New pro Rose: I am nastier - expect the unexpected from me

Joshua Rose and Gary Turner…the journey starts tomorrow (Sunday)

THE clock is ticking. Tomorrow (Sunday) at Eastside Rooms, Birmingham, we discover what vaunted amateur Joshua Rose brings to the pro game.

A lot of respected, established and well-known city fight figures will be looking on with interest.

Joshua, cousin of former British champ and world title challenger Brian Rose, has the heavy weight of expectation on his shoulders – and says he’s loving it.

The 19-year-old, from Acocks Green, told me: “I’m a different fighter, don’t expect me to be how I was, expect the unexpected. I’m nastier. Expect a shocking performance.”

That’s “shocking” in a good way. Professionals need more spite.

He comes with a glowing endorsement from Brian Rose, a fine textbook champ who shared the ring with top-notch boxers such as Matt Macklin, Sergio Martinez, Demetrius Andrade and Vivian Harris.

Brian told me: “I think he could surpass his big cousin and become a world champion. Like myself, he’s dedicated his life to the sport. He has a good team around him and believes he can get to the top.”

Of the pressure that comes with a title laden amateur career, Joshua said simply: “I like the attention.”

On manager Anthony Manning’s Eastside Rooms show tomorrow, the featherweight cuts his teeth against Middlesbrough’s Caine Singh, a man who has lost four of seven contests (two draws).

He’ll win, I’m sure. But unlike other young fighters starting their journey, Rose will be measured by the manner of victory.

He’s already had to cope with a string of pull-outs. Southpaw Joshua was originally slated to make his bow against experienced Luke Fash, but that fell through. A Nicaraguan was then put forward only for that bout to hit the skids.

Singh will face a wall of sound, then Rose’s punches. I can confirm Joshua – by day a binman – has shifted a shedload of tickets. The young man is popular.

Signing Rose represents something of a scoop for Manning, a new promoter on the Birmingham block.

As an amateur, the Birmingham fighter won 35 of 49 bouts, claimed two national titles, Three Nations bronze, two international golds and eight Midlands titles.

The bulk of his career was spent at Hall Green ABC and he also represented Fortress Boxing in Dickens Heath. As a pro, Joshua’s trained by Fortress’s Gary Turner.

“There will be nerves, nerves are natural,” he said of the big day, “but, more than anything, I’m really excited.”

Joshua has certainly benefitted from top sparring in preparation for the big day. He’s shared the ring with champions Liam Davies and Dennis McCann.

“After four or five fights I think I’ll be ready for a Midlands title,” Joshua predicted.

That’s a fast-track to glory. But, then, Joshua has the pedigree to go far.

Rose predicts he’ll blossom into a champion. Tomorrow, the game will discover something about what he brings to the table.