Claude McKay

JAMAICA's Busta Fighters are back in the ring this Saturday at the Red Tiger International Taekwondo Open in Philadelphia.

The Busta Fighters domin-ated the event last year, winning the light, heavy and super heavyweight black-belt titles last year.

The team, which leaves the island on Thursday, comprises Kenneth Edwards, Nicholas Dussard, Alrick Wanliss and captain Jason McKay, who is out for the first time this season.

McKay said despite the team's success last season, the Red Tiger International remain one of the most competitive on the United States International Taekwondo Fede-ration's calendar.

"It will serve as a good warm-up for the guys competing in the International Sports Karate Association Busta Gold Cup here at the National Indoor Sports Centre on July 4," said the team captain

McKay, who has endured challenging seasons for the last three years, hounded by serious injuries and deaths in his family, said he is anxious to get things rolling in Philadelphia.

Last season, the captain went down to the wire and only gained selection to the 2010 season in the final international tournament of the year.

"It will be my first time in the ring this season, so I am anxious to get a good start," he said.

"As for the other guys, Edwards, Wanliss and Dussard, have been Jamaica's top performers for the last four years," McKay pointed out.

"They are neck to neck, so far, competing for fighter of the year, which carries a heavy bounty of $120,000," he added.