Jermaine’s big fight prayer is answered

Jermaine Osbourne-Edwards...faces Eithan James at Resorts World

I’M NOT sure which Gods Jermaine Osbourne-Edwards – a meditating welter on a deeply spiritual journey – worships, but they have answered his prayers.

At the age of 35, the larger-than-life character has been handed the big fight and the big stage he has craved.

“Jimmy” will face former WBO European welter champ Eithan James on the huge November 2 Resorts World show, promoted by Queensberry. Topping the bill is Liam Davies’ world IBO super-bantam defence against Shabaz Masoud.

It’s by far the biggest test of Jimmy’s unbeaten 11 fight career, which has, to date, been played out at the Hangar Events Venue in his home city of Wolverhampton. Every one of his professional contests have taken place there.

Welshman James has lost only one of 13, the setback coming in his last contest when Owen Cooper dominated and forced a ninth round retirement. He’ll want to come back with a bang.

Under trainer Richard Carter, Jimmy – one of the sport’s late bloomers – has steadily improved. He capped something of a small hall Cinderella story in March by outpointing Jamie Stewart for the Midlands title down at light-welter.

He is brim-full of confidence in the countdown to the 10 rounder. “I know he’s a good fighter, quick hands,” Jimmy said, “but I’m not letting this go to the scorecards. He’s going to get knocked out. It’s my time to shine, I’m going to show Frank Warren why he needs to sign me. I’ve just got to bite on my gumshield and take care of business.”

Those tuning into the Resorts World mega-card will get their first glimpse of one of the game’s most colourful characters.

Since he “turned over” three years ago, Black Country fans have been treated to a ring-walk that features Jimmy in full native Indian regalia, including war bonnet, drummers and banners.

His spiritual beliefs may appear a little “out there”, but they work for the boxer. They saved Jimmy from a street gang lifestyle and have steered him to boxing success.

His “journey” is best illustrated by reaction to news of the big fight. “At first it was overwhelming,” he told me. “I thought. ‘wow, I’m here’. Then I kicked off my shoes, did a bit of meditation and gave thanks to the universe.”

Until drawn to the light by his father, Jimmy was immersed in a dark world where despair was a certainty, death a probability.

“With no spirituality, there would be no boxing,” he said.

“The week before I turned to pro boxing, I was out partying Thursday to Sunday. It was a crazy lifestyle, I couldn’t walk into my home without looking over my shoulder thinking someone was going to shoot me in the back of the head.

“I was taking substances I shouldn’t have been taking, alcohol is a poison. It’s been four years since I had a drink.

“The first time I went deep into meditation I saw myself dying. I knew I needed to change. Through spiritual well-being I turned into a warrior because that’s what I see in meditation, a warrior. So I became one.”

And the warrior is predicting his biggest battle will end in victory.