Now for an English title, says Jermaine
Jermaine piles-on the pressure. Pic: MSN Images/Manjit Narotra
JERMAINE Osbourne-Edwards wants a shot at the English title and the unbeaten 34-year-old moved a step closer with a landslide points win against Santiago Garces on Sunday afternoon on BCB promotions “Havoc At The Hangar 7”.
Headlining in his home city of Wolverhampton, the Kundalini King has had all his eight pro fights at the Hangar Events Venue.
Jermaine’s Colombian opponent, who now lives in Southampton was 13 years his junior but had already boxed 30 times across South America and Europe. He has given many fighters a tough night.
Osbourne-Edwards started the fight quickly, using his southpaw jab to the body and head while showing improved footwork from his last fight against Naeem Ali.
A late starter in the sport, Jermaine has had to learn a lot in a short space of time. Coach Richie Carter and the team at Wolverhampton Boxing Club have been implementing steady, subtle changes in the two years since he joined the paid ranks.
One thing that comes naturally is power. Osbourne-Edwards displayed it at the end of the opening round, with a laser guided left hand putting Garces on the seat of his trunks. It was the only knockdown of the night and one that almost caught the crowd off guard.
The Colombian looked shocked by the shot, but made it to his feet and the bell rang soon after, allowing Garces some much needed recovery time.
There was an air of confidence about Osbourne-Edwards work, particular when the action started to get a bit rougher. He was able to create distance and get off point scoring shots.
Six rounds can seem to be over so quickly and at the midway point it was very much one way traffic despite Garces best efforts to land the right hand: the majority sailed wide and short. Chants of “knock him out Dad” filled one corner of the arena but there wasn’t to be a stoppage.
The fight went the distance with referee judge Kevin Parker seeing it 60-53, a one sided win but one that showed real maturity and signs the Kundalini King is ready for a big one.
“Tonight was about building up more experience, I want the English title next,” said Osbourne-Edwards post-fight.
“I am ready for that, boxing in Wolverhampton is getting bigger and better thanks to my coach Richie and all the others putting in the work. I’m 34, so now is the time to make that step and get on the televised shows, box on Sky Sports, box at the big arenas, we are ready for that and it’s what I want next.
“I want to get on the next Civic Hall show, that place is so close to my house it’s almost my back garden. The fans have been amazing, that crowd coming out so close to Christmas, spending their hard earned money. I just want to thank them for that support.”