GARY Lockett admits that the only criticism he could level at the door of Nick Blackwell is that the British middleweight champion is almost too willing to put other people ahead of himself.

Trowbridge’s ‘Bang Bang’ Blackwell is currently preparing to defend his Lonsdale strap against Damon Jones at the Derby Arena on Saturday night but the 24-year-old has still been taking plenty of time out to help out his local community, most recently appearing at Bath City Boxing Club’s awards evening last weekend.

Whilst commending Blackwell for his community spirit, Cardiff-based trainer Lockett wants his man to start putting number one first as he looks to maintain his status as one of the best in the British middleweight division.

“Nick’s a breath of fresh air because he’s such a genuinely nice guy but the thing with Nick is that he says ‘yes’ to everyone,” former world title-challenger Lockett told the Wiltshrie Times.

“I’m all for helping out the community and grass roots but I’ve said to Nick that he needs to make sure that his preparation always comes first.

“I said “you’re the British champion now and things can be different” but that’s just the type of guy he is. He’s a nice guy and he’s got time for everyone.”

Leeds’ Jones, 22, is unbeaten in 13 professional fights but Lockett says that Blackwell has had plenty of practice against awkward southpaws in preparation for his title defence.

He said: “Nick has sparred against lots of tall, awkward southpaws, just like Jones.

“I know that in the past, he’s travelled to be the sparring partner for some top guys but the difference now is that people are coming to him for sparring.

“But we did take him to London a little while ago and Jim McDonnell, who is James DeGale’s trainer, said how much Nick had improved since they last saw him – that means a lot coming from someone like Jim.

“Damon Jones had a great amateur career. Winning an ABA title at 17 is a massive feat and he’s got every right to be confident after winning 13 fights but Nick has power and stamina and will show his boxing skills in this fight.”

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