GARY Lockett is expecting Nick Blackwell to take Chris Eubank Jr to ‘the deep waters’ – if their high-profile British title showdown comes to fruition.

In December, Blackwell’s promoter Mick Hennessey won the purse bid to stage a contest between his man and the son of former world champion Chris Eubank, and last week, the Trowbridge champion’s third defence of the Lonsdale strap was pencilled in for March 5 at the Glow event centre, part of the Bluewater shopping complex in Kent.

Eubank Jr, who beat Gary ‘Spike’ O’Sullivan to win a final eliminator for the WBA world middleweight title last month, walked away from his three-fight contract with Matchroom Boxing in the wake of Hennessy’s winning purse bid – promoter Eddie Hearn claiming that the winning amount was £255,000.

Blackwell, 25, is currently working towards his scheduled showpiece clash but, considering the unpredictable nature of Eubank Jr and his camp, his Cardiff-based trainer Lockett is wary of the rug being pulled from under their feet at any moment.

“We know that the Eubanks aren’t conventional or ordinary, so we know that things could change, but as far as we know, we’ve got a date and a venue, and we’re working towards that,” said Lockett.

“I do find it strange that they’re stepping back to fight for the British title after winning a world title eliminator but they’ve made it known that they’ve always wanted that British title.

“They got released from their three-fight contract with Eddie Hearn and tried to negotiate with Sky (Sports) for a fight for big money but Sky have turned around and said ‘we’re exclusive with Eddie’, so I think they poured water on their own can, so to speak, and they’re left with this shot at the British.

“It’s a whopping purse for this fight.

“I’ve not known one as big as this for a British title fight that wasn’t heavyweight, so that’s great for Nick.

“We’ll work towards March 5 and if they pull out, we’ll find another opponent.

“I don’t think that Eubank has ever really been in the deep waters.

“Nick can take him there and he’s been there plenty of times, and that’s when we’ll see what kind of fighter Eubank is then.

“Nick needs to be better than he’s ever been and show the form he’s shown in the gym but if he executes the game-plan, he’ll win the fight.”