LUKE Blackledge admits he was tempted by a big money offer to fight in Nigeria – but the Darwen boxer is glad he rejected it after landing a ‘dream’ fight for the Commonwealth title in Blackburn.

Blackledge will fight Sheffield’s Liam Cameron for the vacant Commonwealth belt at King George’s Hall on April 4, after it originally looked like he might have to travel to Africa if he wanted to challenge.

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The 24-year-old was offered a bout with Isaac Ekpo in Nigeria but turned it down following talks with his team, who then managed to secure a title fight in Blackburn against Cameron.

Blackledge has twice fought in Denmark in the past and was willing to travel to Africa, but the Blackburn Rovers fan is delighted that he will instead be able to fight for the Commonwealth bout in East Lancashire.

Blackburn had not hosted professional boxing of any kind since the 1970s before it returned to King George’s Hall in September.

“I got offered a massive title fight in Nigeria for a lot of money and as a fighter I want to do it,” said the super middleweight, who is trained by Alex Matvienko in Bolton.

“I was well up for it, I was buzzing, but my coach wasn’t. I had a sit down with my team and they talked me out of it.

“They said it wasn’t the best for me, they said to keep waiting and you’ll get a big fight in the UK and that’s what’s happened.

“To get it in my own town is unbelievable. There has never been a Commonwealth title fight around this area and for me to be fighting for that and winning it in my home town would be unbelievable. It would be a dream come true.

“I always wanted to fight at Ewood Park for the world title and now I’ve got a Commonwealth title fight in Blackburn.

“A year ago I would have never even considered that I’d be fighting for the Commonwealth title in Blackburn.”

Matvienko said: “If you go to Africa you’re going into another country and the boxing is probably not as professional as this country.

“Now we’ve got the fight in his back yard, and we don’t have to go to another country and box in that climate.

“He’s got the opportunity to fight in front of all of his fans and hopefully get Blackburn behind him.”

Blackledge has been sparring with Rocky Fielding, who defeated him on his only previous Commonwealth title challenge two years ago.

He also recently turned down a short-notice offer to fly to the United States and fight Andre Dirrell, who is now set to face James DeGale for the world title.

Blackledge has secured a victory on each of the two bills at King George’s Hall in the last six months, and hopes he can make it three out of three in front of a big crowd.

“The first time they did a fight in Blackburn I fought for the WBC interim title and the place sold out,” he said. “I had loads of support there, it was unbelievable.

“I got offered the chance to go to America to fight Dirrell as well. They offered me a 10-rounder over there, using me as a stepping stone for a world title.

“I was up for that too but my team talked me out of it.

“Long term for me is not to go to America or Nigeria, the best thing for me is to stay at home, win this Commonwealth title and go from there.

“It’s about building and building a fanbase.”