A KICK-FAST step up to world class awaits York's Thai boxing ace Richard Cadden.

The 27-year-old has opted to jet out to Thailand to hone his preparations for a tip-top duel on his return at Leeds Town Hall.

That's where he will enter the ring to tackle Preston's Matthew Johnson, currently ranked number one in Britain, but more significantly number seven in the world.

With Cadden at number three in Britain then a victory over Johnson would elevate his status to the top of the pile domestically and smack straight into the world rankings.

So to ensure his pre-bout training is up to the maximum mark, Cadden has arranged a two-week stay in Thailand where he will embark on a rigorous training programme.

Said the York ace: "For the fortnight I will be at one of the country's top Thai gyms.

"That means running at 6am in the morning, two to three hours intensive Thai boxing training in the morning and the same again at night.

"It's going to be tough, but I believe that level of preparation will be what I need for when I return to fight Johnson."

To aid Cadden's mission he has attracted sponsorship for his trip to the Far East from three York businesses -- the York Suzuki Centre, Pauline Hairdressers in Beckfield Lane, and Bizi Bee Nail and Bar.

Updated: 10:31 Saturday, September 13, 2003