River told to defend title against Osaze

River Wilson-Bent…called on to defend Midland middleweight belt

SKY Blue hero River Wilson-Bent may have lost in his bid for the Commonwealth silver belt, but the exciting title are still being lined-up.

River lost an absolute cracker to Ryan Kelly last month for the silver crown, but the performance he gave showed the fighter is still a force.

He’s only lost to the best – and Kelly is among the best.

And I applaud the Board of Control’s Midlands Council for calling on 29-year-old River to defend his Midlands middleweight belt against Nottingham’s “Punching Preacher” Derrick Osaze. The bout, currently out for purse bids, is another potential thriller.

It is another five star clash created by the Midlands Council. It’s boss, Matt Harris, has been true to his word: he’s not allowing these local titles to stagnate.

Whether River takes the fight or vacates the belt is another matter. In all honestly, probably not.

Manager Jon Pegg candidly admitted: “River would take it, but I’ll advice him not to. I just think it’s the wrong time. He’s had three tough fights and does he really want to step back in with another one straight away? Osaze hasn’t been that active, but he hasn’t had those tough.

“Plus River is still getting used to his new team.”

Before facing Kelly, River – an immensely likeable man – said he had bigger fish to fry. He wanted a crack at the English title having drawn and lost on a split decision to Tyler Denny in previous attempts.

He’s faced such elite boxers as Denny, now European champ, world class puncher Hamzah Sheeraz and former top American amateur Austin “Ammo” Williams.

But he may now have to reassess – and victory over Osaze would be significant. It would push him back in the mix.

Osaze has lost only one of 13 – and that came in 2021 against Denny, who took a clear 10 round decision.

Wilson-Bent has kept his Midlands crown on ice since May, 2021, while pursuing big fights.

He won it with a truly spectacular televised KO of Troi Coleman and has defended only once – a seventh round stoppage of George Farrell.

The Board has given him leeway, but has now evidently decided it’s time to defend or vacate.