Winning British title is just the start for super-feather Rose
Josh Rose…back in December. Picture: Boxxer/Chris Dean
IT’S been a frustrating and costly time for Josh Rose, the former stand-out amateur now making waves in the paid game.
The talented super-feather’s rise has been delayed by a torn tendon in his hand, an injury sustained during his last fight in March. That cost Josh the chance of a Midlands title fight with Callum Seedhouse, a clash put forward by the Board of Control.
After nine months on the sidelines, Acocks Green’s Rose returns with a six rounder on manager Anthony Manning’s December 12 show at Birmingham Conference and Events Centre. The 21-year-old, unbeaten in four, is itching to make up for lost time.
Not that he’s been idle during the break. Southpaw Josh, a two time national amateur champ, has helped Liam Davies prepare for his European featherweight title clash with Nathaniel Collins, sparring many rounds with the Telford star.
That’s more beneficial than a handful of run-out wins over journeymen.
Reflecting on the miserable months of recovery, Rose said: “It took four months of no punches for the hand to heal. Late June I was back in training and ticking over by mid-August.” He’s now again firing on all cylinders.
Josh, who by day clears streets of fly-tipping for the council, is eager to clean up the division and prepared to take risks. That’s why turning down the Seedhouse 10 rounder was such a tough decision.
“I know I can beat probably everyone,” he said, “but I couldn’t go in there risking it because of a stupid injury.
“Although I’ve had the time off, I’ve come back even better because I’ve done sparring with Liam Davies for all his camp. The experience was so valuable, the skill I took away from him is really showing through in my work – that’s given me an extra level. I got a lot of feedback from Liam and his dad.”
Josh, cousin of former British light-middle champ Brian Rose, wants it all. He’s a young man not lacking in confidence.
He added: “Next year when I’m 100 per cent I’m willing to take a risk because I know what I’m capable of. My mindset is, on my day there’s not one person on the planet who can beat me. That’s my mindset.
“What is the point of cruising through the pro ranks when you want to be the best? The British title is the starting point for me. When I get the Lonsdale Belt I’ll see that as the beginning.”