Brian the lion roars in Blackpool

Brian Rose sent former world light-welterweight champion Vivian Harris into retirement at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool last night.

"The Lion" finished things in the third round.  A heavy right hurt the New York-based Guyanan before a follow up salvo sent him to the canvas, where he was counted out.

"I have never had that feeling before - it was a punch that would have knocked anyone out. It was a heavy shot, and I felt it all the way through my arm and shoulder," Rose told the Blackpool Gazette.

"Bobby Rimmer (trainer) has always said I have power, though I always knew I was technically sound. I didn't believe it before but now it's time I started believing in my power. It was the best feeling ever."

Rose, the reigning British light-middleweight titlist, will now surely be looking for sterner tests on the international stage although he will have to defend his domestic crown against Sam Webb at some stage.

On the same card, three of Hatton Promotions brightest hopes furthered their careers with clear victories.

Hometown cruiser Matty Askin saw off Preston's Paul Morris by 40 points to 37 after four rounds.

Adam Little, who is trained by Ricky Hatton, pitched a shutout 60-54 margin over Dee Mitchell.

And Liverpool southpaw James 'Jazza' Dickens halted Nicaraguan import Michael Isaac Carrero in the sixth round of a scheduled eight.