GARY Lockett reckons Nick Blackwell has earned the right to step into the ring as the favoured fighter as he prepares to defend his prized British middleweight belt next month.

Trowbridge’s ‘Bang Bang’ Blackwell announced himself to the country in earnest by clinching the Lonsdale strap with a stoppage of John Ryder at London’s O2 Arena in May and the 24-year-old is expected to put his title on the line on July 18 or 25 against the unbeaten Damon Jones (13-0).

Former ABA champion, Jones, 22, entered the professional ranks initially under promoter Frank Warren and made the step up from super-welterweight in 2014.

Cardiff-based trainer Lockett, who took Blackwell under his wing in the build-up to his win over Ryder, says his fighter was straight back in the gym after just a week-long break following the greatest victory of his career.

“Nick’s into the second week of his training camp. The great thing about Nick is that he’s not the kind of fighter that eats rubbish or anything like that,” said Lockett.

“We’ve been given the date of July 18 or 25. We don’t know where it’s going to be yet but we’re getting him ready to fight Damon Jones, who is a tall, rangy southpaw, with a good amateur background.

“Nick’s with Mick Hennessy now and he’s always had to do it the hard way. He’s never really been in the blue corner, so it’s about time he went into a fight where he was the favourite.

“Let’s not forget that if he defends the belt three times, he wins it outright. He could have two voluntary defences and then fight the mandatory challenger, which is what we’ll try and do.

“Damon Jones isn’t really ‘a name’ because he doesn’t have a big promoter behind him, but it could be a tricky one.”

Lockett may have only worked with Blackwell for one fight but the former world middleweight title-challenger was nonetheless thrilled to see his new charge become British champion.

Lockett said: “He didn’t stick to the gameplan but those right-hand counters that we worked on wobbled Ryder, especially in the seventh round where he won the fight. I’m just really happy for Nick because he’s a lovely lad and he’s got time for everyone. It’s been a joy to be involved with him.”