WHAT a fight…and what a stage!
Former Midlands champs Ashlee Eales and Jermaine Osbourne-Edwards collide on Boxxer’s huge December 20 show at Leeds’ First Direct Bank Arena.
The event, topped by the triple-title super-middleweight clash between Callum Simpson and Troy Williamson, is televised by the BBC.
And the Beeb will certainly get their money’s worth from Eales and Osbourne-Edwards in the build-up.
Both are supreme showmen who throw-out glorious quotes. They are two of the most colourful characters in pro boxing.
Viewers will be treated to Ashlee’s swaggering soundbites and Jermaine’s now famous ringwalk – a carnival of banners and drummers.
Outside the ring, the pair are friends, which means Eales will refrain from the taunts that have been a feature of previous contests.
It’s a gem of a 50-50 encounter, scheduled for six rounds and made at 10st 11bs.
Eales, from Nuneaton, held the Midlands light-middle title and has lost only one of 12. The 31-year-old, unorthodox and flashy, has the edge in power.
Wolverhampton veteran Osbourne-Edwards, aged 36, is a former Midlands light-welter title holder who has lost only two of 14. Tough and frighteningly fit, the southpaw has the edge in big, televised show experience.
“It’s a great fight,” said his trainer Richard Carter, “a turning point for both lads, a 50-50. Jim’s up for it. He’s an athlete, he trains every day of the week. He’s 36, but he’s more than capable of winning this one. He still has two or three good fights in him.
“It’s on a big stage covered by the BBC – I think it will fire him straight back in the mix.”
Eales’ personality alone is big enough to fill arenas.
He said: “Jermaine is my pal and bro – I know how tough he is, I know he has a chin on him. But I always know my capabilities. I hit hard with both hands and I’m dangerous early on.
“If he calls it a 50-50 fight, I’ll call it a 50-50 fight out of respect for him.
“I have the personality and skillset, I’ve not got the amateur pedigree and ability to sell hundreds of tickets. Once I put on a clinical performance, that will change.
“I deserve my shot (title fight) now and I’m one good win away from that. For me, this fight’s like a job interview.”
