IT WAS no crying shame that Nick Blackwell won the British middleweight title – but there was barely a dry eye inside the ring after his stunning win over John Ryder.

Trowbridge’s ‘Bang Bang’ Blackwell sent out a huge statement of intent by stopping rock-solid Londoner Ryder at London’s O2 Arena on Saturday evening.

For the most part, the 24-year-old had endured a tough evening against an uncompromising opponent – one that had never been stopped before – but in the end, he made his British title dream a reality and was instantly overcome with emotion.

“That’s how happy I was,” Blackwell told the Wiltshire Times post-victory.

“I can’t remember the last time I cried. That’s how happy I was. That shows how much it means to me.

“My emotions overtook me and I just fell on the floor – I was just so happy.

“When I caught him, I just stood there and thought ‘wow, I’m going to win this fight’ and then I got rid of him.

“I’m made up. All the ups and downs of my career have finally paid off.”

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