Top amateur Rose in home city pro debut

Joshua Rose with trainer Gary Turner. He fights on December 15

FORMER fine amateur Joshua Rose makes his much-anticipated paid debut at Birmingham’s Eastside Rooms on Sunday, December 15.

He’ll face Luke Fash, a veteran of 115 contests, over four rounds on manager Anthony Manning’s show. It’s a boxing baptism that has caused a stir within the local game.

The Acocks Green 19-year-old has the pedigree to go far.

Joshua spent the bulk of his amateur career at Hall Green ABC and 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. He faced some of the very best.

And he’s from a family who have already made their mark in the sport. Joshua’s cousin is former British light-middleweight champ and world title challenger Brian Rose, Birmingham born, but Blackpool based.

“I’m excited,” the southpaw featherweight said. “There’ll be nerves, but I’m more excited than anything. I’m looking to put on a good performance – if I can knock him out, I’ll knock him out. Everyone’s going to see a good, skilful performance.”

By day, Joshua works as a binman – and most of the workers at the Lifford Lane, Kings Norton, yard where he’s based will be in the crowd on December 15.

Trained by Gary Turner, the teenager has certainly benefited from top-notch sparring in the build-up.

He’s shared the ring with Gully Powar, Lewis Morris and former world champ Liam Davies. In a few days, European super-bantam champ Dennis McCann will put Joshua through his paces.

“I did six rounds with Liam Davies and being in there with people like that really gives you confidence.”

It’s a different sport from the amateur game, but one Joshua believes suits him more.

“The pace is very different and there’s a lot more mind games,” he said. “As an amateur, everything has to be ‘in and out’ as fast as you can. As a pro, you have to mean every shot.

“I can honestly see myself on big shows quite soon – especially if my debut goes with a bang. When I fight for titles is down to God’s plan, as I see it.”

The journey starts next month – and many believe it will take Joshua to ring glory.