He also seems to lack for power, judging by the low number of knockout wins in his career. The clash with Blackwell will be his first 12-round contest-the challenger has never before been beyond the 10th. However, there are two areas of concern for Arnfield, who turned pro in 2007 but did not fight between October 2009 and March 2012, heading into the biggest fight of his career so far. He bounced back from that loss with a dominant display against the Lithuanian Sajauka in an eight-rounder in October. His only defeat as a professional came in the semi-final of a Prizefighter tournament, as he came out on the wrong end of a split decision after a three-round battle with Cello Renda. I wanted to be ready if the chance came along.Īrnfield's record suggests he's more than just a late substitute who will only last a few rounds. I have stayed in shape because I knew there was a chance something like this could happen. I've been back in the gym, working hard, enjoying it and this is the best time for an opportunity like this to come along. I've had some rough spots but these past 12 months have been great. I've been working toward an opportunity like this my whole career. The 26-year-old from Blackpool, England, had remained busy in the gym following his recent win over Deividas Sajauka, telling Hennessy Sports: Opportunity knocks for Arnfield (19-1, 4 KOs) after he accepted the offer to face Blackwell at short notice. Hennessy Sports November 14, LIVE on from 10pm. He will be loath to let it slip from his grasp-three successful defences allows a British champion to keep the coveted title. Now, however, Blackwell finally has his hands on the Lonsdale strap. He missed out on the two former belts again in 2012, losing on points to Billy Joe Saunders. In just his ninth professional bout, he took on Martin Murray for the British and Commonwealth titles, as well as the WBA intercontinental title. He has been in with some good fighters at middleweight too. I always make sure my training is going to be harder than the fight, and that's what I've done." Having caused something of an upset by beating Ryder at the O2 Arena in London earlier this year, Blackwell was equally impressive in dealing with Damon Jones in July.Īhead of his second defence, Blackwell has been sparring with reigning IBF super middleweight world champion James "Chunky" DeGale.Ĭhunky is preparing for a big bout of his own-he heads out to Canada to defend his crown against former titleholder Lucian Bute on November 28.īlackwell said of facing DeGale, per BBC Wiltshire: "Sparring with someone better than you makes you feel good. The 25-year-old, nicknamed Bang Bang, has not lost in more than two years, is the reigning British champion and is ranked in the top 15 by the WBC. Ben Hoskins/Getty Imagesīlackwell (18-3-1, 8 KOs) has never backed down from a challenge, so facing someone new at short notice won't worry him too much. Nick Blackwell in action against John Ryder in May.
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