MARTIAL ARTS: Kidderminster tough guy John Wyatt admits his confidence is "through the roof" in time for Sunday's big UK K-1 challenge at Aston Villa Leisure Centre.

The 33-year-old bricklayer must win three fights to claim a place in the next Grand Prix qualifying round in Las Vegas, USA.

Wyatt, weighing in at 102kg, spent a month training in Thailand earlier this year and the experience has set him up for the unforgiving martial arts event.

He takes on Bedford's Rod Phillips in the quarter-finals with either favourite Mark Russell or dark horse Gary Turner waiting in the semis.

But Wyatt, who also competed in last year's K-1 event, is certain a final with Wigan's Shaun Johnson is on the cards though he has been hit by a slight cold.

He declared: "I'm in good shape and I'm confident. I was sparring with some big Italians and French guys out in Thailand.

"I've gone from strength to strength and I'd love to go over to Las Vegas and compete over there.

"Everything has gone to plan this time and even a fortune teller in Thailand who knew nothing about me said I will do well in my fights.

"One thing is I have come down with a bit of a sniffle but I'm keeping myself wrapped up and taking plenty of Lemsips."

Wyatt will be backed by strong Kidderminster support in a Birmingham crowd of around 2,000 and he insisted: "I was stopped in Russia for the first time in my career last year but I will not get stopped again."