VIP Boxing Press Release - Rose Ready For Webb

ROSE READY FOR WEBB

Fight fans are being urged to sit tight in their seats, batten down the hatches and prepare for an absolute barnstormer at the Blackpool Winter Gardens on December 14, when Brian Rose defends his British light-middleweight title in a grudge match against Sam Webb on VIP Promotions’ ‘Fighting for Keeps’ card.

Local man Rose, 27, with the added incentive of winning the Lonsdale Belt outright if he defeats Webb, knows the Londoner represents a tough challenge.

With just two defeats in 20 bouts, Sam is a former British champion who enters the contest on the back of a good win over Manchester puncher Matthew Hall. The 31-year-old also brings a well-earned reputation as a man who can both box and fight, evidenced by his thrilling 2011 war with Prince Arron when he battled through a perforated ear drum before yielding his domestic crown in the final round.

Rose and Webb used to get on but boxing politics, and some bitter exchanges between the pair, have since soured their relationship. ‘The Lion’, then, would like nothing better than to make the third successful defence of his Lonsdale Belt against Webb and, although he is envisaging his toughest career test, is still confident of producing a knockout performance for the home crowd.

“On paper it’s a 50-50 fight,” stated Brian, who picked up the sixth early finish of his 23 fight career when he crushed former world champion Vivian Harris in three rounds in October.

“He’s been there and done it and I’ve got a lot of respect for Sam Webb in terms of what he’s done in the sport and the kind of fighter he is, but I haven’t got a lot of respect for the way he’s spoken about me and the opponents I’ve faced.

“It should be one of the fights of the year; it’s going to be cracking. It’s definitely my toughest fight, and the pressure of defending my title in Blackpool, and it’s for keeps this time, adds to it. He’s got the best record I’ve ever been in with, and he’s been there and done it.

“I’m punching harder though. I know for a fact I’ve been hurting sparring partners, and I know I’m going to hurt Sam Webb at some point, and when I do I’m going to jump on him and stop him.

“This should be a televised bill; it’s daft that it’s not on TV. It’s a great undercard so anyone that hasn’t got a ticket; don’t miss out because you won’t get it on telly. Get out of the house and come and watch a really good night of boxing.”

“I really believe this could be one of those fights we’ll talk about for years to come,” said promoter Steve Wood.

“British boxing has just witnessed a fantastic contest between Anthony Crolla and Kieran Farrell, in which Kieran has thankfully come out OK, and I think this fight could be even better.

“Both are technically very good, neither has one punch knockout power, we know Sam can get drawn into a scrap, and there’s needle between them, so all the ingredients are there for a potential fight of the year. This is a fight not to be missed, and I’m proud of the show we’re putting on.”

Please note: The public weigh-in for the show will be held at 2pm on Thursday December 13 at the Winter Gardens, with a following press conference to be held at Blackpool’s G Casino at 4pm.

‘Fighting for Keeps’ will be at the Blackpool Winter Gardens on Friday December 14. Headlining will be hometown fighter Brian Rose defending his British light-middleweight title against Londoner Sam Webb. The quality undercard includes Blackpool’s Jack Arnfield; Manchester’s Terry Flannigan; Middleton’s ****** Tansey; Colne’s Shayne ‘The Pain’ Singleton; Lancaster’s Tomi Tatham; Southport’s Scott Moonan; Heywood’s Mark Thompson; Chorley’s Jack Caterall, and Lancashire’s Isaac Lowe.

Tickets, priced at £40 (General), £50.00 (Balcony) and £80 (Ringside) are available from all boxers (balcony seats from the venue only), from Ticket Master, or at www.vipbe.co.uk

Keep updated on VIP Promotions’ news by visiting www.vipboxing.com or follow on Twitter @vipboxing and Facebook. Currently, you can also watch free fights at www.vipboxing.tv