Scott Fitzgerald injured, Anthony Fowler steps in against Brian Rose on July 6

Scott Fitzgerald is out of his scheduled July 6 fight with Brian Rose in Manchester, and Fitzgerald rival Anthony Fowler is stepping in to face the veteran instead.

Fowler (9-1, 8 KO) suffered his first career loss to Fitzgerald (13-0, 9 KO) on March 30 in Liverpool, and was already set to return on July 6 in a middleweight bounce-back effort. Instead, he now faces Rose (31-5-1, 8 KO), a 34-year-old veteran who has certainly seen better days.

“I want tests and I want to be involved in the big fights,” said Fowler. “As soon as we heard the news that Scott had to pull out we grabbed the opportunity with both hands. I’m not in this game to be taking easy fights. Brian has mixed it at the top level throughout his career and this is a fantastic chance for me to test myself against an experienced opponent.

“I learnt a lot from my last fight and we went away and improved in a few areas. I know that I’m in for a tough night’s work in Manchester but this is a fight that I feel ready and prepared for. I was already massively motivated for my return on July 6 but this has given me another boost.

“I’m already in great shape, I’d be ready to fight next week. Brian is a big name and I think he’ll get the best out of me on the night. I know Brian and consider him as a friend, but this is strictly business and I’ve got a job to do next month. This is must-win for me.”

The show will also feature Lawrence Okolie vs Jack Massey for Okolie’s British and Commonwealth cruiserweight titles, plus Felix Cash vs Jack Cullen for Cash’s Commonwealth middleweight title. The show will air on DAZN in the US and Sky Sports in the UK.