Twenty-two-year-old Jones, unbeaten in 13 professional fights, tipped the scales at 11 stone 5lbs 5oz, while 24-year-old champion Blackwell, 17-3-1 (7 KOs), weighed 11 stone 5lbs 1oz.
Blackwell and Jones will contest the prestigious Lonsdale belt over a scheduled 12 rounds tomorrow evening at Derby Arena.
Trowbridge’s Blackwell won the British middleweight title in May at London’s sold-out O2 Arena with a stunning upset victory against Londoner John Ryder, live on Sky Sports Box Office. The pair went toe-to-toe for six-and-a-half rounds before Blackwell’s better fitness and strength saw him halt Ryder in a dramatic seventh round. Now champion, Blackwell intends to clean up the domestic scene before pursuing world honours.
Yorkshireman Jones, meanwhile, his first challenger, has barely put a foot wrong since turning professional in 2012. The six-foot southpaw won an English middleweight title eliminator against fellow unbeaten Grant Cunningham last time out and, at just 22 years of age, believes he’s ready to win top honours in Britain.
*** Tickets for Blackwell vs. Jones can be purchased from the Derby Arena Box Office on 01332 255800 or by visiting www.derbylive.co.uk ***
*** Blackwell vs. Jones will be televised live on Channel 5 on July 25 (10pm), while the supporting undercard will be televised live earlier in the evening (8pm) on Spike ***
