NICK BLACKWELL has switched things up by training with Gary Lockett before his British middleweight title chance, against John Ryder, on Matchroomโs scintillating May 30 card at Londonโs O2 Arena.
The Trowbridge prospect, 16-3-1, had built a strong bond with Mark Kent but felt he had to gamble in order to progress further.
โI thought it was the right time to change,โ he said. โBefore I felt I wasnโt throwing enough shots so I switched to Gary and heโs started to get this out of me just from taking me on the pads and sparring. Iโve always sparred with his lads and heโs a straight-talking guy. He doesnโt waste his time, and he only trains fighters who he feels can go far.โ
โBang Bangโ added: โI told Mark I was thinking of training with Gary and he said if I want to go and better myself with another trainer, he wouldnโt stand in my way. It was hard but weโre really good mates. I thought heโd taken me as far as he could, especially for someone without much of a background in boxing. He brought me up to a good level but when Iโm the one being punched in the face, I have to do whatโs best.โ
Having lost two previous British title tilts, Blackwell knows that, at 24, chances may already be at a premium. He went down in five to Martin Murray in 2010, but turned plenty of heads when pushing Billy Joe Saunders all the way in 2012 before losing a unanimous decision.
โI canโt afford to lose again,โ Blackwell noted. โThe problem with me is that Iโm a low-reward, high-risk fighter. People donโt want to fight me because I ainโt got a belt. If I wasnโt mandatory for the British title I wouldnโt be fighting for it.โ
He is, though, and could have a chance against Ryder โ a fit southpaw who throws a lovely variety of shots. Since dropping a decision to Saunders in 2013, the Islington man has completed five routine stoppages albeit against journeymen.
โHis last few fights have been boring,โ argued Blackwell, referring mainly to his rivalโs laboured ninth round TKO against Billi Facundo Godoy in January. โItโs because of his opposition that he hasnโt looked good. Itโs hard to impress when the other guy is just running and trying to survive. I havenโt fought many southpaws but I enjoy facing them โ Ryder wonโt be a problem for me.
โItโs going to be a war. Weโre both fit, strong, tough guys. Iโm going to come forward and take the fight to him.โ
One young talent Blackwell wonโt be facing is Chris Eubank Jnr. โThat fight was going to happen but once Eubank pulled out, Eddie Hearn won the purse bids for me and Ryder.โ
Blackwell continued his attack, adding: โI know heโs sat down with Saundersโ camp to arrange a rematch but he has to vacate his (interim WBA) title first. He wants things his own way but Billy won their first fight, so Billy makes the rules. He seems to think heโs some kind of superstar because of his old man.
โI say fight someone good. Fight Spike OโSullivan, fight Jamie Cox, fight meโฆ Once Iโve got this British title he and everyone else will have to fight me. Iโm buzzing. I think Iโm going to surprise a lot of people on May 30.โ