Anthony Fowler will be looking to rebound with a vengeance against Blackpool’s former world title challenger Brian Rose on Friday night at the Exhibition Centre in Liverpool, Merseyside.
Rose, nicknamed the ‘Lion’, was originally scheduled to be facing Fowler’s conqueror Scott Fitzgerald in what would constitute a highly-anticipated Lancashire showdown, before the Preston native was forced to withdraw from the contest after sustaining an injury.
In stepped Fowler at relatively short notice, and he will certainly be looking to get his career back on track under the guidance of trainer Dave Coldwell, after suffering his sole professional setback in his last fight to Fitzgerald at the Echo Arena in March.
Fitzgerald – a significant underdog – outpointed Fowler in an intriguing and closely fought contest, dropping the hometown favourite in the final round to win via split-decision, thereby putting himself in prime position to challenge Ted Cheeseman for the British light-middleweight championship.
However, before challenging Cheeseman or even European champion Sergio Garcia, Fitzgerald had set his sights on fighting Rose in an interesting local derby that would have pitted undefeated prospect against seasoned veteran, before injury struck.
Fowler now has the opportunity to return to winning ways whilst also making a statement against a well-respected name in the division. Rose, meanwhile, will be looking to spring a surprise by inflicting Fowler with his second defeat and reasserting his own relevance in the thriving British light-middleweight scene.
It is also important to note that a victory over Fowler means that a potential future showdown with Fitzgerald would carry even more weight. However, ultimately, expect Fowler to soundly dominate his counterpart before halting him around the midway point.
Robbie Davies Jr and Lewis Ritson also feature on the card in respective outings against opponents to be announced, en route to a potential clash at light-welterweight later this year.
North-East native Ritson, who at one point was described as the “Geordie Golovkin”, amassed an impressive record at lightweight – displaying devastating punching power in successive victories over Scott Cardle and Patrick Hyland – before suffering a frustrating setback against Francisco Patera last year.
Congolese heavyweight Martin Bakole also features, having recently inked a promotional deal with Matchroom, alongside undefeated super-bantamweight prospect Qais Ashfaq in addition to undefeated bantamweight hopeful Sean McGoldrick.
Also on the card is English middleweight champion Jack Cullen, who will be defending his title against John Harding Jr.
Article by: Navi Singh
Follow Navi on Twitter at: @DarkMan________