Blackwell Confident Of Knocking Off British Champ Murray

Nick Blackwell insists he was right to accept an opportunity to win a Lonsdale belt in his ninth professional fight.

Blackwell, 20, will challenge Martin Murray for the vacant British middleweight title in front of the Sky TV cameras on Hatton Promotions bill at Wigan’s Robin Park Arena on Saturday June 18.

Murray ranked number four in the WBA world rankings will also be risking his Commonwealth crown and his WBA inter-continental belt.

The undefeated Trowbridge challenger said: “I am ready to fight him and not fazed at all. This is an amazing opportunity and I thought I would have 15 or 16 fights before this type of chance came my way, but when the opportunity came I took it.

“It was a big enough shock when I won the English title in only my seventh fight, but this is something you only dream about.”

Blackwell will be 20 years and 234 days old when he challenges Murray and bidding to become the youngest British champion since current record holder Ryan Rhodes won the light-middleweight title in 1996.

He has spent hours watching videos of his unbeaten St Helens rival in action with trainer Mark Kent and promoter PJ Rowson.

Nick added: “Murray is a come forward fighter, strong and big. He is not that quick and I think my speed will be an advantage. Murray has a lot more experience and is the best I have fought but I am not worried about anything he has.”

The bill also includes Olympic star Joe Murray and British lightweight champion Anthony Crolla also boxes when he faces a selected opponent with the vacant WBA inter-continental lightweight title.

Prospects on the undercard include Adam Little, Dale Miles and Chris Male.

Tickets for this big night of title action are available £35, £55 (Ringside) and £75 VIP Ringside, www.brandhatton.com /0844 847 2500/ 01925 755222