NICK Blackwell's manager has admitted he had to be talked into backing his protege to fight unbeaten Martin Murray for three titles in Wigan on Saturday.

West Midlands promoter PJ Rowson has overseen Blackwell in his eight professional fights to date and concedes he was concerned the Trowbridge fighter was taking on too much too soon.

Unbeaten Blackwell, 20, faces Murray, who has not lost in 22 fights, for the British, Commonwealth and WBA inter-continental titles at Wigan's Robin Park Sports Centre on Saturday night (from 10.15pm).

Rowson said: “I didn’t want this fight initially and when the opportunity came I thought long and hard.

“I put barriers up, but one by one we knocked them down when we talked about the fight so we took the offer.

“I could have got Nick another dozen wins against less demanding opponents, but what would he have learned?

“In the meantime, he begged for this chance and I am now of the opinion that we have nothing to lose.”

A coachis being run from Trowbridge to Wigan on Saturday for supporters wanting to see Blackwell in title fight action.

Details on the the coach, which is due to leave from outside Wetherspoon's, in Market Street, are available from in Wests Tackle shop in Roundstone Street, Trowbridge (01225 755472) or Blackwell's training base, the Contender Gym, in Church Street (01225 761166).

BUILD-UP TO THE FIGHT THROUGHOUT THE WEEK AND FULL FIGHT COVERAGE AND REACTION AT WILTSHIRETIMES.CO.UK, PLUS A SPECIAL FEATURE ON BLACKWELL IN FRIDAY'S WILTSHIRE TIMES.

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