Hand injury dashes Jermaine’s title hope

Jermaine Osbourne-Edwards…recovering from ligament damage

THE title hopes of Wolverhampton’s Jermaine Osbourne-Edwards have been scuppered – at least for the near future – by hand injury.

The unbeaten light-welter (super-light in today’s language) had been named as new Midland champ Kirk Steven’s official challenger by the Board of Control, the contest to take place before the end of the year.

But Osbourne-Edwards, a man who found salvation from street crime through boxing, has been sidelined by ligament damage.

Trainer Richard Carter hopes the mouthwatering bout can still go ahead in early 2024, but Stevens, at the age of 33, will be in no mood to kick his heels until then. The Telford boxer, who outpointed Jamie Stewart for the belt on Saturday, wants to make money from his status as champion. He wants big fights.

“For the last three fights, the hand trouble has been pretty constant, he’s getting it regularly,” Carter said, “and at Jimmy’s age (34) you can’t take chances, time isn’t on his side. He repairs it, gets back in the gym and it goes again.

“It’s ligament damage to the right hand, but he’s also having trouble with the left. He hits harder than you think. We’ve discussed it with Errol (BCB boss Errol Johnson) and if we can get the fight pushed back to January, Jimmy will be fighting fit.

“I think it’s a great fight – they’re pretty much the same age, size and experience.”

Osbourne-Edwards, a deeply spiritual individual, has emerged as one of the game’s more colourful characters. His ring entrances are something to behold, with drummers, banners and individuals in native Indian dress – the boxer among them.

Under Carter, the “Kundalini King” has scored eight straight victories and outpointed Naeem Ali in his home city last month.

“If he stays unbeaten, he can get an English title fight,” Carter added. “If he stays unbeaten, I think we can get him a shot. His age makes it a gamble, but Jimmy’s as fit as a 21-year-old. He really looks after himself. He has a strict diet, doesn’t drink, doesn’t smoke.”