Brian ‘The Lion’ Rose is back – and he has Fleetwood Town in his corner.
The former British champion is set to return to the ring next month after 15 months away from boxing, and the Blackpool middleweight is being supported on his road back to the top by Fleetwood Town and their owner Andy Pilley.
The Cod Army - together with Andy’s Lancashire-based businesses BES Utilities and Card Saver - are now Brian’s headline sponsors.
Brian, who won the coveted Lonsdale belt in 2012 and fought for the WBO World Super Welterweight Title in 2014, says he has never felt better and has his eyes on winning titles again.
He said: “The Lion is back and I’m in the shape of my life.
“I can’t thank Fleetwood Town and Andy Pilley enough for supporting me on this next chapter of my career. It will be the final chapter, but it will be the best chapter.
“Fleetwood’s backing means I can focus 100 per cent on my boxing. On top of the financial support I can use all of the club’s facilities at their state-of-the-art Poolfoot Farm training base. The facilities and staff are brilliant and the best I’ve ever had access to.
“The club and Andy have been superb, and I want to repay their support by winning titles again.”
Brian, 33, whose professional career has included 29 victories and countless memorable nights in the ring, has not fought since challenging for the World Boxing Association International Middleweight Title in February 2017.
But since returning to training, under the watchful eye of Robert Rimmer – the son of his long-time mentor Bobby Rimmer – Brian’s sharpness and hunger has returned.
Brian added: “I’ve had 15 months away from boxing and in that time I’ve matured as an athlete, both mentally and physically. I’ve never felt better – I’m in the shape of my life.
“I’m not coming back for the money, this is about professional pride and unfinished business. I don’t want to end my career with any regrets and there’s no doubt I believe I can win titles again.
“I know I’ve fought for world titles and won a Lonsdale Belt, but I know that I’m capable of coming back and achieving even more than I already have.
“I truly think I could get another shot at a world title. I’m seeing people now winning world titles that I feel are not as good as me and that’s another thing that drives me on. I’m back and I’m back with a mission!”
Andy Pilley, chairman of Fleetwood Town FC, BES Utilities and Card Saver, said his club and companies are backing Brian to return to the top. Hesaid: “Brian is a fantastic boxer and a wonderful guy.
“He’s a local lad whose desire and drive to get back to the top is infectious. We are delighted to be helping him in this way.
“Poolfoot Farm is a facility we are very proud of. We have given Brian free use of all the facilities, including access to our coaches and physios, which will hopefully help him on his way back to the top.
“Brian will be proudly wearing our club crest on his shorts when he steps back into the ring in November and we’re sure every member of the Cod Army will be roaring him on.”