MICK Hennessy believed Nick Blackwell would best John Ryder and win the British middleweight title and was delighted that his pre-fight optimism was justified.

Hennessy, who has previously promoted world champions Carl Froch and James DeGale and currently has unbeaten heavyweight star Tyson Fury under his wing, snapped up the Trowbridge’s ace back in August last year and watched his charge stop home Matchroom Sport fighter John Ryder to claim the Lonsdale strap at the O2 Arena.

It was far from plain sailing for Blackwell as he was put under the cosh in the opening rounds but the 24-year-old exploded emphatically and promoter Hennessy is only looking forward from here on out.

“I expected big things from Nick. “It was a very close purse bid. There wasn’t much between us and Matchroom to put the show on,” said Hennessy.

“I fancied this fight strongly. I really, really fancied it in a big way and I’m pleased I did because I expected that sort of outcome.

“I thought John Ryder fought a very smart fight early. He was fighting a good fight for about three or four rounds.

“But as soon as Nick got his range, his timing and his speed, and he started getting those uppercuts and right hooks to the body off, I knew it was going to be one-way traffic.

“(Early on) I thought Nick was over-eager. He really wanted this in a big way.

“But as soon as he adjusted, which great fighters do, he started getting his timing, picking his shots and using his feet in timing with his hands.

“He hasn’t made the middleweight limit for a long time and it’s going to get easier from now on. He’s going to get more comfortable at the weight and he’s going to do more special things.”