A schoolboy who turned to Thai boxing after being bullied at school is heading for the homeland of the sport - because no one in Britain can compete with him.

Talented Daniel Welsh, 15, is tipped to become a future world Thai boxing champion after clinching the British amateur title on three occasions.

He has now been offered a month of intensive training in Thailand with the sport's leading trainers, and two professional fights against top Thai opponents.

But Daniel, of Clifford Road, Baildon, needs to raise £1,000 to pay for the air fare to Thailand as he bids to fulfil his lifelong dream.

He said it is vital that he is given the chance to train in Thailand, because he has beaten all the opponents in his age range in the UK.

"I have really gone as far as I can go in this country, and my future lies in Thailand," said Daniel, who trains for between two and three hours every day. "I would do anything to raise this money because I believe that, if I get this chance and stay focussed on what I want to achieve, I can become world champion."

His new status as a hot tip to become world champion of the tough sport marks a remarkable turnaround for Daniel, who attends Salt Grammar School, Baildon. He only took-up Thai boxing in a desperate bit to beat the school bullies who were making his life a misery.

"I started Thai boxing after being bullied at first school when I was seven or eight," he said.

"I used to get picked on all the time and would come home covered in bruises. I didn't want to tell anyone what I was going through, but my uncle found out and at the time he was doing a bit of Thai boxing, so he took me to the gym with him.

"I really just came along to find out how to look after myself a bit, but I got hooked and it has continued from there. After two months, everyone in the gym thought I was a bit of a natural."

By the age of nine, Daniel had been crowned British junior champion (for fighters aged up to 18), and has continued to successfully defend his title.

Now he is desperate to fight under professional rules, without the protection used in the amateur game, but can't find any opponents willing to take him on.

"Until recently, I had two years without a proper fight," he said. "Word got around that I was getting a bit older and stronger and nobody would fight me."

A recent visit from top Thai boxer Denkamon Kiatbusaba convinced Daniel that he should head out to Thailand to test his skills against tougher opponents.

And Dave McClennon, head Thai trainer at Bradford's King's Gym, said Daniel has what it takes to reach the top.

"When he first came to me he was being bullied," said Mr McClennon. "I've turned him from that into being three times amateur champion, and I know he can go even further.

"I'm desperate for him to get out to Thailand for his own future. Throughout his life, he has strived to get away from bad influences, and he has really stuck with his training. A lot of kids have the ability, but he has the attitude too which is brilliant for a kid of that age.

"They are talking about Daniel as a future world champion - and he has certainly got a very good chance."

But Daniel's toughest challenge will be to raise the £1,000 to pay for his big trip.

"I'm a bit worried I'm not going to make it," he said. "I'm trying to take on as many jobs as possible to raise money, but that interferes with my school work and I have exams coming up. I'd do anything at all to raise it - I'm scared of heights, but will do a bungee jump if that's what it takes!

"This is what I have always wanted to do. I want to become the champion of the world, and I'm not planning to stop until that's what I am."

Anyone interested in sponsoring Daniel should contact Kickers Martial Arts Academy on (01274) 739933 or 07816 778733.