TROWBRIDGE’S Dan Blackwell warmed up for tomorrow night’s bill at the Civic Centre by claiming his first knockout victory at London’s famous York Hall.

The 20-year-old, brother of two-time British challenger Nick, was outpointed by Albanian Festim Lama in June but it was a different story last Friday as Blackwell stopped his 23-year-old opponent in the third round, landing a punishing right hand before sending Lama sprawling to the canvas with a left hook.

The Contender Gym puncher takes on Sheffield’s Dean Walker tomorrow night and is hoping to put on a better show at the Civic Centre than when he was beaten by Andrejs Loginovs in only his fourth professional bout last year.

“I don't think I’ll be going to Albania any time soon. (Lama’s) supporters didn't seem too pleased with me because it definitely wasn’t in the script,” said Blackwell.

“I knew he could punch but he loads up with every shot and when we boxed before he was puffing by the third round.

“I was nervous (when I fought Loginovs) but I’ve had a lot of fights since - I’m more confident and want to put on a show.”

Heavyweight Hughie Fury, cousin of former British and Commonwealth heavyweight title-holder Tyson Fury, has pulled out of tomorrow’s show after picking up a knuckle injury in his victory over Hrvoje Kisicek earlier this month.

Malmesbury’s former ABA light-welterweight champion Joe Hughes (6-1) steps up to welterweight to take on experienced journeyman William Warburton, from Lancashire, whilst Bath middleweight Mike Rose (4-0) is in action against Liam Griffiths.

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