By Terence Dooley

Manchester’s Prince Arron, 23, makes the maiden defence of the British light-middleweight title he took from Sam Webb back in May when facing Brian Rose on December 3rd in a local derby that has sparked a wave of mutual respect from both camps. 

The 154lbers meet on a Frank Maloney/VIP Promotions bill at Wigan’s Robin Park venue to kick off Sky TV’s bumper month of boxing – the network will showcase Carl Froch, Amir Khan and Wladimir Klitschko ahead of the festive break.

Bobby Rimmer guides Rose; Bob Shannon has been at the helm of HMS Arron since 2009; the two men have known one another for decades and are relishing the upcoming contest.  Indeed, both Rimmer and Shannon feel that British title bouts act as an inspiring incentive for the rest of the boxers in the gym.

“Fighters like Arron, [and stablemates] Denton [Vassell] and Matty [Askin] are a breath of fresh air,” said Shannon when speaking to Boxingscene.  “There’s no egos here, they are all dead alike and just come to the gym and get on with things to push each other on.  Arron’s a diamond of a lad and fighter.  If he gets past Brian next then he’ll go for the European title, but it is one fight at a time.

“I like Bobby, he’s a great guy who I’ve known for a long time.  This is like the FA Cup final – you just can’t predict how much people raise their game in fights like this.  Brian will get inspiration from fighting for the British title.  It is Bobby’s chance to get his first British champion and they’ll really go for it.”

He added: “We’ve worked so hard for this fight.  They’ll be no slip ups – I’ll make sure of that.”

Bobby Rimmer’s Boxing Academy has been buzzing since news of Brian’s title tilt came through.  The Stalybridge-based coach believes that Rose, 17-1-1 (5), has led the way in training ahead of his Sky TV televised meeting with Arron, 21-3-1 (4).

“Brian fighting for the British title is inspiring all the lads at the gym.  Brian is preparing for a title fight so it is good for the other lads to see that,” Rimmer’s take on the 26-year-old’s preparations for the battle.

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