant in class. 

He felt he was being singled out so started to misbehave and got into fights inside and outside school.

Joe started boxing at age 12 to turn his frustrations into something positive. 

He said: “Being a young male with dyslexia, I struggled in school so I got into a little mischief and a few fights. 

"But as I got older, I realised I wanted to put it into something positive and make sure I’m on the right path as I didn’t want to get into trouble.

“I was the only person in class with someone next to them and I felt there was something wrong with me. I was falling behind so I thought I had to be the class clown to replace it. 

"When you’re a young age with people looking at you in that way, I acted on that to direct the attention on me.”

Joe, 28, originally trained at Fitzpatrick’s Boxing Gym and turned professional at 19 after being spotted by a promoter. 

He was managed and worked with Keith Mayo and then Richard Farnan, with whom he is now – although he doesn’t box as much as he used to. 

He said: “Through boxing, I’ve learnt a lot about myself and it’s helped with my anger and focus. I’ve come a long way and I want to encourage others too.”

He decided to have a career change after his fiancée, Leah Woods, 27, fell pregnant with their first child Cassius. He is now five and the couple also have three-year-old Harlow. 

Joe said: “I was boxing and doing building work on the side and it impacted it because it made me fatigued and then my partner fell pregnant too so I decided I needed to try something else

“Even if my little boy doesn’t follow in my footsteps, boxing is a good discipline and teaches self-respect. It’s good for your mental health so it’s good to pursue.”

Joe saved up to move and trained at the London School of Barbering, where he completed an intensive four-month intense course. 

He qualified in 2016 and helped in a few barber’s before setting up his own place – based in the 24hr Gym in Hillmead – during the same year.

“With the barbering side of things, it was a risk but it paid off. 

"It’s a social job but if someone is a little low they can come out feeling like a fresh different person and they feel good about themselves so it’s nice to give back.”