IRON-WILLED Nick Blackwell has vowed to not to let the British middleweight title slip through his hands for a third time when he locks horns with John Ryder in London tomorrow night.

The 24-year-old Trowbridge star has twice unsuccessfully challenged for the Lonsdale belt, losing to Martin Murray in June 2011 and being out-pointed by Billy Joe Saunders in December 2012.

But ‘Bang Bang’ will be looking to hand out some capital punishment when he locks horns with Islington local Ryder at the O2 Arena on a stellar pay-per-view show.

Back in 2010, Blackwell became the youngest-ever English champion and he is in little doubt that he is on the cusp of the most decisive moment of his career this weekend as he looks to shake off his ‘gate-keeper’ status and claim national glory.

“It’s on a big stage on a big show on Sky Sports, a load of people are going to be there at the O2 Arena and it’s my third time at the British title so for me, it’s make-or-break,” Blackwell told the Wiltshire Times.

“If I lose the fight, everyone will be like ’Nick’s just the British gate-keeper, just to get to British level’. But I know I can win this fight and go on to better things.

“I’ve just got to beat John Ryder and I’m confident that I’m going to beat him.

“He’s tough, he strong, he’s fit. But what do you expect? You’re fighting for the British title.

“He’s going to be thinking the exact same thing as me. He’s fought for it and lost it too, so we’re both going to be hungry for it.

“Whoever wins this fight will be going on to better things, so we’ll both be training hard. May the best man win.”

Blackwell’s opponent Ryder is set to match the Trowbridge fighter in the hunger stakes after suffering his only professional loss when he was beaten by Saunders with the British strap on the line in September 2013.

‘Bang Bang’ is in no doubt that he has to want it more.

He said: “I can’t let this opportunity to go by. I’ve got to take it with both hands.

“I’m confident. I’m nervous. I’m excited. I think about every time I go to bed. I’m dreaming about it.

“I only felt like that before when I fought for the English title. I was so nervous coming out of that dressing room and when a fighter’s got nerves, it’s a good thing.

“I’ve put all the hard work in, so it shows how much I want it.”

Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn reckons the match-up between Blackwell and Ryder could be a contender for Fight of the Year.

“One fight I can’t wait for is Ryder-Blackwell,’’ he said.

“(It’s a) great blend of styles.’’

FOLLOW ALL THE LIVE UPDATES, NEWS & REACTION FROM THE BLACKWELL FIGHT,  WITH DAN BARNES AT THE O2 ON SATURDAY NIGHT AT WILTSHIRETIMES.CO.UK/SPORT AND ON TWITTER @WTSPORT. FIGHT DUE TO START FROM AROUND 6.30-7PM