MARTIN MURRAY hopes to wrap a third major title belt around his waist after his showdown against Nick Blackwell was sanctioned for the vacant British middleweight title.

The unbeaten St Helens boxer will also be putting his Commonwealth championship on the line when he tackles Blackwell at Robin Park Arena, Wigan on Saturday June 18.

It is an amazing opportunity for Trowbridge’s Blackwell who has won all eight professional contests and will be aged just 20 years 234 days old on fight day.

Victory would make him one of the youngest ever British champions with the record currently held by Hatton Promotions world class light-middleweight Ryan Rhodes, who was just three weeks past his 20th birthday when he won a Lonsdale belt in 1986.

Blackwell became the youngest ever English champion, when he was still 19 back in November outpointing Harry Matthews.

He has just returned from sparring with in Germany with Super Six semi-finalist Arthur
Abraham.Trainer Mark Kent said: “We think we’re ready. People think Nick has a lack of experience, but everybody who Nick has been sparring with is impressed.

“It’s what he wants and I am confident he will be too quick for Murray. Everybody wants the British title and this will set him up.”Murray, 28, also holds the WBA inter-continental crown.

He won that title last year, stopping Carlos Nascimento inside three rounds and defended it last month with a fourth round win over John Carvalho.

The bill will be televised live on Sky Sports and among the galaxy of Hatton Promotions prospects on the undercard including Olympic star Joe Murray.Tickets for this big night of title action are available £35, £55 (Ringside) and £75 VIP Ringside, www.brandhatton.com /0844 847 2500/0161 775 7500

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