Eggington vs Gavin: Brian Rose excited for home bout in Birmingham
Tuesday 18 October 2016 19:41, UK
Brian Rose is delighted to finally be fighting in Birmingham, his place of birth, and is eyeing a European title shot in the future.
Rose (28-4-1-KO8), a former British champion and world title challenger, will fight Stiliyan Kostov (20-6-KO16) over six rounds this Saturday on the undercard to Sam Eggington's local clash with rival Frankie Gavin at the Barclaycard Arena, to be shown live on Sky Sports.
Live Fight Night
'The Lion', who resides in Blackpool, is returning to the ring having lost to Matthew Macklin last April via a majority decision and, after contemplating retirement, will be back competing at super-welterweight, the division where he had his early career success.
Despite being a heavy favourite, Birmingham-born Rose is refusing to overlook his Bulgarian opponent and is looking forward to getting back to winning ways.
Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: "I'm back down to super-welterweight and have had a successful operation on my elbow, so I really feel set to get back to my best.
"The Macklin fight was a close one to call, one that could have gone either way, but I'm not going to complain about it. I still have a lot to give and I'm ready to show that on Saturday night.
"I've had five or six opponents thrown at me over the last few weeks, but some were maybe a bit easy. Kostov is a lot tougher than people might expect and is the Bulgarian number one - he can punch as well.
"I want people to know that I'm still serious. I was the best super-welterweight in Britain for two or three years and there is no reason why I can't get back there again."
Rose will fight Kostov in Birmingham, the place of his birth and the home of his beloved football team, factors making Saturday's fight ever more special for 'The Lion'.
"It means a lot to be fighting in Birmingham, I have a lot of family there so it'll be great to have them all supporting me.
"I moved to Blackpool when I was nine, so I was there for much of my childhood. A lot of people don't know that I'm a big Birmingham City fan also, so fighting in my hometown and where I was born means a lot to me and my family.
"It's an important fight this Saturday and one that I need to win. I believe I'm bordering world level and I would love a crack at the European title - no problem. That's the level I want to be competing at.
"I still believe that on the right night against the right opponent I can become a world champion, it's all about timing now."
Watch Sam Eggington v Frankie Gavin live on Sky Sports 2, from 8pm on Saturday.
