Luke Blackledge on a mission in 2015
by Dan Black
With Christmas and New Year just around the corner, Clitheroe fighter Luke Blackledge has already set the resolution of further decorating his career.
The 24-year-old doesn’t need tinsel, baubles or home-made tree-toppers to provide the glitz over the festive period, particularly when the British Masters, International Masters and the WBC International Silver straps adorn his home. But that’s just the start. Blackledge had been promised gifts of an English title fight against Jahmaine Smyle and a second shot at the Commonwealth belt against Ghanaian Charles Adamu – though neither materialised. That, however, has exacerbated Blackledge’s hunger with Chris Eubank Jnr, Frank Buglioni and Callum Smith already in his sights for 2015.
“I definitely want to fight for the Commonwealth again next year,” he said. “There’s a few names I’d want to test myself against – Frank Buglioni, Chris Eubank Jnr and Callum Smith. They would be great fights.
“I’ve put myself back in contention to take those fights now and I’m at that level. I’ve got a good chance against anybody in the top 10. “With the right training camp I could get in there with any super-middleweight. I’m up for those fights and they are what the public want to see.”
The current calendar year looks set to culminate in uncertain fashion now. With just days until his 22nd professional bout at Blackburn King George’s Hall, Blackledge was still unsure of the foe that would be stood in the opposite corner. “I’m feeling okay, though to be honest the preparations haven’t been the best,” said Blackledge, who put the Blackburn Rovers squad through their paces at Brockhall recently. “I’ve picked up injuries and we’ve had problems finding an opponent. I still haven’t got one now so that’s not helped.
“There were talks of the English title but I’ll hopefully be defending my WBC belt. At this rate though it might just end up being an eight round bout. Nobody in the UK wants to take the fight.
“I still feel fit though. I’ve still had a good training camp and I’m ready to fight 10 rounds. I’m looking forward to picking up another good win to end the year. Next year I want big title fights on Sky Sports.”