Category: Sport

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NEWS: Erdington’s Leon Edwards becomes UFC Welterweight Championship of the World

By Erdington Local editorial team

Erdington UFC star Leon Edwards has entered the sporting stratosphere after one of the greatest wins in combat sports.

In the early hours of Sunday Leon “Rocky” Edwards created sporting history by beating Kamaru Usman to win the UFC Welterweight Championship of the World in Salt Lake City.

The last time the pair met in the octagon was in 2015 ended with Usman winning on points. This time entering the last round Edwards needed a knockout to win, with 30 seconds to go in the fight Edwards delivered a kick which shocked the world, connecting perfectly on the champions temple instantly knocking him out.

A lot has changed since the first fight in 2015 Usman went on to become world champion with a record breaking run of title defenses and mainstream recognition being offered a role in the forthcoming Marvel film Black Panther.

Edwards went back to basics determined to improve his grappling game which let him down in the first fight. He tried training in America but returned home after a few months determined to break the convention MMA champions needed to be in based in the USA to succeed.

In his post victory interview Edwards emotionally shouted: “Look at me now. Look at me now. I told you we could win from the UK, no-one believed me, but look at me now.”

Now the darling of the British media but just a couple years ago Erdington Local were writing pre and post fight reports about Edwards in the Midlands mainstream media, first approaching him for an interview in 2019. For the last a year Local have been trying to find a sponsor to paint a mural of Edwards in Erdington, we have a feeling it will be a lot easier now.

We knew we had our own star and are delighted everyone realises the man from Short Heath is Birmingham’s most successful.

The UFC welterweight championship is one of the most keenly contested belts in combat sports, its a global sport and Edwards is the only UK champion, only the second UK fighter to win a UFC belt, and the only to win the strap based in the UK. Other UFC champions are from Brazil, Nigeria and America as its a global star so even having a Brummie in the mix should have been huge news but it wasn’t, it took him to win the belt for everyone to notice.

Usman was the pound for pound best fighter in the entire UFC, he was on an unbeaten run which stretched back years. Edwards was such an underdog one Las Vegas casino reported 95% of money was on Usman to win.

The UFC’s official countdown documentary released last week surpassed a million views on YouTube within days.

Erdington featured heavily in the hour long video which has been seen across the world.

Describing Erdington as a “crime ridden area of Birmingham” cameras followed Edwards to the Jarvis Road estate where he lived after moving from Kingston, Jamaica as a child.

Speaking over lingering camera shots of lines of washing hanging on dirty balconies of Berkley House, Leon said: “Jarvis Road, this was where I grew up.

“Me, my younger brother and my mom, my older brother and my sister, five people in a two bed apartment, you can imagine the living space.

“If you do not find something to do you will end up getting stuck in this enviornoment, hanging around the streets and smoking weed and just messing around doing nothing.”

Edwards father was a prominent drug dealer in Jamaica but his nefarious activities cut short when he was murdered visiting London.

Leon said: “When I was 13 my dad got killed, he got shot in London, that is someone you look upto for all your life, and to know the way how he died you build a rebellious state of mind.

“I went through a stage in my teenage years when I was getting into gang fights and doing the activities my dad had been involved in, until age of 17 when I met martial arts.

“My mom introduced me to it so I’d keep off the streets. The more I delved into it the more I fell in love with it.”

In the documentary Edwards can be seen in tear when his post- Covid comeback fight ended in a no contest after he poked his opponent in the eye by mistake. Repeating the call to his mother after his title victory he told her: “I told you I would change your life”.

By his side was his brother Fabian who is also forging a successful MMA career in Belator.

With six fights being either cancelled or postponed since Covid, Edwards and UFC supremo Dana White frequently bickered on Twitter with the yoyo-ing of Birmingham fighter’s world ranking a frequent bone of contention.

After seeing Usman lying on the floor Edwards jumped over the Octogan and slapped White on the hand and then thanked him in the ring for giving him a chance in the UFC.

Edwards joked his way through Thursday’s press conference in front of thousands of fans showing he was no way being overawed by the big stage.

Dressed in a cream sweatshirt the Brummie was in sharp contrast to “Nigerian Nightmare” who was wearing an electric green suit with a gold chain resting on his bare chest.

Usman then tried to mock Edwards car, repeatedly asking: “What car do you drive back home?”

Bemused, Edwards replied: “You know what car I drive, a Mercedes, what’s wrong with that? See, I am in your head man.”

Edwards, whose nickname is Rocky, got the biggest laugh of the press conference when he was asked which Rocky opponent Usman was like – Apollo Creed or Clubber Lang and he replied : Adrianne” (Rocky Balboa’s wife).

