TROWBRIDGE puncher Nick Blackwell could have a big part to play in Carl Froch and Mikkel Kessler’s preparations for their blockbuster world super-middleweight re-match this summer.

‘Bang Bang’ Blackwell has been a regular sparring partner of three-time world champion Froch but Contender Gym trainer Mark Kent has revealed that his fighter has been in contact with Kessler’s camp with a view to stepping in to the practice ring with the Danish WBA title-holder ahead of his May 25 meeting with ‘The Cobra’ in London.

Blackwell, 22, who himself returns to the ring in front of his home crowd against Ruslans Pojonisevs at Trowbridge Civic Centre next month, has also begun to attract sparring partners to the Contender Gym and Kent says talk of sharpening his skills with Kessler is another sign of his growing reputation.

“There’s been talk of Nick going over to Denmark to spar with Kessler – they’ve asked for some videos of him to be sent over there and it would be great if it could happen,” he said.

“If it doesn’t, then I’m sure he’ll carry on being involved with Froch but it’s obviously exciting for him.

“We’ve started having some good people come down to our gym to spar with Nick.

“Tony Costello is fighting for the English (middleweight) title against Danny Butler and he’s been in with Nick and we’ve had Jamie Cox (Swindon’s former Commonwealth light middleweight champion) too.

“He’s going to be in with tough heavyweights like Michael Sprott and John McDermott as well.”

Kent confirmed that Blackwell’s appearance on the undercard of Billy Joe Saunders’ British title defence against Matthew Hall next month wouldn’t be coming to fruition.

He added: “Nick isn’t going to be fighting on that one anymore but there are going to be contracts signed with one of the big promoters soon.”

The Civic Hall bill takes place on March 2 and will also feature Contender Gym fighters Gareth Heard and Dan Blackwell, as well as debutants Jono Price and Luke Martin.