Things will be a lot calmer for second pro fight, says Rose

Josh Rose trades blows with Singh. Picture: Inga Zulyte

JOSH Rose – binman by day, boxer by night – admits there were tears following his sizzling ring debut. They were shed by family.

He managed to remain dry-eyed, but only just.

“Everyone was crying when I got out of the ring,” the 19-year-old said. “I saw my mum crying and wanted to cry, but thought I had to hold it in.”

The raw emotion is understandable. Southpaw Rose was an outstanding amateur who bagged two national titles and entered the paid ranks with high expectations. There was a lot of pressure on the young man’s shoulders.

The Acocks Green featherweight has pledged things will be a lot calmer for his second outing which takes place on manager Anthony Manning’s March 1 show at the Eastside Rooms, Birmingham.

In the opposite corner for that four rounder will be Louis Smithson, from Surrey, who has won only one of six. Ominously, three of those defeats have come inside distance.

Smithson will walk into a wall of deafening sound, generated by Rose’s army of supporters, when he steps through the ropes.

But so was Josh’s first victim Caine Singh. He ignored the noise, scrambled up from a second round knockdown and made Rose dig deep for a points win. Make no mistake, that December dust-up was a baptism of fire.

“I was nervous,” Josh said. “Nervous and excited and that meant I didn’t eat as much. I’ve done it now and things will be a lot calmer.

“I loved it and learned from it. We’ve been working on managing the rounds and not making everything a fight.

“It was tough, but I felt I always had a bit more heart than him. I sold over 170 tickets for that one, but will sell more next time. Remember my debut took place on a Sunday and very close to Christmas.

“I’ve done a lot of sparring with my mate Dylan Clift because he’s fighting a southpaw on the same show and I’m southpaw. We’ve been helping each other out.

“In your second fight, you have to show a bit more skill, I’m going to have to step up my game. I don’t know much about Smithson. I’ve been told he can be a bit negative but likes to box. That will let me showcase what I’ve got.”

Rose aims to make rapid strides and admits his time in the featherweight division may be limited.

He added: “I’d like five fights in 2025 and aim to be looking at a Midlands title by the end of the year.

“I’m young and still growing. With my body shape, after a few years I may end up as a lightweight, even a super-lightweight.”