At 35, five years older than his challenger, and with all the trappings of fame, the fleet of cars, film appearances and over-the-top flash clothes as well as three easy previous opponents, Usman was ripe for an upset.

With 30 seconds left in the five round fight in Salt Lake City Edwards was losing on the judges cards and could only win by knockout. With the words of his trainer ringing in his ears: “Stop feeling sorry for yourself. Your two (rounds) down, you need to pull it out the fire”

Edwards delivered the perfect head kick, he feinted one way so Usman moved his head the other leaving his temple wide open for a shin which connected knocking him out. He was taken to hospital afterwards.

However, showing the grace of a champion Usman tweeted the next day: “Champs f*ck up sometimes… but we bounce back and come with vengeance. Damn I love this sport! Things happen but Alhamdulillah we move!! Congratulations Leon Edwards.”

In an interview which will be watched for years to come after getting the belt Edwards said through the tears: “I can’t put it into words. It’s been a long four years. They all doubted me, they all said I couldn’t do it. Look at me now! I’m from the trenches, I’m built like this. I do it for everyone coming behind me. I told you it was possible. We can win a belt, from the UK.”

UFC commentator Joe Rogan, who has the biggest podcast in the world, has long championed Edwards, learning all about the fighters back story during an episode last year.

He told Edwards: “You have accomplished one of the hardest things in combat sports you beat the best fighter in the world, you are champion of the world.”

Now the world is Edwards oyster. The prospect of his first defence being held in Wembley Stadium, the first UFC event ever held at the national stadium.

Usman might be opponent. Or he might not.

But the boy from Jarvis Road will most definitely be in the Octogan making history.

For more on Leon Edwards visit www.ufc.com/athlete/leon-edwards

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Kingstanding boxer Niall Farrell out of Commonwealth Games after controversial referee decision

By Erdington Local news team

There was heartbreak and confusion in Kingstanding as local hero and boxer Niall Farrell’s gold medal dreams ended in a controversial defeat last night.

Coachloads of friends and family left Kingstanding Circle for the NEC to watch an international sporting spectacle where their star was expected to shine.

At Second City Bar & Lounge, Kingstanding Road, the red and white balloons had been blown up and the cross of St George laid across every available table in anticipation of a night to remember.

Despite being Monday evening, Second City had the packed out feeling of a Saturday; rounds of sour vodka shots were being shared around whether people ordered them or not.

The smokers outside stood underneath the old sign of the Kingstanding pub, which stands derelict across the Circle, happily knowing they had already claimed the best seats in front of the big screen.

Red ‘Team Farrell’ t-shits were the most popular item of clothing in the 100 plus crowd, and everyone had a tale to tell about their local boy done good.

There was a stampede inside when the boxing began, eagle-eyed punters spotted friends and family ringside on TV, and shouted hello to them.

The cheers reverberated around the club when Niall entered the ring following his Northern Irish opponent.

Though his crowd wore red, Niall wore blue, his hair pulled up into a ponytail and his tattoos looking perfect beneath a sheen of glistening sweat.

The action got underway and there was immediate flurry of punches between the fighters; there was no feeling each other out, it was instant action.

There were winces as Niall took the first shot and swearing to the roof when a looping right hand landed flush on the Kingstanding fighter’s head. A minute later and another punch landed, forcing the referee to give Niall a standing eight count.

This wasn’t good.

Niall was showing flashes of brilliance, his class was there to see, but his opponent did not pay any attention to reputations.

Another punch landed, Niall’s leg slightly buckled but he was standing tall and ready to go, to power through to the next round.

However, the ref thought different – as the amateur rules are different to professional boxing, when even an armchair fan knows someone has to be knocked to the ground and fail to get up in ten seconds to lose.

The ref spoke to Niall, and his opponent ran to his team in celebration. One man in the Second City crowd spotted it first: “That’s it, he’s done, lost.”

It took about 30 seconds for everyone to realise the dream was over, the Sunday night watching Niall fighting for gold would not happen, nor the parade when the victorious hero brought the gold back to Kingstanding.

He had lost.

The finality of it was etched in his face as he refused to shake the ref’s hand; someone had let the air out of the room.

There was no anger, just a profound sadness a young man who dedicated his life to sport would not be one of the stars of his hometown Games.

One woman demanded to be interviewed so she could call it “a fix”, and a chippy whose shift tomorrow was looking more unlikely with every round added: “He could have carried on, he was not hurt, this is a rubbish way to end a boxing match.”

