KIDDERMINSTER kickboxing superstar Drew Neal will fight his final tournament in his hometown before calling it a day.

The 32-year-old will retire after more than a quarter-of-a-century of success, when he takes part in the Kumite tournament at Wyre Forest Glades on Saturday, March 24.

Thirty-two of the country’s best kickboxers will descend on the town to battle for the Grandmaster title.

When Neal hangs up his gear for the final time, he can reflect on a glorious career where he was won six world titles, two European gold and 13 British Championships.

He now wishes to focus on training the stars of the future at his Lighthouse Kickboxing School in Kidderminster.

“At my age I want to concentrate on working with my students,” said Neal.

“I will still be training but it’s also about balancing my work life and my personal life.

“I am 32-years-old and it’s important to me to pick the right time to stop and not go on for too long.

“The tournament is a complete coincidence but this is a chance for me to end my fighting career in my home town, which would mean a lot to me.

“I’ve been installed as the favourite, so no pressure, but 32 of the best fighters in the country will be fighting for the Grandmaster’s title.”

Neal, who only won his third WAKO World title at the end of 2011, saw off the best the country has to offer to win his latest British title at Cocksmoor Woods Leisure Centre in Birmingham at the weekend.

Students Fletcher Thomas and Nina Das Gupta also won gold in the junior and senior ladies’ sections respectively.

Anyone interested in buying tickets for the Kumite tournament can call Neal on 01562 748008.