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The 36-year-old claimed a points victory against Clavero Lopez in Barcelona on Saturday night.

It was Rose’s first bout since losing on points to Anthony Fowler in August 2019.

The former British title holder, who now has 32 victories from his 39 fights, hopes his successful return will lead to a bigger fight further down the line.

“I’m happy with my performance,” Rose told The Gazette.

“I felt a bit sluggish and ring rusty at times, but I was the heaviest I’ve ever been because I didn’t have much time to prepare. I will be lighter and sharper for the next one though.

“We drove here, so to make such a long trip to fight someone in his own backyard hundreds of miles away was always going to be a tough ask. But I’ve come through it.

'The Lion' is now hoping to move onto bigger and better things after making his return

“I was in a dark place a couple of months ago, so for me to drag myself out of the hole I was in to get fit again and get a win is an achievement in itself.

“I got through the fight with no cuts, so I’m going to stay in camp now and I’m positive a massive opportunity will come.

“Onto bigger and better things now.”

Rose dedicated his win to amateur coach Andy Sumner, who passed away last year after contracting the coronavirus.

Rose claimed the 32nd victory of his career

‘The Lion’ came under his wing as a boy and under his tutelage progressed to England amateur honours.

That laid the groundwork for a stellar career as a professional as Rose became British light-middleweight champion, winning the Lonsdale Belt outright and challenging for a version of the world title in New York.

An emotional Rose led the tributes to a man he called his “second father”.

“He did so much, not just for me but the majority of decent boxers from Blackpool,” the middleweight added.

“I love the man to bits, if it wasn’t for him I wouldn’t have been in the ring. We’ve only just lost him to Covid, so this win is for him and his family.”

Fellow Blackpool boxer Ed Harrison was also on the bill, losing on points to Spaniard Frank Urquiaga.

It was the 26-year-old’s second fight in as many weeks, having been beaten by Tyson Fury’s cousin Isaac Lowe in Bolton on March 12.

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Blackpool boxer Brian Rose wins on his long-awaited return to the ring - and dedicates victory to amateur coach Andy Sumner