TROWBRIDGE’S new British middleweight champion Nick Blackwell will defend his title on Saturday, July 25 against Damon Jones at Derby Arena live on terrestrial television.

Twenty-four-year-old Blackwell won the British middleweight title in May at London's sold-out O2 Arena with a stunning upset victory against Londoner John Ryder, live on Sky Sports Box Office.

The pair went toe-to-toe for six-and-a-half rounds before Blackwell's better fitness and strength saw him halt Ryder in a dramatic seventh round.

Now champion Blackwell, whose title defence will be screened on Channel Five, intends to clean up the domestic scene before pursuing world honours.

Yorkshireman Jones, meanwhile, his first challenger, is unbeaten in 13 professional fights and has barely put a foot wrong since turning professional in 2012.

The six-foot southpaw won an English middleweight title eliminator against fellow unbeaten Grant Cunningham last time out and, at 22 years of age, believes he's ready to fight for top honours in Britain.

“We're only just getting started with Nick Blackwell,” said promoter Mick Hennessy.

“He's 24 years of age, but already has a wealth of experience, and it showed in his tremendous win against John Ryder.

“I truly believe Nick can now go on to dominate the other middleweights in Britain before looking to climb his way further up the world rankings. He's young enough and good enough to one day be in the mix for world titles.

“His first defence on July 25 should make for a a fascinating blend of styles, as Damon Jones is a tall, awkward southpaw with plenty of ambition.

"He's undefeated as a pro and will feel he has the style and ability to dethrone Nick in Derby. Nick will, of course, have other ideas.”