AND THE NEW?

'While you sleep I train' is the motto Blackpool's Brian Rose has embraced as he prepares for his 'top of the bill' British light-middleweight challenge to Prince Arron at the Robin Park Centre, Wigan, on Dec 3.

Early morning runs while the world slumbers, hard sparring sessions, sparse meals and an agonising absence away from his young son are all a price worth paying for 'The Lion' in his quest to be Britain's best.

"Jon Kays is fighting on the same bill. He's got a really good engine so he's been running with me every morning and has been bringing me on," explained Rose, currently 17-1-1 (5). "As well as all the running, I'm doing my sparring, pads, body belts, circuits and strength and conditioning. I know every boxer says it but this really has been the perfect camp.

"I've got a six month old son [Oscar] and I've taken myself away from him and my family and friends. I'm living in Manchester and come fight night will have sacrificed not seeing my son for five weeks - that just shows how committed I am and how much I want to win this fight."

Opponent Prince Arron, 21-3-1 (4), is a great boxing story. Matched tough, the Mancunian never allowed early defeats to deter him. Instead, he worked harder, travelled to America to further his pugilistic education and eventually won Prizefighter and then the British title by stopping Sam Webb in a thrilling encounter (13 May 2011). Rose acknowledges the champion's qualities but also sees flaws.

"It was possibly the fight of the year [Webb vs. Arron]. I think Webb was winning the fight, the first four or five rounds; it wasn't until he got hit by that big right hand that he couldn't recover from. If that hadn't happened there's no doubt in my mind Webb would have gone on to either stop Arron late or win on points. I've watched it over twenty times since, been analysing it, picking up on things he did wrong and I'm going to capitalise on the night.

"Arron has a lot of chinks, but so does every boxer. I do things wrong and he'll be looking at DVDs of me looking to capitalise but it's about who's got the best boxing brain on the night and I know it'll be me. I've been sparring lads who are 6'3" or 6'4", I've got my tactics in place and all I've got to do is stick to them and I know I'll win.

"He is a really good fighter; he uses his height to his best ability," continued Brian. "He doesn't come down low or get into a fight. He's won Prizefighter and the British title so there's no doubt he's good, but he's beatable. On Dec 3, I know I've got too good a boxing brain and I'll be bringing that belt home with me."

Rose has dreamed of winning the British crown ever since he first laced on gloves. Since turning over in 2005, the Bobby Rimmer trained fighter has steadily learned the pro fight game, notching up the Central Area and English titles in the process. With these highs, however, have come lows including a sickening KO loss to Max Maxwell, and serious injury to opponent Jason Rushton in that Central Area victory. Now, after taking time out to reflect on whether he wanted to continue in the sport, 'The Lion' is on the verge of fulfilling his lifelong ambition.

"I've done everything right. I've done the rounds and I'm more than ready. It won't be with the bookies but for me as a boxing fan, and if you know anything about the sport, this fight's 50-50. I think it's got the makings of a great fight and I've sold nearly 300 tickets.

"I'm not one to disrespect him or telling you what I'm going to do to him. All I know is that I'll get the belt on the night. I've got no hatred towards him he's just got something I want. Sparring with him before Prizefighter I got to know him and he's a nice lad and we'll have to put differences aside for one night.

"From the age of 12 I've been dreaming about it [being British champion] and I'm going to grab it with both hands. I'm bringing that title home for my son. I've been away from him for five weeks, I miss him, it kills me but it gives me that extra incentive to win. I'm literally doing this for Oscar; I want it more than anything - but this is for my son."

For ticket information to see Arron vs. Rose, and an undercard that includes Karl Place vs. Steve Williams in a British light-welterweight title eliminator, call 0871 226 1508 or click here.