BRITISH boxing legend Ricky Hatton has backed three of west Wiltshire’s undefeated professional boxers by showing their fights live through his company Hatton Promotions.

The former two-weight world champion – nicknamed The Hitman – will show the fights of Nick Blackwell of Trowbridge, Melksham’s Liam Richards and Gareth Heard, of Bradford on Avon on his website www.brandhatton.com/tv when they take to the ring at Trowbridge Civic Hall tonight.

It is not yet clear whether Hatton, who has watched Blackwell box before and regularly attends bills promoted by his company, will be among the spectators himself.

The unbeaten boxers are all trained by Mark Kent, who owns Contender Gym in Church Street, Trowbridge.

He said: “It’s great for the guys that Hatton Promotions have backed the fight.

“It’s great for the town to have professional boxing back. We haven’t had anybody since Scott Spencer (now a coach at the Contender Gym) a few years back.”

Middleweight Blackwell, 19, who is unbeaten in three fights, was due to box Swansea’s Gary Cooper but the Welshman pulled out on Monday through illness.

Blackwell will now take on experienced pro Darren Gethin, but is still confident of victory “Having a different opponent won’t affect me because I train the same for each fight,’’ he said.

“I’ve learnt from my last two fights in particular and hopefully I’ll be better on Friday night.

“It’s great to fight in your home town with all the crowd behind you.”

Fighters have to be aged 20 before they can challenge for the British championship and manager PJ Rowson is convinced Blackwell could be in title contention by then.

“My manager wants me to fight for the south west title and English title when I’m 20 and then I guess I’ll go for British, European and then hopefully world,” Blackwell added.

Meanwhile, 22-year-old Richards will fight Steve Gethin, brother of Darren, who lost to world champion Amir Khan four years ago, on the same bill.

“I think Liam is going to shine on Friday night. He’s been sparring very well and because of his size he’s very awkward and hard to hit,” Kent said.

“He always seems to impress the promoters and managers.”

Heard, 26, will also step into the ring tonight against newly-turned professional Liam Power, from Paignton.

Tickets are available from Trowbridge Civic Hall on 01225 762439 or from the Contender Gym on 01225 761166.

There will also be tickets available on the door for £35 or the event is pay per view at www.brandhatton.com.

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