NICK Blackwell thinks that headlining a show live on terrestrial television proves just how far his career has career has sky-rocketed.

Trowbridge’s Blackwell achieved his dream of becoming British middleweight champion by bringing the rock-solid John Ryder to a halt at London’s O2 Arena in May and on July 25, the 24-year-old will defend his coveted strap against the unbeaten Damon Jones at the Derby Arena, with the fight broadcast live on Channel 5.

‘Bang Bang’ Blackwell’s stoppage triumph over Ryder may have come on a huge pay-per-view show but the Wiltshire star is keen to put on a show for the cameras when he steps into the ring with the 13-0 Jones.

“I’m going to be at the top of a bill on Channel 5 – it’s crazy when you think how far I’ve come,” said Blackwell, who is promoted by Hennessy Sports.

“Mick Hennessy asked me if I wanted to fight again quickly after the John Ryder fight and I said ‘yeah’. I could have waited until September but why wouldn’t I want to fight again?

“I didn’t show my best against John Ryder. It was a bad Nick Blackwell against a good John Ryder so I want to show people the real Nick Blackwell, especially because it’s on TV.”

Blackwell’s 22-year-old challenger Jones, from Leeds, won a senior ABA title aged just 17 and the Trowbridge man insists that he isn’t letting his status as the favoured fighter go to his head.

“I know that he had a really, really good amateur career and he’s another tricky southpaw,” said Blackwell, who is once again training under Gary Lockett in Cardiff in the lead-up to his next assignment.

“I’ve watched him and he’s never gone past six rounds before, so how is he going to cope with someone like me, who gets stronger and stronger as the rounds go on?

“But you have to treat every fight like a world title fight. I don’t really pay attention to people saying I’m the favourite because boxing can change with one punch.

“I’m training for Damon Jones just as hard as I did for John Ryder, maybe even harder.”