Carslaw aims for British honours

Paisley’s Kris Carslaw returns to action this Saturday as he takes on Brian Rose for the British Light Middleweight Championship. The switch-hitting Scot, who suffered his only career loss against Matthew Hall in November last year, challenges the Blackpool fighter in Manchester’s Bowler’s Arena live on Sky Sports.

‘Training camp has gone great’ said Carslaw. ‘I have taken four weeks off work so I can train full time. I’ve been up in Edinburgh sparring with John Thain which was great. We’ve been doing a variety of different techniques in the gym rather than sticking to one, so I’ll be ready for everything Rose brings on Saturday.’

A British Title fight seemed to have passed him by after the close points loss to Hall. During the fight, Carslaw suffered a broken hand, as well as a broken jaw (the second of his short career), with many fearing the 27 year old would hang up the gloves for good. But Carslaw never contemplated retirement. ‘It was never in my mind to stop boxing because the British Title is something I have always aimed towards and wouldn’t give up so easily’ he said. ‘The Hall fight was my biggest fight to date, but I feel that it has given me the confidence to take on Rose. Rose is a great fighter and has earned his place in the boxing world, but I feel this is now my time, I am in the best shape of my life and I am confident of a winning outcome.’

When asked if being the underdog would phase him come fight night, Carslaw remained defiant, and draws inspiration from his opponent’s recent good form. ‘Rose has a similar sort of story to me because a lot of people started to write me off after the Matt Hall fight. It has definitely given me the belief that I can achieve what I want to achieve if I have the determination and tactics to do so. Anything is possible.’

‘Winning the title would be a dream come true for me, it’s something I have always wanted to achieve and I am thankful for the chance to fight for a great title. If I won the Lonsdale belt it would put me into the elite group of boxers in Britain.’

The attitude of the Paisley native cannot be faulted. While Rose is on a good run of form and is the solid favourite going in, he doesn’t punch as hard, nor is he as physically strong, as Matthew Hall. Carslaw, himself not a murderous puncher, may give the champion trouble with his southpaw style early on, and his ability to switch hit could frustrate the Blackpool fighter down the stretch.

On the undercard, former Ricky Burns conqueror, Carl Johanneson looks to get his career back on track by taking on Chris Goodwin over 10 rounds in a rematch of the pair’s March encounter, while Cruiserweight Danny Price looks to maintain his unbeaten record against Ugandan Moses Matovu.

 

I think because Hall chose to fight Sam Webb, or was forced to fight him.

I tried mate, I really did

 

I dunno. Hall is a very good tough pressure fighter which kind of caused Kris problems. Rose is a different kind of fighter altogether

 

That's very simplistic for you :hey

I like him too. He impressed me a lot against Prince