‘Jimmy’ has farewell fight in his home city

Osbourne-Edwards….credit to the game. Picture: Manjit Narotra/BCB

JERMAINE Osbourne-Edwards, the larger-than-life ex champ who mixed a deeply spiritual lifestyle with the fight game, is to retire.

The 36-year-old southpaw will have one final fling on promoter BCB’s September 19 show at the Hangar, the Wolverhampton setting for 11 of “Jimmy’s” 13 fights.

After that, “Kundalini King” – a man saved from a street life of crime by his beliefs and boxing – will devote his time to saving kids in danger of taking the wrong path.

Of next month’s farewell, Wolverhampton’s Jermaine said: “It will be a very, very emotional night. I feel like I’ve lost someone in the family. I love boxing, there’s nothing else I know.”

The game is certainly losing a colourful character known for his dramatic ring entrances. He’d walk into battle wearing a native American war bonnet, followed by drummers.

Jermaine had hoped to face Liam Gould for the vacant Midlands welterweight title. The fact that 10 rounder fell through may have played a part in his decision to walk away.

And he can walk away with head held high.

A product of Richard Carter’s gym, Jermaine turned pro late and achieved more than was expected. He outpointed Jamie Stewart for the vacant Midlands super-lightweight title, fought for the English welterweight belt and boxed 10 rounds on a televised Frank Warren arena show.

“I want to open doors to other things,” Jermaine said. “I want to help the kids out, that’s my passion, help them become better versions of themselves.

“I feel I could’ve achieved more, but sometimes you have to say goodbye. The stand-out memories are winning the Midlands title and fighting on a big Frank Warren show. That was epic – I’d arrived on the big stage.”

Has the man himself been surprised by his achievements? “I manifested it,” he said. “All boxers want to be a champion, I became a Midlands champion. Not everyone gets to fight for a Midlands title, let alone win one.”

Only social media, Jermaine posted: “This (September 19) is the last time I enter the ring and put on the gloves.

“Hope I can get as much support as possible for this. It’s been a great few years of boxing for me, fighting on small shows to big arenas. I’d love to get the whole of Wolverhampton behind me for this one - I’d appreciate the support and the love.

“Thanks to everyone whose supported me on my journey and thank you to my team and coaches. It’s been a great journey.”

It certainly has.