Francis Heeney spoke for everyone when he said: “Niall is a winner. He will not come back here a loser, he is our winner, who else here is fighting for their country in the Commonwealth Games? No-one.

“Niall loves Kingstanding, and we love him, whether he loses or wins.”

For more on Niall Farrell visit www.teamengland.org/news/generation-22-niall-farrell

For more on Second City Bar and Lounge visit www.facebook.com/secondcitybar.lounge

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LOCAL PROFILE: Niall Farrell

Kingstanding boxer Niall Farrell is preparing to represent his country in the England Boxing squad at the Commonwealth Games 2022, pegged by many as serious contender to bring back the gold.

Erdington Local caught up with Naill in the middle of his rigorous training schedule and ahead of his first fight scheduled on Monday, 1 August – at the NEC Hall 4, from 6:30pm onward.

Kingstanding boxer Niall Farrell is planning to bring a Commonwealth Games gold medal back to Kingstanding. Named in the England team for his hometown games, Niall is working around the clock to ensure he leaves nothing in the ring at the NEC.

He trains during the week in the GB Boxing facility in Sheffield and then during the weekend he can be found in the ring in Kingstanding’s Second City Suite with his dad.

The 24-year-old has been boxing for his country since he was 15 but had a nightmare few years with injuries.

He told Erdington Local: “I had to have three operations in three years on my hands. I saw then what my life would be without boxing and I did not like what I see.

“But I believe I have come out the other side of it stronger, I feel fitter than ever and am glad I got through all those injuries; it was tough physically and mentally but I’m ready to go now.

“That is why I am giving everything now. I have always had a great work ethic, I want to show the kids of Kingstanding that if you work hard then anything is possible, in and out of the ring.”

Niall could be one of the standout stars of the Commonwealth Games, being from Birmingham and in real contention for a gold medal.

He said: “I know I can beat anyone in the world on my day so I am planning on winning gold. I’ve already had ITV get in touch; they want to come to the club.

“I want them to be there when I come back to Kingstanding with a gold medal, imagine what a party that will be in Kingstanding!”

He added: “I am all about Birmingham, I always have been, I love my hometown so to be fighting at the NEC, which I remember going to see a concert with my family, is a dream come true.

“If you are a proper Brummie you love the city, you live here, so seeing the Commonwealth Games in basically my back garden is going to be unforgettable.”

However, Niall will not be staying at home during the Games as he wants to be close to the England boxing team.

He added: “There is not a more individual sport in the world than boxing, you are in that ring alone. But it also a team sport too because of all the support we give each other.

“I am going to be staying in the athlete’s village with the rest of the team, we are coming to take over and I want to be part of every moment.

“I want support my fellow boxers every step of the way.”

Niall is also keen to use the connections he has made in boxing and his rising profile to help others.

He said: “I’ve met a lot of interesting people and made connections through GB Boxing, so want to use that to do some good. I run my own charity, Support Futures, and I am patron for the Good Shepherd charity.

“I also want to be a good example for the kids of Kingstanding. I think the best way to do that is lead by example, by working hard, showing discipline. I take time to talk to the kids; boxing can change lives and I will always try and show what can be done.”

Niall is looking forward to fighting in front of his friends and family at the NEC, and it will take four or five fights to clinch the gold medal. However, he also knows the Second City Suite will be packed every time he fights.

He said: “My fights should be on TV so I know the place will be absolutely rammed on fight days. It will be the place to be that’s for sure.

“This could be the biggest few weeks of my life and I want everyone to know I will be giving everything to win that gold medal.”

For more on Niall Farrell visit: www.teamengland.org/news/generation-22-niall-farrell

For more on Second City Boxing visit: www.facebook.com/Second-City-Boxing-Club-316607835888890/

For the daily schedule for boxing and all sporting events at the Commonwealth Games 2022 visit: www.birmingham2022.com/schedule/day-by-day

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NEWS: Local volunteer Marie Deane looks forward to Commonwealth Games 2022

Words & pics of Marie Deane by Steve Sharma

Local resident and Witton Lodge Community Association (WLCA) volunteer Marie Deane is on her marks for the experience of a lifetime, working at the Commonwealth Games 2022.

The 50-year-old, who has actively supported WLCA for more than five years, will be helping facilitate the hockey and squash tournaments – two of the most popular sports in the Games, with athletes battling it out every day after the opening ceremony.

Recruited as part of the Stand Out project, which opened up volunteer roles for people across the city, Marie will spend the 11 days of the Games’ competitions helping organisers prepare the venues for spectators.

In total, the Commonwealth Games 2022 enlisted over 10,000 volunteers to help deliver and support the prestigious sporting event – with about 30,000 people expected to attend.

