TROWBRIDGE ace Nick Blackwell says he feels in some of the best shape of his career as he prepares for his make-or-break British title showdown with John Ryder.

‘Bang Bang’ Blackwell takes his third shot at the Lonsdale middleweight belt at London’s O2 Arena, on a bumper pay-per-view bill featuring a host of top British stars, including Kell Brook, Kevin Mitchell and Anthony Joshua.

The 24-year-old has shaken up his regime after switching his training to Gary Lockett’s gym in Cardiff and says that he has had no problems getting to grips with a new style of training camp.

“I’ve been going to Cardiff to train with Gary Lockett and things have been a little bit different – it could be a full-time thing but we’ll just see how it goes,” said Blackwell, who is promoted by Hennessey Sports.

“Some people struggle to adapt to training at new places but I haven’t. I don’t think I volumised my training the right way for my last two fights and I’m feeling the best I’ve ever felt at this stage before a big fight.

“I know what a big fight this is. If I don’t win this one, where do I go from there?

“I need to be the best Nick Blackwell for this one because I know I’ll be up against the best John Ryder.

“It’s nice to be getting ready for a big fight. I’ll be fighting someone the same weight as me, which hasn’t always happened, and it’ll be for the British title.”

Blackwell revealed that he is planning to go local as he looks to get practice rounds under his belt before May 30.

The Trowbridge fighter is looking to reunite with unbeaten Swindon man Jamie Cox, who recently switched into the middleweight division, in sparring but is well aware that the two could one day end up on a collision course.

Blackwell said: “I could have sparred with Billy Joe Saunders but Jamie Cox is a lot more like Ryder. He’s a southpaw that likes to come forward and go for those big shots.

“Jamie’s a better southpaw than Ryder. He’s been out sparring in Las Vegas and is doing well.

“I’m mates with him but I guess that I could end up having to fight him one day. But that’s the business and I’d have to get on with it.”

Meanwhile the Trowbridge Academy of Boxing will host their next club show on Friday, May 22 at the town's Civic Centre. Tickets are available by calling 01225 765851 or 07833 246579.

Academy fighters Jack Stonehouse and Jimmy J Jordan clinched victories against Devonport ABC opponents at a bill in Plymouth, while Elizabeth Bools lost on split decision, as did Bradley Smith against a strong opponent from Reading at a show in Camberley.

Smith is boxing in the Schoolboy Western Counties Final in Cornwall tomorrow, with Callum Smith heading to Finland to box in an international tournament.

Harry Glover will box in the Schoolboy pre-quarter finals against London ABA, with Smith joining him if he wins in Cornwall.

Four Academy boxers - Dillan Stonehouse, Owen Heard, Harvey Frisby and Harry Glover - will take on opponents from all over England in The Bristol Box Cup this month.