By Terence Dooley

Frank Maloney has teamed up with Loaded TV, Sky channel 200, in a bid to bring boxing to free-to-air digital TV.  The station will start its boxing run by televising Brian Rose's British light-middleweight defence against Sam Webb live from Blackpool's Winter Gardens on Friday night.

Rose, 21-1-1 (6), makes the third defence of his belt against the former champion and will hope to send Webb, 18-2 (5), back to Kent with another loss on his record.  “I’m absolutely delighted that Loaded TV are supporting British boxing and have decided to broadcast this British title fight,” said the show's promoter, Steve Wood.  “Brian’s fight with Sam has all the hallmarks of a domestic classic.  The undercard is also absolutely top notch, and this was always a show that boxing fans should have been able to see on TV.  Rose and Webb are both skillful boxers; they don’t like each other so it’s a grudge match; neither are one punch finishers so there will be plenty of action, and Brian says he’ll stop Webb while Sam is very confident of causing an upset.  This is going to be a terrific contest."

He added: "The undercard is also first rate and the fighters on it are all worthy of TV exposure. We’ve got Prizefighter winner Terry Flannigan; undefeated prospect Jack Arnfield; exciting puncher Mark Thompson, and lots more.  Brian’s also got some stars coming along to support him including the Blackpool FC team and MMA legend Rampage Jackson!  I’m really proud of the show we’re putting on.  VIP Promotions have always been about giving fans great fights and value for money, and it’s really rewarding that Loaded TV are supporting us.  For anybody that still wants to come and see the show live and experience the atmosphere at the Winter Gardens there are still some tickets left.”

Maloney today described himself as the channel's boxing "consultant" when announcing the news and confirmed that David Price, his undefeated heavyweight hope, will continue to fight on BoxNation TV.

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