Hollywood tough guy Wesley Snipes

Mar 3, 2010, 6:01 GMT

Wesley Snipes claims he could take on anyone in a fight.

The 'Blade' actor - who is currently on bail and appealing a conviction against a three-year prison sentence for tax evasion - believes he would win any brawl hands down because of where he grew up.

He said: "I didn't go into this business to do action because I'm a classically trained actor. But I'm good at kicking and punching. I grew up in The Bronx. The Bronx teaches you to survive. It's like, 'Bring it on!'

"I've studied martial arts since I was a kid. I can tell you that if you took me on, it wouldn't be easy. That's part of my image. People don't mess with me."

The 47-year-old American actor - who stars alongside Richard Gere in 'Brooklyn's Finest' - admitted the role has educated him about the police.

He told Parade.com: "I have some cops in my family. I understand the predicament that they're in. Sometimes they go into it just to pay the bills or because they don't have other choices, or sometimes they just want to get the gun.

"What 'Brooklyn's Finest' did was to educate me about the psychological challenges they face and how that part of their lives is often overlooked. I didn't know that many police officers die as a result of suicide."

Despite being best known for his hardman roles, Wesley just wants to be remembered as a talented actor.

He said: "If I end my career tomorrow, I want to be thought of as an actor. I don't want them saying, 'Oh, he's just an action guy. Oh, he's just a sex symbol.' None of that garbage. I'm an actor. That's what I am."