People forget he also beat Max Bursak in reality and floored him only to get robbed on points. I'm not sure if he can go to the next 'level' up to solid world class, I wouldn't write him off either though, 25 and learnt on the job and he is constantly improving, great coach behind him who gives him solid advice and bringing him along nicely. Currently he's one of my favourite fighters.
Indee Murph. Of course its impossible to say with so many prospects in UK and Ireland alone, how things will pan out for him. Luck is sooo important too. Nicks jab is a brutal weapon when he uses it - he really is becoming a vicious puncher recently. Mainly its footwork and head movement he needs to tighten up. His opponent last night fought out of his skin, was teak tough with a granite chin and is not being given credit here. I feel thats worth a mention. As for the moron who thinks nick lacks strength..:yikes...atsch
I don't see him at anywhere near his peak yet either. With all the respect in the world to Arnfield, Blackwell knew he could come in with impunity. Another year with Gary Lockett and I see a guy in Blackwell who could compete with the likes of Quillin or Lemieux.
In relation the the Bursak point, its all ifs and buts but he basically was getting rid of Khomitsky but for the fact they changed it to a 6 round fight. Honestly Khomitsky was blowing out of his ar*e and was feeling the shots.
In recent times moog, such luminaries as Zbik, Sylvestre, Geale, Barker and Lee to name just a few at middleweight have managed it. Are all of these guys so superior to Nick? Obviously luck plays a major part in it but...... Would it REALLY be such a shock if Blackwell manages it at some point.....?????
Be a history scripyt if nick won any form of world belt...even interim or regular. ...he was fighting in pubs with absolutely no amateur experience before he turned pro. ..its already a huge achievement winning British....and defending it 2 times
Euro level tops. Good engine, good fighter. But gets hit far too often. Would be tough for him at world level.
Thats 1 flaw - 1. The guys I mentioned all had multiple failings. Admittedly it was through luck more than anything else but they all picked up a belt a some stage. Why not Nick?