Rose Gets Alcine Next, Looking For Baysangurov

Brian Rose is hunting a World title clash with WBO light middleweight champion Zaurbek Baysangurov. The Blackpool man is to face Joachim Alcine live on Sky Sports on April 20 at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool.

The event billed as ‘The New Life of Brian’, will see Rose fight for the WBO Inter-Continental title.

Rose meets the former WBA champion in what he calls his first test at World level, and with the Inter-Continental title on the line, the 28 year old sees the fight as a huge chance to crash into World title reckoning, with the Russian Baysangurov on his radar.

“We’ve been waiting for this moment for years,” said Rose. “I’m back fighting on Sky and in a proper fight with big things on the horizon.

“Beating Alcine and landing that Inter-Continental belt puts me right in the picture for the big one with Baysangurov and that’s given me even more incentive to win well against Joachim.

“I’ve got dreams of being a World champion and I never thought I’d be in this position but I am ready for World level and I’ll prove that on April 20.”

Rose’s clash with Alcine tops the bill in Lancashire, with Lee Selby’s first fight under Eddie Hearn providing the chief support and Rose’s Blackpool stable mate Scotty Cardle boxing for his first title – taking on Maxi Hughes for the Central Area lightweight belt.

China Clarke defends his English cruiserweight belt against Blackpool’s Matty Askin, while Team GB stars Kal Yafai, Callum Smith and Olympic captain Thomas Stalker continue their exciting pro careers in a thrilling line-up.

Tickets for ‘The New Life of Brian’ cost £40 unreserved, £80 Ringside and £150 VIP and are available through www.matchroomboxing.com or by calling 01277 359900.