There are many ways to celebrate a successful title defence but Rendall Munroe's must surely take the biscuit. Less than 24 hours after retaining his European super bantamweight crown, Leicester's boxing binman swapped his gloves – for football boots.

Simone Maludrottu had given Munroe his toughest fight over 12 gruelling rounds, but nothing was going to stop him pursuing another sporting passion.

"I love my football," he said. "My dad gives me plenty of grief about it but I love playing."

And playing was indeed what he did, for Markfield FC's A team in their North Leicestershire League clash with Birstall Old Boys Reserves.

"I came on for the second half and scored one of the goals in our 4-0 win," said Munroe. "Amazingly, I didn't feel tired although I admit I was absolutely knackered on the Sunday."

After a short rest, the former Robin Hood Club amateur is already back in training and looking forward to the prospects of more big fights, including a world title tilt, next year.

A unanimous points victory over Maludrottu makes him the WBC's No.1 contender to challenge champion Toshiaki Nishioka, of Japan.

Reflecting on his latest victory, his 20th in 21 contests, Munroe said: "That fight was definitely my toughest. He had lots of experience, 29 fights and only two defeats, and one of those was a world title shot. He also made nine successful defences of his European bantamweight title.

"Perhaps some people underestimated him because he was coming up a weight. But, as I often say in the boxing game, it is not so much about coming up a weight, but more about not shedding as much weight, and I keep myself in top condition.

"At super bantam, I'm very strong. I matched him for stamina all the way and kept working hard.

"It was another chance for me to prove to everyone that I was a world-class fighter and I showed that. I can fight in any style – all my five title defences have been fought in different ways."

Munroe has a special souvenir of the title fights he has won and said: "I make sure I have the gloves. I mark them up with the date and opponent and keep them proudly in my house."

He shares that house with his partner Annalisha and young sons Tiela and Tierell.

Tiela, aged eight, is also a keen footballer and is a member of the Leicester City Academy. Tiela is only two but might be following in dad's footsteps. "He loves wearing the gloves and thinks it's great to start a fight."

Munroe is clearly a happy family man and makes sure he is in the best possible shape, particularly diet wise. And while you can still find the odd Twix bar in the pocket of his overalls, he is acutely aware of what is good – and bad – for him.

"When I was at school I used to hate reading," he said. "Now I can't get enough, l read a lot, particularly any nutrition books I can get my hands on.

"You have to be smart about what you eat, taking in the things that do you good and eliminating those that don't. If I feel something in my diet is not working then I cut it out."

So what does the new year hold. "I've had my rest, enjoyed a few cakes and I'm back in training," said Munroe.

"I'll have to sit down with my team (Mike and Jason Shinfield, manager and trainer respectively), and hear what they have to say but, in all honesty, I'll fight whoever they want.

"I don't disrespect anyone, we're all in this business for the same reason, we all want to win things. And I want to be a world champion."

There is some talk of Munroe taking on the former WBA super bantamweight champion Bernard Dunne, of Ireland, with a showdown with Nishioka to come later.

"Maybe I got more things to prove against Bernard Dunne," said Munroe. "If my team say I have to fight him then I will go along with it and have fun. He isn't a worry to me, I'd fight him tomorrow.

"However, I'm ranked No.1 contender in the world. I'm in this game to be the best and until I've become the best I've not reached my goal.

"Being No.1 contender is good, but to be a champion is better."