What a year! 13 area title tussles and 30 champs at all levels

Midlands ruler…Jermain Osbourne-Edwards. Pic: Manjit Narotra/BCB

FANS were treated to a staggering 13 Midlands area title fights in 2024.

That equals the record for local championship bouts set in 2007. And the figure underlines the Midlands Board of Control’s commitment to keep their titles active. With Matt Harris at the helm. champs now face a stark choice – defend their belts or give them up.

The days of mothballing belts have gone.

To underline the current strength of Midlands boxing, the region had no fewer than 30 boxers who laid claim to titles from local level to world.

It has, in the Board’s own words, been a truly amazing year.

A spokesperson said: “As an area council, we would like to give our thanks to all trainers, managers, promoters officials and, of course, to all the fighters who have played their part in a successful year.

“We would like you to join us on February 9 at The Premier Suite, Cannock, to celebrate our boxers’ achievements at the annual awards afternoon.

“We look forward to the start of a new year in boxing with new champions, continued journeys and those who are ready to start their journey in boxing.”

At the February 9 gathering, gongs will be presented for categories including: best boxer, best prospect and best fight – and there have been some thrilling fights.

Here is the list of those who achieved glory.

Midlands champions. James Scarrott, Beccy Ferguson, Jessica Barry, Ashlee Eales, Jermaine Osborne-Edwards, Ryan Griffiths, Sean Bruce, Gyvon Henry, Ben Vaughan, Troy Coleman, Ollie Cooper, Amir Abubaker and Tommy Collins.

Jessica Barry (right)…English featherweight champion

English champions. Jessica Barry, Owen Cooper and Troy Jones.

British champions. Emma Dolan.

Commonwealth champions. Nicola Hopewell and Kieron Conway.

Commonwealth silver champion. Liam Dring.

EBU European champion. Kirsty Bavington.

Danny Quartermaine…IBF and WBO European champion

IBF European champion. Danny Quartermaine.

IBF International champion. Ben Whittaker.

WBO European champions. Danny Quartermaine and Ekow Essuman.

WBO International champion. Steed Woodall.

IBO world champions. Liam Davies and Shabaz Masoud.

WBC interim world champions. Chantelle Cameron and Galal Yafai.