By John Angus MacDonald

Brian Rose will make his debut under the Matchroom Sport promotional banner on April 20th headlining a show at the Winter Gardens, in his hometown of Blackpool.  Rose was last in action on December 14th of last year when he out-pointed Sam Webb to win the Lonsdale belt outright.  So far the 28-year-old's best wins have come against domestic level fighters, as a result his promoter Eddie Hearn is keen for him to step up in class against an opponent that will be announced on Tuesday.

“I want someone who is fringe world level, who may have been there in the past or is there now,” said Hearn when speaking to BoxingScene.  “I'd quite like a former world champion, someone with a decent name, someone who will test him.”

“One guy I've tried [to get], that isn't up for the fight is Sehiy Dzinziruk,” continued.  “He's a former world champion, he got stopped by Brian Vera in his last fight but that was at middleweight.  We offered it to Cory Spinks, but we've been told he's got some medical issues.  He accepted first of all but then we found out about the issues so that isn't happening.  Gabriel Rosado is another we've looked at, even Joachim Alcine.  I know he got KO'd by [Matthew] Macklin, but he's a former light middleweight world champion.  It's all about levels — Brian has never been near that level really.  So any of those guys would have been a big ask but it's the test Brian needs.”

On the same bill, former amateur star, Scott Cardle will face Maxi Hughes for the vacant Central Area lightweight strap with both men looking to claim their first pro title.

“Two undefeated boys, that's a good fight,” said Hearn.  “If Scott is going to go on to the levels we want him to, he's got to beat Maxi Hughes.  He'll be 10-0 by then so it's time for him to have his first little test.”

The card could also feature popular local fighters, Jack Arnfield and Matty Askin, in title fights.

“I'd quite like to make Erick Ochieng v Jack Arnfield for the English title on April 20th as well because that's a big fight in that area.  I'd might also make Wadi Camacho v Matty Askin for the English cruiserweight title depending on how Erick and Wadi do on March 9th.”