How hard is this one to say?! From what i know we have offense against defense here. I don't see a stoppage at all, Freddie had a great chin and i doubt he hit hard enough to stop Blackburn. I think Blacburn, who outpunched large foes would be able to punch his way to a nip and tuck decision where Freddie makes his case for the nod with countering that catches the eye.
Blackburn by tko - 17 : Welsh's workrate helps him early but Blackburn wears him down later in the fight and gets a ref stoppage on the ropes.
Based on his record and the fact that cus d'amato spoke of him as one of the greatest lightweights, gotta go with blackburn.
Blackburn constantly beats Welsh to the punch & is always one step ahead of the game Welsh. Finally Welsh is content to hear the final bell in the latter half of the fight. But the Ref. stops it inbetween rounds, at the start of the 18th.