Nick Blackwell’s secret weapon in his big fight on Saturday night could be his boyish looks. Blackwell will start the underdog to land the British, Commonwealth and World Boxing Association (WBA) Intercontinental middleweight belts when he faces Martin Murray at Wigan’s Robin Park Arena.
The 20-year-old is used to being written off.
As a teenager, he served a tough ring apprenticeship in unlicensed fights and remembers being a laughing stock when he ducked between the ropes of a ring placed in the back room of a snooker club.
“It was like a scene out of the film ‘Snatch !” laughed Trowbridge’s English champion.
“The place was packed and there were gypsies and gangsters everywhere betting on the fights.
“I was only 16-years-old and my opponent was horrible looking. He was bald, covered in tattoos and much heavier than me.
“He looked at me and said: ‘What are you doing in the ring with me?’ The crowd were shouting that the fight shouldn’t happen.
“He looked the part and I looked like a little kid – until I started hitting him back.
“I hit him with a three-punch combination and there was blood everywhere.
“People look at my face and find it hard to believe I am a boxer, but change their opinion quickly when they see me fight.”
Blackwell’s opponent spent three days in hospital recovering from a broken eye socket, jaw and cheekbone and ‘Bang Bang’ says tough nights like that are good preparation for Murray.
Nick who has won all eight professional bouts said: “I’ve heard what Murray says he’s going to do to me, but after what I’ve been through it doesn’t faze me at all.”
Popular St Helens boxer Murray is unbeaten in 22 fights and will start favourite despite Blackwell’s unlicensed prowess.
He added: “The British title is the one I have always wanted, but I am not overlooking Nick.
“He has nothing to lose by taking this chance. I have everything to lose if I am going where I want to.”
British lightweight champion Anthony Crolla challenges Ghanaian southpaw Osumanu Akaba for the vacant WBA inter-continental l title.
British Olympian Joe Murray boxes for his first professional title in his 11th fight meeting Georgian George Gachechiladze for the IBF international featherweight youth title.
Tickets for this big night of title action are available £35, £55 (Ringside) and £75 VIP Ringside, www.brandhatton.com /0844 847 2500/ 01925 755222
Brook vs. N’Dou on June 25
Online gambling site 888poker.com are sponsoring Kell Brook’s Sheffield showdown with Lovemore N’dou on June 25 live on Sky Sports.
The fight at the Hillsborough Leisure Centre is Brook’s first hometown fight since 2005, and the unbeaten Welterweight is promising an exciting show as he searches for his 24th win against the rugged Australian-based South African, planning to become the first man to stop N’dou in the process.
“With Matchroom re-entering the boxing market, the sport appears to be back with a bang,” said Gareth Edwards, Director of Marketing at 888.com. “We are delighted to be associated with Kell Brook’s homecoming show in Sheffield. Kell is a great entertainer and we look forward to being part of an exciting show on June 25.”
Tickets are almost sold-out for Brook’s big night in Sheffield – which also sees stable mate and one of Sky’s ‘11 to watch in 2011’ Richard Towers in action and former World Champion Robin Reid take on Steel City man Wayne Reed – with a limited number of unreserved tickets priced £30 available from promoters Matchroom Sport.
Brook’s promoter Eddie Hearn added: “As we continue our expansion into boxing, it’s imperative that we bring new sponsors into the sport and I’m delighted to welcome 888 to our campaign. We look forward to giving them maximum exposure on this sell out show.”
The remaining unreserved tickets priced £30 are available from Matchroom Sport on 01277 359900.
Former CNN Sports Anchor Nick Charles Talks About Lessons From His Fight Against Cancer
ATLANTA (June 15, 2011) — Former CNN sports anchor Nick Charles says he was the happiest he’s ever been, building a new life, with his wife and a new daughter, when he learned he had advanced bladder cancer. Doctors tell him he’s on borrowed time, but Nick is determined to live fully in every remaining moment. With wisdom and grace.
Charles talks to CNN chief medical correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta about making peace with old regrets, saying goodbye to friends and preparing his family – most of all his young daughter, Giovanna – for life without him in a special edition of SANJAY GUPTA MD that will air over Fathers’ Day Weekend, Saturday, June 18, and Sunday, June 19, at 7:30 a.m. ET.
A legendary sports anchor Charles perhaps best beloved by fans for his anchoring talents during boxing matches, in this moving and revealing excerpt, Charles meets with another legend from the world of boxing – his friend Mike Tyson, to talk about some of the lessons he’s still learning about living during this fight. http://cnnpressroom.blogs.cnn.com/2011/06/15/former-cnn-sports-anchor-nick-charles-talks-about-lessons-from-his-fight-for-life/