KICKBOXING champion John Wyatt aims to put himself in the Japanese spotlight when he fights for Great Britain on Sunday, November 19.
Kidderminster's Wyatt and his fellow countrymen head to Aston Villa Leisure Centre aiming to defeat three of Japan's most fearsome fighters at their own game.
It's only the second K-1 heavyweight kickboxing event staged in the UK and Wyatt, of Offmore Farm, knows the televised contest will be under the scrutiny of the Japanese public, including big-money promoters.
Showsport International head Paul Hennessey has arranged the contest for Wyatt, Manchester's Mark Russell and Ricky Nicholson, of Chester, against Yusuke Fujimoto, Masashi Suzuki and Nobu Hayashi.
The Kidderminster star (pictured above) said: "It's a big fight and if I can stop my opponent convincingly, it opens up a big gateway into Japan again.
"I lost my first fight there two years ago on points so I have something to prove.
"After fighting the Japanese, you realise just how tough they are. They just keep coming at you.
"They're treated like Premier League footballers over there."
But Wyatt, who fights the experienced Hayashi, should have a host of friends supporting him in a big Midlands crowd.
He added: "One of my mates always organises a coach and there's been 50 ringside before."
Wyatt, a bricklayer, is European heavyweight (over 95kg) champion.
Tickets are available by ringing 0121 328 5377 or 0121 622 2660. Doors open at 6.30pm.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article