NICK Blackwell has warned Billy Joe Saunders that he has one thing on his mind ahead of fight night this Saturday – claiming the British and Commonwealth middleweight titles.
‘Bang Bang’ Blackwell, 22, goes toe-to-toe with unbeaten former Olympian Saunders at London’s ExCel Arena this weekend and despite his underdog tag, insists that he won’t be there to make up the numbers.
The Trowbridge fighter is also ready for whatever Hertfordshire man has to throw at him.
“I’ve trained so hard for this fight and I’ve never felt so good so I want Billy Joe Saunders to be at his best so I can beat him at this best,” said Blackwell.
“I’m not going to come into a fight not feeling confident that I can win.
“Billy Joe Saunders is a good fighter and he’s proved it in all his pro fights and a good amateur career but I’m not here to make the numbers up – I’m here to take those belts home.
“I don’t think Bill should be looking at that fight with Martin Murray (in June 2011, Blackwell’s only defeat in the pro ranks) because I’m a totally different fighter from then.
“There’s a lot of pressure on me and if I do lose this fight, people will be thinking that every time I’ve stepped up to a high level, I’ve lost.”
MORE BUILD-UP TO BLACKWELL V SAUNDERS IN THIS FRIDAY’S WILTSHIRE TIMES AND ONLINE ON WILTSHIRETIMES.CO.UK
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