Nick Blackwell Remains British Champion, Andrew Selby Shines in Bristol

Nick Blackwell moved a step closer to securing a Lonsdale belt for keeps, as the British middleweight champion defeated Jack Arnfield in Bristol, England, on Saturday night.

Making the second defence of his crown, Blackwell knocked down his opponent in Round 5 at the City Academy Sports Centre.

However, Arnfield—who had taken the fight at short notice as a late replacement for the injured Elliott Matthews—managed to make it through to the final bell.

In fact, the challenger did more than just survive for 12 rounds.

Roared on by a raucous group of fans who had made the journey down with Arnfield from his home in Blackpool, the underdog turned in an impressive display that could open doors for him in the future.

Blackwell, though, was a unanimous winner on the cards. The scores were 117-110, 117-111 and 115-112 in his favour.

Here Bleacher Report picks out some of the major talking points from a cracking domestic bout.

Entertaining Stuff

Blackwell is always good value. Win, lose or draw (and he’s done all three in his professional career), he entertains the audience.

It does him no harm to appear on free television. Viewers of Channel 5 were treated to another bout where the ultra-fit Blackwell was willing to take a shot to get one in himself.

Bang Bang is more than just a brawler, but he is at his best when on the front foot looking to explode with a plethora of punches. 

The taller Arnfield (he is 6'2", compared to Blackwell at 5'10") made it hard work to get in close.

But, when he was able to shorten the gap, Blackwell impressively mixed up his attacks.

He loves to throw hooks and can sometimes be a bit wild. However, it was one such shot—a left hook—that landed under Arnfield’s ribs and caused the knockdown in the fifth round.

Blackwell (19-3-1, 8 KOs) was unable to force the stoppage, but the judges rightly rewarded his aggression.

The fighter from Trowbridge, England, admitted on Twitter afterward there was still room for improvement:

How Far Can Blackwell Go?

Ben Hoskins/Getty Images

Blackwell is now just one more successful defence away from owning a famous Lonsdale strap forever. However, both he and promoter Mick Hennessy will have eyes on bigger prizes.

Frenchman Michel Soro is the current European champion, while Blackwell was ranked in the top 15 with the WBC prior to his latest bout, per FightNews.com.

The 25-year-old is a better fighter now than when he suffered losses to Martin Murray and Billy Joe Saunders earlier in his career.

Murray has fought for a world title three times at middleweight (losing on each occasion), while Saunders should finally face WBO champion Andy Lee on December 19.

There is no reason to think Blackwell cannot earn a shot at a major world belt, too.

That, though, may be a little way off just yet. He is still a work in progress under the guidance of trainer Gary Lockett.

However, Blackwell has traits that suggest he could go further than just the domestic level. He has the heart needed to come through tough moments, a willingness to work hard in the gym and a nonstop motor that makes him a difficult foe to deal with.

There are plenty of good options for future opponents at home and abroad. Anthony Ogogo was at ringside, working for Channel 5—could he be a potential foe for Blackwell in 2016?

Winner in Defeat

Arnfield’s display in defeat was impressive enough even before you take into account he had accepted the title fight with less than a fortnight to prepare.

He was at least in fighting shape, having been in action on October 24.

Still, with all due respect to previous opponent Deividas Sajauka, Blackwell was a tough test on such short notice.

Arnfield (19-2, 4 KOs) did all he could to cause an upset. Using his height advantage, the 26-year-old jabbed with accuracy and intent. He also had success with the right uppercut when the fighters were in close proximity to each other.

But, crucially, he could not stem the champion’s forward march. A career record of four knockouts suggested he lacked for power, and so it proved.

When Blackwell did take a good shot, he responded with a wry smile. It was a small sign of respect for the punch but also an acknowledgment that it hadn’t done any real damage.

Arnfield also paid at times for being lazy with the jab. When he flicked it out with a lack of conviction, Blackwell would counter with a big right hand.

Still, Arnfield weathered the knockdown and completed 12 rounds for the first time.

When the final bell sounded, his small band of noisy fans launched tangerine scarves (one of the colours connected with Blackpool FC) toward the ring. They had no need to make a splash—their fighter’s performance in the ring had made enough of an impression on the evening.

Several in the sport took to Twitter to praise Arnfield:

Selby Shines

Andrew Selby may be in the shadow of his brother, IBF featherweight champion Lee Selby, but that may not be the case for much longer.

The former Great Britain amateur moved to 2-0 at the start of his professional career with a second-round stoppage of previously unbeaten Hungarian Jozsef Ajtai.

Jamie Sanigar—Selby’s promoter—captured the finish at ringside:

It was a routine win for the talented flyweight, who is in a hurry for success in the paid ranks.

Selby, who turns 27 on Christmas Day, told Channel 5 after the bout (h/t BBC Sport), "After 10 fights I want to go for a world title."

The Welshman—who won a silver medal at the 2011 World Amateur Championships—will look to make rapid progress in 2016.

Sibling Lee fought for a world title in his 22nd fight, but Andrew won't want to wait that long for his big chance.