BATTLING binman Joshua Rose has clinched a fight on a major televised show after just two bouts.
The lightning fast southpaw – managed by Anthony Manning, trained by Gary Turner – will box on Boxxer’s major Saturday, November 29, show at the Valiant Live arena, Derby.
Topped by the British heavyweight title fight between Frazer Clarke and TKV, the event is a rarity – it’s been shown on BBC2.
“I’m excited, very excited,” said Birmingham’s Rose, a former outstanding amateur. “In one way, it’s been a long time coming, in another it’s a bit earlier than expected because some lads who are in the same process won’t get it until a few fights down the line.”
Featherweight Rose, who made his debut last December, will be taking part in his first six rounder. In the opposite corner will be tough Mexican Jorge Luis Huerta Balleza.
Joshua was to have fought on manager Manning’s show at Birmingham’s Eastside Rooms on November 23, so was ready to go when the Derby date came through last Friday.
“I feel like I deserve it,” he said. “I put the work in, I do the day job, train twice a day and spar big, talented men like Danny Quartermaine, Liam Davies, Dennis McCann and Brandon Bethell.”
Because of his amateur pedigree – two national titles, Three Nations bronze, two international golds and eight Midlands titles – Rose has been matched competitively. His pro debut victory over Caine Singh was a real barnstormer.
He wouldn’t want it any other way. “Everyone wants easy fights,” Joshua told me, “but I know the process needed to get to the top and I believe the fights I’ve had have helped me get on telly. The fighters I’ve faced have gone on to win down the line.”
Rose has no doubt the “process” he’s following will lead to major honours. “One hundred percent. I’m only 20 so I’m not rushing, but if the opportunity comes around, I’m ready for it, I’ll take it.”
Interestingly, the Balleza bout will see Rose move up in weight to super-feather. Tall, lean and still filling out, I always felt his featherweight days were numbered. “I believe in a year or two I’ll be a lightweight,” he admitted.
One thing’s for sure, Rose will enjoy noisy support on November 29. “The whole depot’s going,” he added.
The depot is Lifford Lane recycling centre – and on Monday morning, its binmen may still be nursing hangovers.
