I became a Muay Thai star after my ex-Chelsea dad told me I wouldn't make it in football

Jake Peacock always knew he would become a professional fighter despite coming from a footballing family.

Jake spent the first 15 years of his life in England before moving to Canada in 2008 when his father, ex-Chelsea midfielder Gavin Peacock, decided to study divinity at Ambrose Seminary to become a pastor.

Having previously held the titles of Canadian welterweight and North American super welterweight champion, Jake is ready to make his debut on the grand stage of combat sports. In an exclusive interview with Daily Star Sport, he spoke about his unique fighting style due to having one hand.

«I have to think outside the box [as] I can't do conventional combinations,» Jake said. «So I really do have to be tricky [and] work with my range in my distance and timing. Everything's slightly different when it comes to my style.»

Peacock has previously spoken about the bullying he experienced and how people would often stop and stare at him in the street. He admitted it was a struggle to not care what others thought of him.

«Man, it took a while,» he confessed. «As a child, it was tough to handle, even into my teenage years. It's very frustrating. But everything changed when I became a Christian around 18, 19 years old. I realised that my identity wasn't about how I looked. It was with God. And that changed everything for me».

Even though his dad used to play in the Premier League for teams like Chelsea, Newcastle, and Bournemouth, Peacock said his father was brutally honest about his chances of becoming a professional footballer.

Chelsea confirm new contract for Alfie Gilchrist as Conor Gallagher wait goes on

Manchester United could be without seven key players for Chelsea Premier League showdown

«I played [football] but my dad kept