Frank Maloney Boxing: Brian Rose’s Tangerine Dream

Brian Rose plans to emulate Blackpool’s amazing Premier League rise in the boxing ring.

Unbeaten Rose (14-0-1) is heading towards boxing’s top flight and is booked to challenge British champion Sam Webb in the autumn. He has a warm up at Huddersfield Leisure Centre tonight when he faces Birmingham’s Max Maxwell (11-9-2).

Blackpool fan Rose hails from the seaside town that hit the headlines after their sensational play-off triumph against Cardiff City on Saturday. And his supporters at Friday’s testing fight will don tangerine wigs worn by Blackpool fans at Wembley.

Rose, 25, said: “The Wembley triumph has given Blackpool the lift that it needed. What Ian Holloway and the boys achieved was magnificent and I wouldn’t mind some of that success myself.

“Some of my fans are still celebrating promotion and everyone who has bought a ticket from me will be wearing tangerine wig at the Maxwell fight. Provided I get thorough Maxwell, my promoter Frank Maloney will deliver a British title fight and like the footballers I won’t let the town down.”

Maxwell, 30, (11-9-2) will certainly give Rose a test in their eight rounder that is likely to be televised live on Sky Sports. He holds a draw with Prizefighter winner Prince Arron although he lost their return on points earlier this month.

Top of the bill is local favourite Gary Sykes (14-0) who makes the first defence of his British super-featherweight title against Belfast’s Kevin O’Hara (17-5).

Former domestic champion Carl Johanneson (28-4) who is lined up to face the winner is a late addition to the bill.

There are some tickets left price £30 and £70 from 0871 226 1508 or www.frankmaloney.com