Marie will also assist stadium staff with catering and cleaning duties, as well as getting rooms prepared for the athletes coming to compete in Birmingham.

Throughout the Games, over 5000 athletes will be taking part in 280 events across 23 sporting categories.

“It is so exciting and I can’t wait to get started, I just want to get stuck in,” said Marie.

“On a personal level, the experience will help to boost my confidence and make me feel more self-assured. The training I have received has been very positive and brought the Games to life for me. I know a lot more about it now than I did before.

“I feel energised just by the idea of playing a part in this historic event,” she added.

“I really believe I will thrive. I am a people person and there will be so much going on around the whole event, it will be dynamic.”

The Commonwealth Games 2022 begins in Birmingham on Thursday, 28 July and runs until Monday, 8 August. It will be the third time the international sporting competition has been held in England since its inaugural event in 1930.

The main venue for the Games is the Alexander Stadium in Perry Barr, but sites across the city are also being utilised – such as Sutton Park for the Triathlon and Para Triathlon events, with Powell’s Pool, the park itself, and surrounding roads ‘providing the ideal topography required to host the three triathlon disciplines.’

Further sporting events will be held outside Birmingham, such as cycling in Warwick, Wolverhampton and London, lawn bowls in Leamington Spa, and rugby sevens in Coventry.

Ahead of the Games’ opening ceremony, The Queen’s Baton Relay will be coming through Pype Hayes Park on Thursday, 28 July – with a celebration event held near the tennis courts by the Chester Road entrance at 12:25pm.

For more on the Commonwealth Games 2022 visit www.birmingham2022.com

For more from Witton Lodge Community Association visit www.wittonlodge.org.uk

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NEWS: Kingstanding boxer Niall Farrell to represent England at Commonwealth Games 2022

By Erdington Local news team

Kingstanding boxer Niall Farrell has been chosen for the England boxing team for the Commonwealth Games 2022.

The boxer only found out last week he was included in the team for the Games which start on July 28.

Niall will be boxing in front of a home crowd at the NEC’s LG Arena and could be one of the stars of the Games as a local athlete with real medal ambitions.

Niall told Erdington Local: “I am so pleased to be included in the team for the Commonwealth Games.

“Boxing always leaves it late when it comes to selecting a team and though lots of people were telling me I was a certainty for the squad it just does not work like that in this sport, anything can happen.”

Niall has fought all around the world in amateur boxing but rarely fights on home soil, so is looking forward to having friends and family around him when he steps into the Commonwealth Games ring.

The 24-year-old said: “I have not fought in England for years now so to have the Commonwealth Games in my own city will be something I will never forget.

“I am still waiting for the schedule to come out and then I will know who I am fighting and what time and day I will be at the NEC. It’s so exciting.”

Niall, who fought back from two injuries which kept him out of the ring for nearly three years, has had a successful run up to the Games. He won gold for Great Britain at the prestigious Gee Bee Championships in the spring and won silver at the European Amateur Championships.

Niall regularly mixes with boxing stars after training for seven years at Team GB Boxing’s headquarters in Sheffield, but always calls Kingstanding’s Second City Boxing Club his home.

His dad runs the club and the place will be packed for Niall’s fights in the Games.

Niall has plenty of causes he will give publicity too if his profile raises due to a successful run.

Farrell is an ambassador of a homeless charity and chairman of Support Futures which rehabilitates and educate young people across West Midlands.

He said: “Boxing moulds you. I see people come into the gym at home and they’ve changed their lives through boxing and that’s what I’m trying to push.

“There’s so much more to it that training and fighting. It’s a chess match. It’s not how hard or how many times I can punch you – it’s about how many times I can hit and not get hit.

“I’m hoping with the Commonwealth (Games) in England people can actually see there’s a lot more to it.”

Niall is aiming to turn professional one day and a Commonwealth Games gold medal etched in the memories of millions who watch it would be the perfect platform.

He said: “I always get a lot support from Kingstanding, 50 people once travelled to Croatia to watch me so being down the road will be great for everyone.

“My sponsors Absolute Scaffolding, Four Roads Construction, Spanclad Construction, and Luke Roper (Luke 1977) have helped massively.”

He added: “It is a dream come true to be boxing in my hometown of Birmingham, I remember watching the Commonwealths before I was on GB and now my dreams come to reality.”

For more on Niall Farrell visit www.teamengland.org/news/generation-22-niall-farrell

For more on Second City Boxing visit www.facebook.com/Second-City-Boxing-Club

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NEWS: Erdington United to play FC Premier Crusaders in George Cup final

Words by Liam Smith / Pics supplied by Erdington United

Erdington United will be playing in their first cup final this week, with the local side – based on Holly Lane – competing for the chance to lift the George Cup.

