Fowler aiming to bounce back after ‘underestimating’ Fitzgerald

Anthony Fowler wants to get right back in the saddle after his first pro loss.

Anthony Fowler returns to action this Friday in Liverpool, facing veteran Brian Rose in what is hoped to be a bounce-back bout for Fowler, as he’s coming off of an upset loss to Scott Fitzgerald in March.

Fowler (9-1, 8 KO) says he’s going to come back strong, and that he realizes he got ahead of himself against Fitzgerald.

“I’ve got a new found hunger,” said Fowler. “I got a little bit cocky last time. I thought it would be an easy fight and I got proved wrong, so I’ve been brought down to earth a bit. I completely underestimated him and that’s my own fault.

“It was a close fight all the way through. I felt as though I was winning going into the last round but I still wanted to take him out. Looking back, maybe I should have got behind the jab and boxed to a decision. It was all for grabs and I went for it, so it was what it was.”

At 28, Fowler isn’t a young prospect with a ton of time, he’s right in what should be his prime. And he is taking Rose (31-5-1, 8 KO) seriously.

“Every fight is must-win. I take every fight very seriously. I learnt a lot from my last fight and I’ll take that experience into this fight,” Fowler said. “I’m not looking past anyone, I’ve learnt from that mistake. I respect Brian. He’s a good fighter and I look forward to sharing a ring with him.

“I always say you’re only as good as your last fight. My last fight was a title fight, obviously it was a loss but it was a great fight. He boxed a journeyman over six rounds. What you did years ago means nothing now but he’s got experience on his side. I don’t think he’s stopped anyone for years has he? But we’ll see. Hopefully he does drag me into deep waters because I can swim.”

Fowler-Rose will air Friday on Sky Sports in the UK and stream live on DAZN in the US.