Written by Andrew Harrison | 02 December 2011

While their more high profile compatriots create headlines overseas as part of an action-packed boxing programme this weekend, Lancastrian junior middleweights Prince Arron and Brian “The Lion” Rose meet Saturday to contest the former’s Lonsdale belt at the Robin Park Centre, Wigan. Arron, 21-3-1 (4), an improving Goliath from Droylsden, comes out punching as a heavy favourite whereas Rose, 17-1-1 (5), the current English champion at 154 lbs., aims to upset the applecart in a manner that has become customary of late whenever this particular national crown has changed hands.

Rose is a technical boxer with a handy lead arm; however, he’ll find it difficult to fence against the telescopic-limbed Arron. The champion, real name Arron Jones, is possibly the most improved fighter in British boxing. After being thrown to the wolves early in his career, an alliance with notorious task master Bob Shannon has helped whip him into formidable shape. At 6’3”, Arron is huge for the weight and uses his height to box tall from behind a rangy jab and a beautifully delivered right cross.

Rose is tutored by Bobby Rimmer, who strived to re-enthuse his charge after tragedy struck the Blackpool man’s Central Area title battle against Edlington’s Jason Rushton back in 2009. As the majority of fans filtered away from the arena, still absorbing the domestic fight of the year they’d witnessed moments earlier between Ryan Rhodes and Jamie Moore, Rose thumped Rushton to defeat in ten lop-sided rounds. Rushton collapsed backstage afterwards and was placed in a drug induced coma to relieve haemorrhaging on his brain.

A hospital visit to his stricken opponent in the aftermath left Rose crushed (Rushton remains shattered by his injuries), and with his mind anywhere but where it ought to have been, he suffered a horrific knock out in his next fight back, at the hands of Brummie supply teacher, Max Maxwell. Rose thought about a life away from boxing afterwards. Rimmer, though, coaxed him back and he’s unbeaten in three straight since.

Should Rose look to engage Arron in a straight up boxing match, he’s unlikely to find much success. When that door closes on him he’ll aim to get inside the champion’s reach, hold his feet and let fly with hard shots, yet that, too, could prove difficult. Arron can dissect his man with the left, rake him with hard rights and employ a useful uppercut up close should he find Rose advancing upon him. He should have all his bases covered here.

The last time a story included the words “prince”, “lion” and “rose” it had flowed from the quills of the illustrious Brothers Grimm. This, too, could be a grim tale, a tough and dour struggle with an equally forbidding result awaiting Rose, who’s likely to find himself well adrift on the scorecards come the final bell.

Frank Maloney promotes and Sky Sports televise live from 8 p.m.

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