Now Kundalini King has his first crown
Osbourne-Edwards proudly displays his new belt. Pictures: MSN Images
IT was coronation night for the Kundalini King as Jermaine Osbourne-Edwards won his first championship belt, the Midlands super-lightweight title with a points win against Jamie Stewart on BCB’s Havoc at the Hangar VIII show in Wolverhampton, writes PAUL WEBB.
The 34-year-old from the city has been on an incredible journey since turning professional three years ago and faced the toughest test of his career on Friday against the vastly experienced Stewart, who was boxing in his seventh area title fight.
Osbourne-Edwards was first scheduled to box the previous belt holder Kirk Stevens but he withdrew from the contest, vacating his title in the process. Replacement Ishmael Ellis also withdrew, so up stepped Stewart who was coming in to the fight fresh off a spirited but losing effort for the Midlands title up at welterweight.
Entering the ring alongside his family in dramatic fashion to an Icelandic clap from the packed-out crowd and with the familiar drum beat ring music, Osbourne-Edwards looked full of confidence.
The early rounds were a feeling out process for both as they looked to establish their jabs and close down the distance. Stewart, from Stoke, has quick hands and good foot speed and looked to flick out the right hand against his southpaw opponent, staying out of range dipping in and out with success.
Stewart is caught with a left on the way to points defeat
Holding the centre of the ring, Osbourne-Edwards started to find home for his powerful left hand and although he wasn’t landing anything concussive, he was connecting with plenty of point scoring shots. The middle rounds saw Stewart starting to up his work rate but a lot of his punches were taken on the gloves.
Coach Richie Carter looked a calming influence in Jimmy’s corner, the pair have been together since the beginning and have built a close relationship.
It was looking like a bit of a technical chess match between the two skilled operators but the fight exploded in to life in round nine when Osbourne-Edwards landed a big left hand that sent Stewart reeling in to the ropes.
The 31-year-old has never been stopped and managed to regain his senses well and saw out the round. Osbourne-Edwards was very much in the ascendency and finished the 10th round with a flurry of shots, putting the exclamation mark on what he was sure to be a points win.
Referee Chris Dean saw it 96-93 in Osbourne-Edwards favour and the new champion fell to his knees in tears. There may be bigger nights to come for the Wolverhampton Boxing Club star but it will take some doing to top this special night.