Boxing: Edmonds eager for another crack at big time success

Apr 5 2008 by Gareth Jones, South Wales Echo

FORMER amateur star Matthew Edmonds looks to put another entry on the ‘win’ side of his ledger when he faces former victim Sumaila Badu in the main event at the Newport Centre tonight.

The 24-year-old local man, who outscored the little Ghanaian at the same venue 13 months ago, will defend the International Masters bantam belt for the first time as he bids to get back on track following defeat in his challenge for the Commonwealth crown last time out.

The vastly more experienced Jason Booth halted the Welshman in nine rounds, but Edmonds, who took the fight at short notice, had a taste of the big time. And it’s a feeling he wants to repeat.

First, however, he needs to start winning again – and 30-year-old Badu, although he too boxed for the Commonwealth title, is unlikely to upset that plan.

Another Ghanaian, Ayittey Mettle, provides the first comeback opposition for Cwmbran’s Jamie Arthur in his first outing in nearly three years. Mettle is a former national and West African super-bantam king, but the naturally bigger Arthur should know too much.

Cardiffian Gary Buckland, hoping to force himself into the British lightweight mix, keeps active with a six-rounder against Torquay’s Iranian-born Ali Wyatt, whose foster-father, former pro Wally, hails from Newport. Buckland’s cousin, 18-year-old James Evans, makes his paid debut against fellow first-timer Gavin Brook, a former British schools semi-finalist from Plymouth.

Two unbeaten Gwent youngsters complete the card.

Abercarn tree surgeon Jamie Way goes for a sixth straight win against another West Countryman, Jimmy Briggs, while Cefn Fforest feather Rob Turley tries to make it three out of three, with Peterborough’s Tony McQuade providing his opposition. Tickets will be available on the door, with the first bout scheduled for 8pm.