Blackwell gets call to spar Darren Barker

English middleweight champion Nick ‘Bang Bang’ Blackwell is ready for action after slugging it out with Germany’s top prospects – and his kid brother!

Blackwell faces international opposition for the first time in his exciting career when he boxes in Chippenham on Saturday, April 30 before defending his English belt against Matt Hainy in Derby on Saturday, May 28.

Manager PJ Rowson is convinced the 20 year-old from Trowbridge will go on to win more honours after hearing trainer Mark Kent’s reports from Blackwell’s sparring in Germany - and said that Darren Barker's people have been on the phone inviting Blackwell to spar the Barnet man in preparation for this month's European title fight with Italian Domenico Spada.

Blackwell, who has won all seven fights as a professional after an unbeaten unlicensed career, was part of Arthur Abraham’s training camp in Berlin and Rowson said: “Nick went in with all the top prospects and I’m told he more than handled them. In fact, I’m told he beat them up. He’s an exciting talent.”

Blackwell doesn’t have to jump on a plane for tough sparring, however. His kid brother Dan is also set to join Rowson’s stable that also includes British cruiserweight champion Rob Norton and unbeaten super-flyweight Nathan Reeve.

“I’m sure they love each other really,” said Rowson, “but you would never guess from watching them spar !

“It’s very competitive. Dan is just like his brother. He’s tough, game and just loves to fight.”

Dan has been ringside at all of his big brother’s fights and Rowson reckons he will be watching him fight for the British title next year.  Rowson said: “Nick is going to learn a lot from sparring.

“He is only 20 years old and has only had seven fights, so sparring is crucial and he’s taking a lot of confidence from it.”