FORMER Prizefighter winner Tom Doran has thrown down the gauntlet to Trowbridge champion Nick Blackwell as he aims to challenge the Wiltshire star for his British middleweight title next year.

Unbeaten Welshman Doran (15-0), who triumphed in the short-format Prizefighter middleweight tournament in Blackpool in February this year, goes looking to take a step towards challenging ‘Bang Bang’ Blackwell (18-3-1) for his Lonsdale strap when he takes on Rod Smith (7-0) in a British title eliminator in Liverpool on Saturday night.

Blackwell, who trains in Cardiff, stopped John Ryder to clinch the British title in May and makes the second defence of his coveted belt against Elliott Matthews (15-0-1) at Bristol’s City Academy on Saturday, November 14, but Matchroom fighter Doran has boasted that he would relieve the Trowbridge champion of his crown.

“Nick Blackwell needs to get that Lonsdale belt polished for me,” said Doran, who has never gone past six rounds in his professional career.

“I don’t think Blackwell’s amateur background was that extensive and I really fancied John Ryder to beat him back in May. I felt that Ryder would be too big and strong for him.

“Credit to Nick though. He dug in and stopped him. He’s getting better with each fight that passes and I’m relishing the opportunity to get in the ring with him – after I’ve dealt with Rod Smith of course.”

Reigning champion Blackwell, who stopped the then-unbeaten Damon Jones in July, is currently third in the British rankings whilst 28-year-old Doran is seventh.