CHALLENGER Damon Jones has warned British middleweight champion Nick Blackwell that he has the stamina to go the distance in their title clash in Derby next weekend.

'Bang Bang' Blackwell makes the first defence of his title live on Channel Five next Saturday (July 25) with Leeds fighter Jones insisting he can stay with the Wiltshire man.

Blackwell, who stopped John Ryder to win the strap in May, is renowned for his fitness and strength, while Jones is yet to go beyond six rounds as a pro.

But the challenger said: “Nick has talked about setting a pace I won't be able to match but we'll have to wait and see.

“I think he's going to be in for a big shock if he thinks that's the case. I won't just be able to match his pace, I'll also be able to dictate the pace and make him fight at my pace as well.

“We've done a lot more sparring and a lot more running for this one, and the championship distance doesn't bother me. I know I've got it in the tank. Whether it goes 12 rounds or less, I know I've got the gas for it.

“I've got the height and reach over Nick and I've got the boxing skills to give him massive problems. And no matter what he brings to the table, I'll have an answer for it. I'm prepared for everything he's going to throw at me, and I expect there to be a lot of target to hit if he tries to force a pace.

“He'll be different to how he's been in the past, I'm sure. He'll try different things and give me different looks. But it doesn't matter what his game plan is. I'll have a counter game plan to any game plan he brings. I've prepared 100 per cent, I've left nothing in the gym and I'm raring to go.”

The televised fight is likely to be an early career highlight for the 22 year old Jones, but he added: "There's no pressure on me whatsoever.

"Nick is the one who holds the belt and he's the one who has the promoter behind him. I'm just coming in through the backdoor and taking his title. I've got no stresses, no pressure, and I'm ready for it. This is my chance to show everybody what I'm all about.

“Yes, it is a step up from my previous fights – I've been performing under the radar for a bit because I haven't had a big promoter behind me – but now it's time to show everybody why I'm stepping up and why I've decided to take this fight.”