BoxRec

Nick Blackwell makes his second challenge for the British Middleweight title when he fights Commonwealth Champion Billy Joe Saunders at the Excel Arena on Saturday.

Last year Blackwell was stopped by Martin Murray in their title fight, but says he is now bigger, stronger and wiser and plans to bring the belt back to his hometown of Trowbridge

Interview:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RW1pmeAfTDI

Come on Nige sort the link out.

I watched the head to head after your interview and I was surprised how much taller Nick was.

Ive said since this was announced (and have been slated) that despite believing that Saunders is a very talented kid with great potential Blackwell IMO will shock many people with what he is capable of on Sat night !!

I see this as a much closer fight than what appears to be expected , Blackwells loss to Murray is being focussed on far to much as a reflection of levels ...lets not forget Blackwell broke his ribs sparring Paul smith in the prep for the fight and murray at that time again IMO would have handeld Saunders.

Now im not deluded of course Saunders has the higher pedigree and is being groomed for the top with the odds stacked in his favour but I for one will not be shocked to see Blackwell do this after a very tough and hard faught battle

either way the fans and sport of boxing win !


15/2 is a nice little bonus for christmas !

15/2 for a good reason, Saunders will be to much for him, hope it's a good scrap !

BJS is a different class. Hope Blackwell gives a good account of himself as seems to have a great attitude, but BJS is destined for far bigger things. Only thing that worries me is BJS's diet as can't help but feel he could campaign at a lower weight class.

Fully expect BJS to win this but I'll be rooting for and betting on Nick. Great lad, great attitude and he will cause Billy problems (also really like BJS too and if it was anyone else Id be cheering him on). Respect to Jimmy in the press conference as he made a point of repeating that they have fully prepared for Nick and haven't cut any corners. I think this is testament to how serious a threat they see Him. This has the potential to be fight of the year and I'm very much looking forward to seeing it.

Bjs will really school him an stop him b4 6 I think billy is the best middleweight in the country speed power hard to hit really fit

I think that BJS is potentially brilliant & thats why I cannot wait for him to be stepped up. His handspeeds is excellent.

Billy Joe is the best prospect in the country and destined for the world stage.

BJS KO5

80/20 wrote:Ive said since this was announced (and have been slated) that despite believing that Saunders is a very talented kid with great potential Blackwell IMO will shock many people with what he is capable of on Sat night !!

I see this as a much closer fight than what appears to be expected , Blackwells loss to Murray is being focussed on far to much as a reflection of levels ...lets not forget Blackwell broke his ribs sparring Paul smith in the prep for the fight and murray at that time again IMO would have handeld Saunders.

Now im not deluded of course Saunders has the higher pedigree and is being groomed for the top with the odds stacked in his favour but I for one will not be shocked to see Blackwell do this after a very tough and hard faught battle

either way the fans and sport of boxing win !


15/2 is a nice little bonus for christmas !

Blackwell get's hit too easy and his defense is not good enough, Billie jo will box his head off.

jonnyyorkshu wrote:Billy Joe is the best prospect in the country and destined for the world stage.

BJS KO5

Steady on now, he is not that good, but he will beat Blackwell easily.

I guess we will just have to see then wont we.

Talkischeap wrote:Billy Jo is very talented lad haven't seen enough of Nick to comment on fight but I do know another young middleweight closing in fast

Any idea when he fight next?

Talkischeap wrote:Hopefully soon after Christmas want to keep him busy & Please God he'll get a crack at something in 2013.

Is signing with new promotor?

Talkischeap wrote:Not yet mate

Is he talking too many?

Yesterday's weigh in. I know it doesn't count for much but Nick looks huge.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=haMM6ij ... ata_player

Saunders should smash him, IMO.

dondada wrote:Saunders should smash him, IMO.

Not sure he will smash him. I think it will go the same way as the Pryce fight. A careful masterclass from BJS. Nick comes in too straight which will give Billy time to use a few combos to open Nick up. Nicks got loads of heart and loves a fight so could be a really entertaining fight.

Frankie Gavin wrote:Bjs will really school him an stop him b4 6 I think billy is the best middleweight in the country speed power hard to hit really fit

hahahhahahahahaaha bjs best middleweight in the country ask bjs wat barker did to him in sparring!

bigh wrote:

Frankie Gavin wrote:Bjs will really school him an stop him b4 6 I think billy is the best middleweight in the country speed power hard to hit really fit

hahahhahahahahaaha bjs best middleweight in the country ask bjs wat barker did to him in sparring!

id agree with gavin BJS is for my money the best in the UK, barker may well have been great in sparring i dont know, however i could believe it, but if what happens in sparring meant a great deal they wouldn't bother having proper fights.

Unless we are talking about burns and mitchell sparring stories then thats a different story

Blackwell is a very brave lad, he's not fazed by the highly touted prospect in front of him, and is trying to give him a reality check here. Billy Joe looks the part sometimes.....but...

Frankie Gavin wrote:Bjs will really school him an stop him b4 6 I think billy is the best middleweight in the country speed power hard to hit really fit

Stick to boxing Frankie ;;-) NB is doing really well.

Blackwell is putting on a lot of educated pressure and Saunders is throwing a lot of arm punches and shots on arms and gloves. Saunders is ahead on points but cut a bit and you never know.....

Weird technique BJS, he tends to punch 'at' the target rather than punch 'through'

NB is walking him down but not unloading when he gets him on the ropes.