First bill-topper for big hitting Edwards
Jamie Edwards…first six rounder. Picture: Manjit Narotra/BCB
GOOD to see Jamie Edwards elevated to bill topper on tomorrow’s (Saturday’s) BCB show at the Eastside Rooms, Birmingham.
Mark my words – it’s the first of many headliners. The big-hitting Coventry light-welter – a division now referred to as super-light – is a real talent. I’ve been mightily impressed by the 27-year-old.
Jamie takes top spot on the “Winter Warmer” show after the Midlands flyweight title fight between Brad Coley and Bradley Thompson fell through, with Thompson forced to withdraw through injury.
The former fine Triumph ABC amateur, unbeaten in five as a pro, faces tough Nicaraguan Engels Gomez who I’ve watched in West Midlands rings on a number of occasions.
He gave Gully Powar a decent scrap at Wolverhampton Civic Hall, faced Macauley Owen at the Eastside Rooms and last year went in against Cory O’Regan at the Holiday Inn, Birmingham Airport.
Engels represents a decent test for Edwards, who is taking part in his first six rounder. Nicknamed El Cohete – “The Rocket”, recent form suggests he’s no longer firing on all cylinders. But the 25-year-old is durable, experienced (66 fights, 54 losses) and has mixed in very good company.
A stoppage win would be something of a statement by Edwards who told me in a recent interview: “I have the power, the power is there – it’s about learning the other things needed and using them correctly.
“I have always been blessed with power, now we’re putting it together with speed and timing and it’s making a massive difference.”
Hopefully, we’ll see the difference on Saturday.
The show also sees Doina Costin face Gabriela Strikaityte for the vacant Midlands super-bantam title. That’s a decent, 50-50 scrap destined to go the full 10 rounds.
One time Coventry golden boy Dylan Cheema has his second comeback bout after a two year break from the business. The lightweight faces Josh Morris over six rounds.
Unbeaten Ben Andrews makes the long journey from Devon to fight Bahadur Karami, again over six, Zoe Newton makes her debut with a four rounder against Kira Carter and Birmingham’s Ethan Rutter looks for his second pro win at the expense of Jake Pollard.