Joshua Rose decides to join the pro ranks

Joshua Rose with Gary Turner. “I want the world,” says teenager

ONE of Birmingham’s most decorated boxers at schoolboy and youth level has decided to turn pro.

Joshua Rose, just 19, is currently holding talks with a number of potential managers and hopes to gain the support of a major promoter down the line.

A binman by day, the teenager believes those who say he’s switched codes too early are talking rubbish. He should’ve first have really tested the waters as a senior amateur, they maintain.

“I know I’m ready for it,” the Acocks Green fighter said. “I know it’s a young age to turn over, but I’m ready. I’ve been doing this for 11 years.”

Joshua certainly has the pedigree and connections to go far. The bulk of the southpaw’s career was spent at Hall Green ABC and he also had bouts for Fortress Boxing in Dickens Heath.

In all, he won 35 of 49 bouts, claiming two national titles, Three Nations bronze, two international golds and eight Midlands titles.

His cousin is former British light-middleweight champ and world title challenger Brian Rose, Birmingham born, but Blackpool based.

“I went to see him,” said Joshua, “and he said he’d manage me. He believes the pro game’s for me.

“I fell out of love with the amateurs a bit because of bad decisions. Anyway, the pros look more fun.

“I’ve spoken to my coaches and they think I’m more suited to the pros. I’ll have more time.

“I’m quite strong, I have a good fanbase, I like to hit and move, I like to get down and get close. I’m more of a box-fighter.”

Joshua plans to fight at feather and is looking to retain the services of Fortress coach Gary Turner.

He added: “I want the world. I believe I can do it, it’s just a matter of getting the opportunities and taking them.”