Fran Zuccala could break two records

Wolverhampton's Fran Zuccala could break two kickboxing records if he upsets the odds to reclaim the ISKA world light middleweight title in Ireland.

Zuccala will take the belt for an unprecedented third time if he can upset Vinny Di Ruscio at the O'Loughlins Gaa Club in Kilkenny on Sunday.

And, at age 39, the father-of-two from Wednesfield would become the oldest reigning ISKA world champion some four years since his last fight.

The two-time world champion, the owner of Wolverhampton's Eclipse Gym on Tempest Street, previously held the crown in 2006 and 2008.

Hometown hero Di Ruscio is the red-hot favourite but Zuccala believes he can step into the lions den and make experience count on the day.

He said: "He's just a strong, strong fighter, he usually finishes his opponents very early but he hasn't got as much experience as me.

"On paper, he's going to win, I haven't been active for four years but I am not worried, I am looking forward to it.

"He's probably going to waste himself in two rounds and that's part of the game-plan, he is going to try and stop me early.

"The plan is to let him dominate so he can burn himself out, if I can survive those rounds I will take it from there.

"I have always gone the distance, 12 rounds suit me and the longer it goes, the stronger I will get."

Tommy McCafferty ended Zuccala's last reign but was stripped after failing to defend his title as had stepped up a weight.

Still ranked No 2 despite his own period of inactivity, Zuccala was offered the title fight and took his time before accepting.

Coming out of retirement, the Black Country veteran admits it's likely to be his last hurrah win, lose or draw.

He said: "I had retired and I didn't expect to get another shot at a world title, they even gave me a week to think about it.

"I think they expected me to say no, as I had already been there and done it as a world champion before.

"I can't see me carrying on after this, even if I win it. I don't want to push myself over the edge."