TROWBRIDGE champion Nick Blackwell has unveiled his secret weapon as he bids to become a world champion next month – ballet classes.

It was announced this week that the 21-year-old, nicknamed ‘Bang Bang’, will bring top-class boxing to his home town on May 25 when he takes on Georgian Mikheil Khutsishvili for the vacant WBC Youth Silver middleweight title.

The Contender Gym fighter, who defended his English belt by beating Martin Concepcion in March, will again climb into the ring at the Civic Centre.

In a bid to improve his all-round style, Blackwell has begun ballet training under former professional ballerina Natalie Meyjes at the new Dance & Fitness Studio on Union Street.

Before any brave soul pokes fun at the man who has achieved five knockouts in his 12 professional fights, the unconventional training has a serious purpose.

“When Mark (Kent, his trainer) first suggested it I thought he was having a bit of a laugh but I’ve really enjoyed it so far,” said Blackwell.

“It’s actually really hard work and it’s helping me a lot with my footwork and my strength too.

“After every fight, I always want to try and keep on improving and that’s why I’m doing it.

“I wish it’s something that I’d started doing when I was a lot younger.

“It might not have seemed cool and I probably would have got bullied for it but it’s a really great way to train.”

Contender Gym trainer Kent added: “I’d been doing a bit of personal training with Natalie’s husband. It was her that suggested helping Nick out.

“There are MMA fighters that do it, American football teams like the Dallas Cowboys and even top boxers like Evander Holyfield.

“You can already see a difference in the way he moves and it’s helping his core strength too.

“Nick’s very keen and that’s the main thing too.”

Standing between Blackwell and the WBC Youth belt will be the more experienced 23-year-old Khutsishvili, who has 42 fights under his belt (22 wins, 16 losses and 4 draws).

The Georgian has also gone toe-to-toe with the only man to have beaten ‘Bang Bang’ in the pro ranks, St Helens powerhouse Martin Murray, as well as Manchester star Matthew Hatton, losing to both.

Blackwell is predicting a tough test ahead of him but is also buoyed by the opportunity to box in front of his home crowd again.

“I’m excited about it because it’s a big title shot for me and he’ll be a tough opponent,” he said.

“I never really thought that I’d get the chance to box in Trowbridge again after the Concepcion fight, so I really want to do it for all the people that come to watch me because if I win, there could be bigger things coming after this and that would mean I wouldn’t be boxing at home again.”

Blackwell’s promoter PJ Rowson said: “Every boxer wants to wear a green (WBC) belt and I’m delighted to give Nick his chance.

“This is a terrific opportunity for Nick to gain recognition with the best boxing organisation in the world.

“I felt the time was right for him to move on to bigger things and when this chance came along, Nick didn’t think twice.”

Tickets are on sale for the May 25 show now from the Contender Gym on Church Street on 01225 761166.

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