Ishmael bags a fifth Midlands title fight

Ishmael Ellis…faces Jermaine Osbourne-Edwards at The Hangar

THE pilot light of gas engineer Ishmael Ellis’ pro boxing career is still burning brightly as he approaches his 33rd birthday.

The internal boiler that drives him through tough gym sessions after a gruelling day on the road shows no sign of needing a service.

Ellis, approaching his eighth year in the paid ranks, has landed a fifth Midlands title fight.

He will face colourful, unbeaten Jermaine Osbourne-Edwards for the vacant light-welter title on BCB’s March 8 show at The Hangar, Wolverhampton.

The venue is very much a home from home for unbeaten Jermaine, from  Richie Carter’s Wolverhampton gym and a year older than his Birmingham opponent.  All his nine wins have been notched-up there.

He has distinct home advantage, but has yet to go beyond six rounds.

Tattooed Ellis, with 21 bouts under his belt (seven losses), has a distinct edge in experience. He’s travelled the 10 round distance on four occasions, faced some real iron and featured on major, televised shows.

He notches up another one this Saturday when he faces former outstanding amateur Cameron Vuong over eight at The O2, Greenwich.

Ishmael – a slick mover, but not a concussive punch – now speaks about his sport in a matter-of-fact way free from boasts and theatricals. He’s learned it’s a business.

“I like fighting on the big shows, they look after you well,” he said. “People watch it on TV, see the glam and the build-up and think that’s what boxing is about. It’s nice to be a part of that.

“Cameron Vuong has only had three (bouts), but he has a very good amateur pedigree. In that respect, he’s probably more experienced than me.”

The odds are stacked against Ellis on Saturday – and he, doubtless, realises that.

Osbourne-Edwards at the Hangar is a much more level playing field.

After being turned back in Midlands lightweight title bids by Kane Baker and Jack O’Keeffe, Ellis clinched the belt in 2022 by outpointing Louis Fielding. He lost it to Joe Duckers in his first defence.

Now he’s eyeing area glory at light-welter (today termed super-light).

“I don’t know a lot about him, I’ve seen a picture of him,” said Ellis of Osbourne-Edwards. “He’s about Midlands level, I don’t think he’s better than me. I’ve been in with way better fighters and had harder fights than him.

“Super-lightweight will suit me better, it’s better for me at the weight. I feel very confident.”

Ellis remains hungry for bigger things, adding: “I’d like to get a nice, big fight for the English title. I’m 33 now and want to have some good memories.”

He intends to make one of them at the Hangar next month.