BLACKPOOL boxer Brian Rose is to have his eagerly-awaited next fight in the resort this spring as he embarks on the pathway from domestic dominance to world level.
The British light-middleweight champion will have his first contest of 2013 at the Winter Gardens in the resort on April 20 when he tops the bill.
There will be the added attraction of Lytham’s unbeaten Scott Cardle on the same Matchroom bill – the promotion will be shown live on Sky Sports, a welcome development for Rose, who craves the national spotlight to display his talents which have seen him claim the Lonsdale Belt outright.
Rose’s opponent will be announced at a press conference in Blackpool next week.
It will be Rose’s first fight since his tie-up with promoter Eddie Hearn, while Cardle will have his first title bout
The bill – a Saturday evening show – will mark the start of an exciting new journey for Rose, who is looking to leave the domestic scene behind as he chases world glory.
Rose, who last fought at the Winter Gardens in December to make his third defence of the British title, said: “Some of the best times of my career were fighting on Sky Sports and I am glad to be able to fight on Sky again.
“Every boxer, especially British champions, wants to be fighting on Sky Sports.
“I have seen these Matchroom bills on Sky Sports and I have been to a couple and they are brilliant – they are well put on shows and I am eager to be on those bills.
“It is something I can’t wait to do.
“I love fighting in front of a home crowd at the Winter Gardens and I am always grateful for the tremendous support I have when I fight there.
“To do it live on Sky Sports at the top of an exciting bill will be great.”
Rose said that now was the time to be broadening his boxing horizons.
He said: “At British level I have kind of cleared up. I have had four British title fights and it is a lot but I wanted to own that belt outright.
“Now that I own the belt outright I want to move on.”
Rose joined Hearn’s Matchroom stable last month and his new promoter is promising an exciting bill on the Fylde coast.
Hearn said: “I’m thrilled to start Brian’s journey with us in his hometown on April 20.
“He has a huge fan base in Blackpool and we are planning a special night of boxing in the town.
“We are looking to move Brian on to the world scene and fans can expect a tough, respected international opponent.
“The show will carry an impressive co-feature event as well as local rising star Scotty Cardle in his first title bout.
“Matchroom young guns Kal Yafai, Callum Smith and Tom Stalker will also be in action on the packed card.”
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