VIP Boxing Press Release - Rose -V- Webb
Posted: 19 Nov 2012, 17:17
WEBB RELISHING ‘THE LION’S’ DEN CHALLENGE
In what could prove to be a potential fight of the year, Sam Webb is relishing the chance of upsetting hometown favourite Brian Rose when he challenges the Fylde Coast fighter for his British light-middleweight crown at the Blackpool Winter Gardens on December 14.
Webb, a former holder of the belt, knows he will be stepping into a red hot cauldron when he climbs through the ropes to face Rose, but the confident Londoner insists he wouldn’t have it any other way.
“A ring’s a ring at the end of the day, it makes no odds to me,” said Webb, 31. “When he’s got all those people there screaming and shouting for him then it’s more determination for me. It gives me that extra motivation. A lot of fighters fold but it has the opposite effect on me, and it always has done. I don’t need motivating for a British title fight but if I did need a bit of a kick up the backside then that’s it.”
Sam lost the 11st British title when he was stopped in an epic battle with Manchester’s Prince Arron in 2011. Rose subsequently beat Arron and now, after two successful defences, has the chance to win the Lonsdale Belt outright if he defeats Webb.
On his last appearance at the Winter Gardens in October, Brian notched the sixth KO of his 23-fight career when he bulldozed former world champion Vivian Harris in three rounds. Now, after teaming up with strength coach Kerry Kayes, Rose, 27, says he feels stronger, is punching harder, and insists that Sam will also be an early night’s work.
“That’s his opinion and if he feels like that then that’s good,” responded Webb, who has lost two of 20. “I’m pleased he thinks that. If you can’t hit a light-welterweight [Vivian Harris] and can’t knock them out when you’re a big 11st fighter then there’s something wrong.
“No doubt he is [hitting harder] but I’ve been in with big punchers like Matthew Hall, Anthony Small and Gilbert Eastman, and none of them have troubled me.”
Webb and Rose used to get on but a combination of boxing politics and the resulting exchange of bitter barbs between the pair has cooled their once warm relationship. Sam, nonetheless, still respects Brian as a boxer and knows beating ‘The Lion’ won’t be an easy task. He remains convinced however that he will be crowned the new British champion after their clash.
“It’s a tough fight; he’s a good fighter. We used to get along but there’s a bit of needle now because I’ve said a few things he didn’t agree with and vice versa.
“So I think it’s a hard fight and that’s what I’m training for. I’m very confident. I’m as confident as I’ve always been. I’m more than happy it’s where it is and I wouldn’t change a thing.”
Sam Webb challenges Brian Rose for his British light-middleweight title at the Blackpool Winter Gardens on Friday December 14. The quality undercard includes Blackpool fighters Jack Arnfield and Matty Askins; Middleton’s Warren Tansey; Colne’s Shayne ‘The Pain’ Singleton; Lancaster’s Tomi Tatham; Southport’s Scott Moonan; Heywood’s Mark Thompson; Chorley’s Jack Caterall, and Lancashire’s Isaac Lowe.
Tickets, priced at £40 (General), £50.00 (Balcony) and £80 (Ringside) are available from all boxers (balcony seats from the venue only), from Ticket Master, or at www.vipbe.co.uk
Keep updated on VIP Promotions’ news by visiting www.vipboxing.com or follow on Twitter @vipboxing and Facebook. Currently, you can also watch free fights at www.vipboxing.tv
In what could prove to be a potential fight of the year, Sam Webb is relishing the chance of upsetting hometown favourite Brian Rose when he challenges the Fylde Coast fighter for his British light-middleweight crown at the Blackpool Winter Gardens on December 14.
Webb, a former holder of the belt, knows he will be stepping into a red hot cauldron when he climbs through the ropes to face Rose, but the confident Londoner insists he wouldn’t have it any other way.
“A ring’s a ring at the end of the day, it makes no odds to me,” said Webb, 31. “When he’s got all those people there screaming and shouting for him then it’s more determination for me. It gives me that extra motivation. A lot of fighters fold but it has the opposite effect on me, and it always has done. I don’t need motivating for a British title fight but if I did need a bit of a kick up the backside then that’s it.”
Sam lost the 11st British title when he was stopped in an epic battle with Manchester’s Prince Arron in 2011. Rose subsequently beat Arron and now, after two successful defences, has the chance to win the Lonsdale Belt outright if he defeats Webb.
On his last appearance at the Winter Gardens in October, Brian notched the sixth KO of his 23-fight career when he bulldozed former world champion Vivian Harris in three rounds. Now, after teaming up with strength coach Kerry Kayes, Rose, 27, says he feels stronger, is punching harder, and insists that Sam will also be an early night’s work.
“That’s his opinion and if he feels like that then that’s good,” responded Webb, who has lost two of 20. “I’m pleased he thinks that. If you can’t hit a light-welterweight [Vivian Harris] and can’t knock them out when you’re a big 11st fighter then there’s something wrong.
“No doubt he is [hitting harder] but I’ve been in with big punchers like Matthew Hall, Anthony Small and Gilbert Eastman, and none of them have troubled me.”
Webb and Rose used to get on but a combination of boxing politics and the resulting exchange of bitter barbs between the pair has cooled their once warm relationship. Sam, nonetheless, still respects Brian as a boxer and knows beating ‘The Lion’ won’t be an easy task. He remains convinced however that he will be crowned the new British champion after their clash.
“It’s a tough fight; he’s a good fighter. We used to get along but there’s a bit of needle now because I’ve said a few things he didn’t agree with and vice versa.
“So I think it’s a hard fight and that’s what I’m training for. I’m very confident. I’m as confident as I’ve always been. I’m more than happy it’s where it is and I wouldn’t change a thing.”
Sam Webb challenges Brian Rose for his British light-middleweight title at the Blackpool Winter Gardens on Friday December 14. The quality undercard includes Blackpool fighters Jack Arnfield and Matty Askins; Middleton’s Warren Tansey; Colne’s Shayne ‘The Pain’ Singleton; Lancaster’s Tomi Tatham; Southport’s Scott Moonan; Heywood’s Mark Thompson; Chorley’s Jack Caterall, and Lancashire’s Isaac Lowe.
Tickets, priced at £40 (General), £50.00 (Balcony) and £80 (Ringside) are available from all boxers (balcony seats from the venue only), from Ticket Master, or at www.vipbe.co.uk
Keep updated on VIP Promotions’ news by visiting www.vipboxing.com or follow on Twitter @vipboxing and Facebook. Currently, you can also watch free fights at www.vipboxing.tv