KIDDERMINSTER karate king James Winsper is set to end a four-year absence from the ring by fighting in front of his home crowd in December.

The 26-year-old takes on Bristol’s Atteq Rehman in his comeback fight at Kidderminster Town Hall on Sunday, December 21.

It will be the first time that Winsper has fought in Kidderminster since he was a junior eight years ago.

Already tickets are selling well for the clash, with over half of the 400 ticket allocation already snapped up.

“We’ve already nearly sold out the tickets, which just shows the interest in James,” said brother Matt Winsper.

“James will be relishing fighting in front of his friends and family, although there will be extra pressure on him as well.”

Winsper had taken a four-year break from fighting to set up Winspers School of Blackbelts, which is based on New Road, but he is ready to get back into competitive action.

If he successfully overcomes his heavier opponent, then he will be aiming to vie for a British title in the World Sports Karate Association next year.

The Kidderminster fighter’s ultimate aim is to challenge for a world title.

Matt Winsper said: “This is a good test for James because Atteq is a heavier opponent and very strong.

“After this fight we can assess what the next step is.

“If he looks good then the next aim is a British title fight.

“Ideally we would like to have him take on one of the American fighters for a big title but we’ll have to see what happens next.”

The middleweight returns to action after winning his weight category at the Bristol Open in September.

However, he is now aiming to cement his return by taking on cruiserweight Rehman.

“After being out for such a long time, it does take a while to get back into it,” commented James.

“Especially when it’s a full contact sport and you’ve got someone trying to punch your lights out, so you have to be careful and prepare properly.

“I’m looking to score a stoppage in December."

The fight show starts at 5pm at the town hall.

Tickets are £12 and are available from Winspers Schools of BlackBelts and the venue.

There will be a selection of youth fights on and adult full contact bouts, as well as live music.

Anyone interested can phone 01562 865195 for more information or to purchase tickets.