MUGGED martial arts fighter Ben Bullock has been given a golden pass to represent his country in the Muay Thai World Championships this year.

Despite being injuredbattered and bruised while trying to defend himself from two assailants late on Wednesday, April 29, the 21-year-old was straight back into training to defend his place in the GB team in a bout last Saturday.

In a stroke of luck for Mr Bullock, his opponent was forced to withdraw due to injury, guaranteeing him a spot on the tour.

As an added bonus, he will now be able to visit family living in Thailand as part of his month-long stay, but hethe young fighter needs sponsorship to ensure he makes the flight.

“My recovery is going really well, and I have never been one to lie down over anything, even something like that,” he said of the incident, in which his mobile phone and laptop were stolen. “Straight away, I got back into training and started to focus on the fight on Saturday night.

“I found out on Tuesday that my opponent had to pull out, but I didn’t say anything because I didn’t want to jinx it.

“I was supposed to be defending my place in the GB team in the finals on Saturday with challengers from North v South, but my opponent had to pull out due to injury.

“That means now I will be representing the UK in the World Championship Series in Thailand, which will be a good long journey. The trip is due to be in October, but I am already turning my mind to training, and one of the best parts is that I will get to see my family for a month.

“That is the main reason I wanted to compete out there in the first place, so I would be able to see my auntie and cousin.

“The UK has limited funding towards travel costs, so I am looking for sponsors towards travel and accommodation, and I need around £1,200 in total to cover the whole trip.”

No arrests have yet been made over the assault. Wiltshire Police have appealed for any witnesses to help with the investigation.

A spokesman for Wiltshire Police said: “A 21-year-old man was walking alone when two men on bikes came towards him and attempted to punch him in the face.

“An altercation followed and the victim was kicked in the head and the groin several times. As a result, the male sustained minor head injuries and required treatment at the Great Western Hospital.

“During the incident, the victim’s mobile phone was stolen from his pocket, as well as his bag containing a laptop, headphones and keys.”

Ben has since received a new mobile phone courtesy of Mark Owen, from 4G.

Police are carrying out a thorough investigation and are appealing to anybody who was in the Walcot area during this time and may have witnessed the incident to call 101 immediately.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be left anonymously if preferred.

To donate to Ben visit www.gofundme.com/u25np2a