Brian Rose knows he is under pressure to perform against Carson Jones in his hometown

[RoadWarrior]

Brian Rose insists his upcoming fight with Carson Jones is the most crucial of his career as he continues to rebuild following last year’s world title defeat.

The Blackpool light-middleweight earned a shot at WBO champion Demetrius Andrade in June, but his title hopes were shattered by a one-sided stoppage defeat in New York.

Rose still believes he can compete with the best fighters in the division, but firstly must impress against tough American Jones on February 14.

His fight is part of the Prizefighter bill at the Winter Gardens in his hometown and the former British champion has vowed to dismiss any lingering concerns from the dispiriting Andrade loss.

“I think it’s the biggest fight of my career,” he told Sky Sports. “I think I’ve had tougher fights in the past, but I’ve got to look at this as the biggest fight of my career, because it’s the toughest test since the Andrade fight and I think people are looking at me to see how I’m going to react to that.

“I got a first-round stoppage as a warm-up to this so can’t really count that, so this is my first proper test.

“It’s not just about winning, I want to look good as well. I want to do a good job on Carson Jones. I want to beat Jones in good style and go on and fight for a world title this year.”

Jones is well known on these shores following his two fights against Kell Brook, with the Sheffield man enduring a torrid time in his first points win before stopping the American in the rematch.

Rose watched the second fight from ringside and is confident he will inflict another defeat on the Oklahoma man

“The first fight, Carson Jones probably boxed to his best ability and Kell Brook had an off night,” said the 29-year-old. “The second time, it evened out and Kell Brook was fit and ready, and beat him convincingly.

“The second fight is more to go on than the first because I don’t think we saw the real Kell Brook the first time.

“I’ve seen quite a lot of Carson Jones. He’s tough, durable and comes forward. He’s really strong, but I’ve fought those kind of fighters before and they suit me. I believe his style is made for me.

“I’m going to stick to my boxing on the night, do what I do best, and if a stoppage comes, fine. If not, it will be a convincing win on points.”

Jones has been dismissive about his opponent’s ring skills, describing him as "pretty basic", but Rose is ready to prove himself as the superior fighter.

“He can say what he wants about me. I’m not going to bad mouth him,” said Rose.

“I am very good at the basics, but that’s what gets me through the fights. I’m not just good at the basics. I’m very good at the basics.

“I’ve got one of the best jabs in Britain, if not the best. You’ll see on the night who is basic out of us both.

"To me, he’s basic because he comes forward, throws a lot of shots and is tough and durable. Technically, I’m better than him.”