Middleweights Nick Blackwell and John Ryder went head-to-head this afternoon at a press conference in south London, just days before they collide at the O2 Arena on Saturday night (May 30) for the vacant British title.

Blackwell, 16-3-1 (6 KOs), spoke first and said, “I’m looking forward to it. I think our styles will really clash together and it will be one of the fights of the night. I’m a strong lad, he’s a strong lad, we’re both tough and fit. It’s going to be a good one.

“I’ve had losses, but I’ve always been in the away corner and I’ve been chucked in at the deep end. I’m not underestimating John. He’s a good fighter and I’ve got it all against me.”

The 20-1 (16 KOs) Ryder, meanwhile, the narrow favourite going into the contest, was similarly buoyant ahead of what constitutes the biggest test of his career so far.

“Since I started (boxing), that Lonsdale belt has been something I’ve wanted,” he said. “It would be an honour for me to win the British title.

“We’ve had a great camp, I’ve got my head down, I’m in great shape and I’m really looking forward to it. It makes a change to have an opponent that hasn’t pulled out. I’ve had eight or ten weeks working towards Nick. I’m really excited. We’ve got two great styles.”

Ryder vs. Blackwell, many people’s tip for a potential ‘Fight of the Year’, takes place this Saturday night (May 30) at London’s O2 Arena. It can also be watched on Sky Sports Box Office.