MICK Hennessy was delighted to see Nick Blackwell definitively maintain his grasp on the British middleweight title last night but next time around, the promoter would love to see his fighter take a few less shots along the way.

A bone-shuddering sixth round stoppage saw Trowbridge’s Blackwell halt the previously unbeaten Damon Jones at the Derby Arena but until that point, the 24-year-old was unable to prevent himself from being regularly tagged by his opponent’s smart counter-punching.

Blackwell revealed post-fight that he was hamstrung by illness heading into the contest and Hennessy sees some room for improvement going forward.

“Nick’s a very, very good boxer if someone’s coming at him non-stop. Nick’s got brilliant boxing skills,” he told the Wiltshire Times.

“But Damon was being very, very cute. He’s an awkward, big tough southpaw, he wanted this British title bad and he was playing a game of chess with Nick.

“He was letting Nick walk on to the shots. Nick said that he didn’t feel like he could punch but I thought he landed some heavy shots - some good uppercuts and good body shots.

“Nick is as tough as old boots but I’d still rather he didn’t take them shots. He’s still got to learn to move his head better and there’s no need. They can all punch at that level.

“But once Nick starts motoring, he gets into the trenches and he’s phenomenal.”

MORE REACTION TO NICK BLACKWELL'S VICTORY OVER DAMON JONES IN NEXT WEEK'S WILTSHIRE TIMES.