By Terence Dooley

Mick Hennessy brought the press together in London yesterday for the final press conference before British middleweight champion Nick Blackwell’s defence against Chris Eubank Junior, which takes place at the Wembley Arena and will be shown on Channel 5 here in the U.K.

Hughie Fury (18-0, 10 KOs) will provide heavyweight support on the undercard, he meets American's Dominic Guinn (35-10-1, 24 early) over 10 rounds as he bids to open his 2016 slate with a win over the American, who has never been stopped.

“This is the fight nobody thought would happen,” said Hennessy, referring to Blackwell-Eubank.  “No fight compares to this.  It's the best fight in world boxing.  This fight will be technical in places but very explosive.

“We also have Hughie, he's a special talent and will do what his cousin has done—take the heavyweight division by storm.”

“Let's get it on Saturday night,” declared Guinn.  “I'm trying to put my name back in the mix.  I'm not done yet.  I'm here to knock him the fuck out.”

“I can't wait to get in the ring and show what I'm all about,” stated Fury.  “This is a big fight for me.  I'm not underestimating my opponent.  Team Fury is on a buzz and we've got to keep it going.

“Tyson has achieved his world title and he's worked hard for it.  I'll do the same.  It's frustrating.  We've tried to get good opponents and they've pulled out.  I'm willing to fight anyone.  I'm a fighting man.

“When [Nagy] Aguilera fell through, we gave Dominick the chance,” said Peter Fury, Hughie’s father and trainer.  “It's a good fight, a good test.  We don't want any stiffs for Hughie.  We wanted someone who hasn't been stopped and we've got that.

He added: “I'm looking forward to seeing Hughie step up to a new level.  He could fight for a world title tomorrow, but we're looking at six fights this year.  He'll fight for a world title in 2017.”

As for the main event, Eubank Junior (21-1, 16 KOs) seems to view this as a procession to, rather than a fight for, the British title, but trainer Ronnie Davies told the press that they have put the hours in.

He said: “Preparation has been great as always.  He's put the rounds in and put the work in. His weight is fine.  Blackwell's very good.  He's not going to win, but he's a lovely boy.”

Eubank Senior also had his say, warning his son that Blackwell (19-3-1, 8 KOs) will raise his game come the first bell.  “Nick Blackwell will be three or four percent better than he's ever been,” he predicted.

“I know he's been training with an intensity to step in the ring with Junior.  Junior is obsessed.  I know Nick has applied his focus, but that will never trump obsession.  For the last 10 years his work ethic has been remarkable.  This is legacy for us.  This is legacy for him.  Tradition for us.  The best man will win.

“He (Blackwell) will have to be on his game.  It's going to be a very interesting contest.  Some say he (Eubank Junior) punches in bunches, and has a speed you'd liken to Roy Jones Junior and a darkness you'd liken to James Toney.

“You can't punch for 12 rounds non stop,” he said, referring to Blackwell.  “He (Eubank Junior) can.  We have two stand up guys who are going to year each other apart.  I think it's going to be very interesting.  We are solid.  We are English.  We are gentlemen.  We are very good for this game.  We put our lives on the line for this game.  We are real.  The referee has to guard you.  That's my view as a former participant of note.”

“(Danny) Jacobs will get his soon enough, I've always wanted to become a British champion,” stated Eubank Junior.  “I've been training like a man possessed.  Nothing will stop me Saturday night.  It's a very important fight for me.  The British title means a lot.  I'm here to further my career and climb the ladder.  Nick Blackwell is just the guy in my way.  I just want the man's belt.

“He's basic.  There's nothing exciting about him.  He's very bland.  Nothing excites me about this, only the British title.  It won't go any further than right rounds.  Nick doesn't have the personality to do that.  He doesn't excel and get people talking about boxing.  I'm going to take you out, win your belt and move on to bigger and better things.”

Blackwell was nonplussed, vowing to derail the Eubank hype train using his experience and desire before kicking on with his own career.  “They're trying to get under my skin on Twitter,” he said.

“It's not personal.  He thinks it's an easy fight and he's in for a massive shock.  I've also been obsessed and training hard for ten years.  And I've had it hard.  You've had it easy.  Who have you fought?

“The Eubanks try to get in your head, but I laugh it off.  It's hilarious.  It's just me and him in the ring on Saturday night.  I think you're stuck up your own arse and it's boring.”

Keen to shoehorn in the final work, Eubank offered Blackwell his entire purse if the champion can get him to quit on Saturday night before the presser was brought to an end.

Both men made weight at the first time of asking during Friday's weigh-in.  Blackwell scaled 159.25lbs and Eubank hit the 159.6lbs mark, so both men are on point and ready for business.

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