A WORLD champion fighter has invited thugs blighting the streets of Colchester to take him on in the gym.

MMA professional James Webb said he is angry about hostility and violence faced by some residents in his home town.

The former Gilberd School student, who lives in Lexden, was crowned Cage Warriors Fighting Championship middleweight world champion in 2019.

The martial arts specialist said: “I am not trying to be a vigilante but I expect some change because soon somebody is going to lose their life.”

Gazette: World champion - James Webb following his fight on Friday nightWorld champion - James Webb following his fight on Friday night (Image: Dolly Clew/Cage Warriors)

James, 32, who grew up in Ipswich Road, said in recent weeks he has heard reports of women being robbed, youngsters armed with machetes roaming the city and worrying confrontations.

“I’m getting to the point where I’m sick of it,” he said.

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“I don’t want the streets of Colchester to be this way. It is a beautiful place with a lot of heritage but this seems to be getting tarnished.

“I don’t know what film these people think they are living in, it feels like the town itself has gone downhill.

Gazette: Fight - James Webb in action Fight - James Webb in action (Image: Dolly Clew/Cage Warriors)

“I will go out for dinner with my partner on a Friday or a Saturday night and walk past groups of lads trying to barge into people unprovoked.

“It has made me feel completely angry. If I had the opportunity to bang their heads together I would.

“If you want to be a gangster, if you want to fight, then come and join my gym.”

The former Friar’s Grove Primary School pupil, who runs The Combat Institute in Stanway, offered anyone who is anxious about being the victim of crime to get in touch with him.

Gazette: Battle - James Webb in action on Friday at the O2 arenaBattle - James Webb in action on Friday at the O2 arena (Image: Dolly Clew/Cage Warriors)

He stated anyone who brings a copy of this Gazette article to his gym can enjoy two weeks of free coaching to get their confidence up.

“I am passionate about inspiring physical and mental health because I care about the people of this town,” he added.

“The kids behind the problems need some sort of realisation before something bad happens.

“If I can help them in any way then I will.”