Jermaine Osbourne-Edwards drops Paul Cummings to claim another title shot
One More Dance? Osbourne-Edwards defeats Cummings and eyes another title tilt
In what was billed as his last dance, Jermaine Osbourne-Edwards (12-2) showed that whilst the journey is nearing its end, he still has one more big fight in him after beating experienced Paul Cummings (3-91-1) at the Hangar Venue in Wolverhampton on Friday night.
It will take something special to get the 'Kundalini King's' interest, and the former Midlands Area champion and English title challenger won't be short of offers. The 36-year-old was back in his home city after back-to-back bouts on the road, and his supporters turned out in numbers to see their charge headline BCB Promotions' 'The New Guard'.
After a quiet opening round which saw Osbourne-Edwards display a tighter defensive stance than we have seen in previous fights, a sharp counterpunch drew a wry smile from the Warminster veteran, who was boxing for the 95th time as a professional.
It had been a patient showing through two rounds, but the fight sprung into life in the third as Cummings was caught square-on while leaning back, and Osbourne-Edwards landed a crushing left hand which sent him to the canvas. It was an explosive shot that stunned Cummings, and he had to use all his experience to make it to the bell.
The pressure continued in the fourth as a confident-looking Osbourne-Edwards, spurred on by his children close by at ringside, started to whip in combinations and uppercuts, boxing well both with his back to the ropes and from the centre of the ring. Cummings is rarely stopped and ignored Osbourne-Edwards' gesture to walk him down as the fight came to its conclusion.
Referee Kevin Parker saw it as a shutout, 60-53, and post-fight Osbourne-Edwards paid tribute to the influence of his uncle, who had helped him get in shape, and also his coach, "The Guvnor", Richie Carter, as the two men will now plot out their next and possibly final move in the sport.
Jimmy Harty vs Mohammed Wako
All action Jimmy Harty (1-0-1) loves a tear-up, and he gave the crowd at the Hangar just that but was forced to settle for a draw against Mohammed Wako (1-7-1) in the show's chief support.
The BCB-trained 25-year-old from Wolverhampton made his debut back in May and once again came out swinging from the opening bell. Both men were having plenty of success landing flush shots and a few wild ones that missed the mark.
The Ethiopian-born Wako, who had Sean O'Hagan in his corner, rarely gets supporters, but he enjoyed having a table of Callum Latimer fans imploring him on throughout the four rounds. At the final bell Harty felt he had done enough, but referee Pete McCormack couldn't split the pair, seeing it 38-38.
Warren Leybourne vs Josh Morris
There was a bizarre ending to Warren Leybourne's (1-0) professional debut, as the 26-year-old from Coventry knocked out Josh Morris (1-6) in the third round.
It had been a good fight till that point, with the former Midlands Development champion ripping in body shots and maintaining a high punch output through the opening exchanges.
Southpaw Morris was taking some heavy blows, but it was a more innocuous shot that saw the fight come to its strange conclusion.
Referee Pete McCormack ruled the shot a knockdown despite Morris's immediate denial, and in what appeared to be a protest at his grievance with the decision, he took a knee and was duly counted out despite appearing to be fully able to continue.
Leybourne, like the crowd, looked a bit puzzled but will be pleased with his opening foray in the paid ranks.
Ethan Rutter vs Stephen Jackson
The latest Box Smart Elite trained talent to turn over under coach Shiney Singh, seven-time Midlands Amateur champion Ethan Rutter (1-0), got his professional career up and running with a solid four rounds against Stephen Jackson (1-64-1).
The 20-year-old from Birmingham displayed a classy jab and good footwork as he tried to close down the fleet-footed 32-year-old. A pair of right hands to the head and body in the fourth was a highlight of a one-sided contest that saw Rutter take the points win 40-36.
Callum Latimer vs Naeem Ali
Callum Latimer (2-0) had to overcome an early scare, suffering a knockdown in the opening round before regrouping and outpointing Naeem Ali (3-146-1) 39-37.
One of the games' most experienced operators, Ali, in his 150th contest, dropped the 21-year-old with a right hand that caused the Corby man to stumble down to the canvas.
After some key words from Shoe-Box gym owner and coach James Conway at the end of the round, Latimer came back firing, landing a nasty body shot in the second, which forced Ali to take a more defensive approach. After a year out of the ring, a bit of rust could be expected, but Latimer finished the fight strongly, drawing an acknowledging nod from Ali after landing a flurry of punches in the fourth.
Liam Carey vs Luke Thomas
Britain's most successful amateur champion, Frankie Gavin, cut a passionate figure in the role of coach in the corner of Liam Carey (1-0) as the former white-collar boxer made his professional debut against Luke Thomas (1-4).
The 24-year-old from Bromsgrove may not have the extensive background his trainer had, but he showed a lot of energy and quality work in a lopsided four rounds, taking every one on referee Pete McCormack's scorecard, 40-36.
Doina Costin vs Alisha Lewis
A second shot at a Midlands title awaits Doina Costin (3-1), and she warmed up for the clash with Gabriela Strikaityte with an entertaining scrap with Alisha Lewis (0-1), who was making her first steps in the pro game.
Northampton's Costin showed signs of the improvements she has been working on under her new coach, Esham Pickering, with a more active style that saw her willing to trade with her less experienced opponent. Kevin Parker saw the contest 40-36 to Costin, whose focus will now turn to ending 2025 with a belt round her waist.
