FORMER World Kickboxing champion James Winsper will be returning to action this year, with a potential European title match in the pipeline.

On the calendar first for Winsper is a coaching role, which will see him and his brother Matt taking a team of full contact karate students to Dublin on February 20.

They will be taking on the Irish National side, and Winsper is relishing the challenge.

He said: “I am looking forward to it, and it should be a good competition. We are going there for a win.”

Winsper, who won the WAKO World Cup in 2000, will then be looking to take to the ring himself in March, organising a tournament in Kidderminster with the potential for his own match.

Last year saw a series of blows for Winsper, with two scheduled events having to be postponed. He is however raring to go and on the hunt for potential opponents.

He said: “I’m always looking for opposition. I take note of other people’s performances, and if they are doing well and beating others, I will then go after them.”

Winsper is looking beyond this, and is lining up a potential title shot.

He said: “I am looking at getting a European title match at some point in the year, although nothing has been confirmed yet.”

Besides his fighting, Winsper and his brother run a gym in Kidderminster.

The Winspers’ Kickboxing Gym on New Road has recently been renovated and they enjoy the life of teaching.

James said: “The crossover between teaching and fighting is easier than it might appear.

“A lot of people enjoy coming for the fitness side of the sport, and we cater for them.

“They will do the padwork, skipping and the exercising with us, but they may not want to do the sparring.”

The Winsper Gym has also expanded its facilities, implementing a boxing ring, training aids and new kick bags for members of all ages.

For more information on the gym and memberships contact 01562 865195.