NICK Blackwell says that Andy Lee and Billy Joe Saunders’ upcoming world title clash has only bolstered his own ambitions to reach the top of the middleweight world.

Irishman Lee defends his WBO belt against Blackwell’s former opponent Saunders in Limerick this September and as Trowbridge’s ‘Bang Bang’ Blackwell prepares to defend his British title against the unbeaten Damon Jones at the Derby Arena this Saturday, the 24-year-old can’t help but dream of challenging at world level himself.

“The whole middleweight division is booming at the moment and there's a ton of British interest at world level,” said Blackwell.

“It's the division to be in right now. There's some cracking fights to be made and Andy Lee vs. Billy Joe Saunders is just one of them.

“Further down the line, I'd love to get a shot at that WBO title – or any world title – but, at the minute, I've still got a lot to learn and I'm still young and progressing. It's definitely something I want in the future, though.

“When I watch Lee and Saunders fight in September, I'll definitely be thinking: ‘that could be me fighting either of these for the WBO title one day’.

“It's mental how quickly things change in boxing. This time last year, I hadn't even signed with Mick Hennessy and now I'm British middleweight champion and headlining a bill on Channel 5. Imagine where I'll be this time next year.

“I've got to focus on Damon Jones for now and get that fight over and done with. Then I can sit down and watch Lee and Saunders do their thing and imagine one day fighting for the world title.”

Blackwell was out-pointed by former Olympian Saunders in December 2012 when challenging for the Lonsdale belt but the Trowbridge man got his hands on the British title by stopping John Ryder in May.

His clash with Jones will be televised live on Channel 5 this Saturday from 10pm.