THE LATEST challenger for Nick Blackwell’s British middleweight title has switched just eight days before the Trowbridge champion puts his coveted crown on the line.

However, the 25-year-old says that he has no qualms adapting to a late change of opponent.

Uneaten Watford man Elliott Matthews (15-0-1) was due to take on Blackwell at Bristol’s City Academy on Saturday, November 14, but has pulled out of the contest, opening the door for Blackpool’s former Prizefighter contender Jack Arnfield (19-1) to step into breach.

Arnfield, 26, will now be the second man to attempt to relieve Cardiff-trained Blackwell (18-3-1) of his British title later this month but the Hennessy Sports fighter isn’t fazed.

“I found out earlier today. Mick Hennessy rang me and asked if I wanted another fight and I said yes to it,” said Blackwell.

“Apparently Elliott Matthews picked up a cut in sparring today and now it’s going to be a new guy, with a good record, and it’s going to be a good fight.

“I’ve trained too hard not to fight and a different opponent doesn’t bother me one bit.

“I’ll be going from a fighting a southpaw to an orthodox fighter but I’ve just got to adapt – fair play to him (Arnfield) for taking the fight.”

Earlier, Welshman Tom Doran, who won the same middleweight Prizefighter tournament that Arnfield was a part of in Blackpool in February, stated his intention to challenge Blackwell for his British title next year.