Nick ‘Bang Bang’ Blackwell faces an even tougher fight after a slice of bad luck handed Harry Matthews the chance to launch himself into boxing’s big time.
Matthews has stepped in to face Blackwell for the vacant English middleweight title at Team Bath on Saturday, November 20 after Matt Hainy pulled out of the 10-round bill topper on the First Team promoted show.
Hainy sliced the top of his thumb off while making soup – so in steps Matthews for a fight that brings together a pair of prospects for a scrap that should shape their futures.
Aged just 20, Blackwell, from Trowbridge, makes the step up to championship class after six straight wins, while Matthews, known as ‘The Pocklington Rocket,’ is 22 years old and has won 10 of his 11 fights.
Matthews last month ruined the comeback of Andrew A Lowe with a points win and he has also handed Birmingham tough-guy Terry Carruthers a rare defeat.
Carruthers has since drawn with unbeaten former amateur star Liam Smith.
The clash between Blackwell and Matthews is the area’s biggest fight night since Glen Catley and Ross Hale were in their primes.
Both had terrific support in the West Country and PJ Rowson of promoters First Team is convinced Blackwell will also be a smash hit with fight fans.
He said: “Nick has got a terrific, all-action style and hopefully, the supporters will get behind him. This is the biggest show in the area for a long time and if Nick wins, there are many more big shows to come.”
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