On Tuesday 8th March, Erdington United will be up against FC Premier Crusaders, in a clash that is sure to be just as exciting as the nailbiting match that secured Erdington’s place in this week’s final

A closely contested semi-final saw normal time finish 1-1, as an equaliser scored with the final kick of the game for Erdington sent the match to an eventual penalty shootout – a sudden death save from Erdington United’s goalkeeper making the difference and sparking celebrations.

 

Erdington Local caught up with the Erdington United manager, Tyler Ward, ahead of this week’s final to get his thoughts ahead of the all-important match.

When asked on the season so far, Tyler said: “It’s been a mixed bag season. We have not had our full squad together for a single game so far. A disappointing December has taken the possibility of winning the league away from us.”

But the manager is more optimistic looking to the final, adding: “we’ve started 2022 with six wins in six, and hoping to end the season with a couple of trophies.”

The recent form coupled with the opportunity to play in front of a decent sized crowd will make Tuesday’s George Cup final all the more exciting for Erdington United.

One player, Sam Gardiner, told Erdington Local: “the lads are buzzing, especially after our last cup final was abandoned due to the pandemic. Some of us who have been here for a few seasons cannot wait to finally try to win a cup.”

“We’ve had a great start to 2022, but after a long break due to weather and other circumstances, we’ve not had a lot of game time.

“We already know we’re playing a good side so everybody has to be on their A- game, and hopefully our training sessions have allowed us to keep on that level of sharpness for the match ahead.”

This will be Erdington United’s first final, and after last season’s league success the local team are hopeful to add to their silverware collection.

The club have sold out their ticket allocation plus extras, so plenty of support is expected to get behind the local lads.

When asked about the prospect of playing at Sutton Coldfield Town’s ground in front of a sizeable crowd, Sam added: “I’d like to think it will not have too much of an effect on the players, it’s something not many of us have done however, so we will have to see.”

Tickets will be available to purchase on the night for £3 – or you can get in touch with the club to purchase beforehand. This is a great opportunity to get out to support a local grassroots football club.

Erdington United will face FC Premier Crusaders in the George Cup final on Tuesday 8th March, played at Sutton Coldfield Football Cub, Coles Lane, B72 1NL. Kick of is 7:45pm.

For more on Erdington United visit www.erdingtonunited.org

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NEWS: A strong start to a long awaited season for Erdington United FC

Words by Liam Smith / Pics by Ultimate Kingz & Erdington United

Sunday League football is back in full flow with the ending of lockdowns and the easing of Covid restrictions this year.

Excitement has been building over the summer for the players at Erdington United FC (EUFC), who are now getting back on the pitch for some long awaited fixtures.

Erdington United FC are off to a strong start in their current season, securing a 3-0 victory away from home for their season opener, followed by a 4-1 home victory against Hundred Acre Streetly.

In their most recent fixture Erdington United again came out worthy winners, giving Castle Vale Olympic a thrashing with a 9-1 win.

The club have moved to the Sutton League from the Festival League in search of a new challenge, after a comfortable title win in their first season. EUFC have been placed into Division One, after some pre-season and cup success.

Erdington Local caught up with their manager, Tyler Ward, who is optimistic about the season ahead – as well as giving an insight into the club’s beginnings.

“We’re a club who have most of our players from and based in Erdington,” told Ward. “We’re a young side with many of us having known each other for the past 10+ years, having gone to school together etc.”

EUFC’s manager is confident on his team’s success this season, after their first season title wins. At the point of being confirmed as league champions last season, Erdington United had a 100% record in the league – something which Tyler believes can help them push on with their aims this season.

“Our priority for the season is to get promoted into the Premier Division, and to get as far as possible in the four cup competitions we’re in. We know the quality we have amongst the players. We are confident that come summer we’ll be exactly where we need to be.”

Erdington United are always on the lookout for players to further improve and develop their squad; information on specific player profiles they are looking to fill can be found on their social media.

The club play their home games at Holly Lane on Sundays and always welcome people to go along and watch.

Regular updates on fixtures and results are also posted on their social media platforms – with all links available via the Erdington United FC website.

For more on Erdington United FC visit www.erdingtonunited.org

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SPORT: Erdington UFC star Leon ‘Rocky’ Edwards back in the Octagon – looking at a win to clinch the title shot

Words by Adam Smith

Erdington MMA star Leon ‘Rocky’ Edwards is headlining the UFC Fight Night at the UFC Apex in Vegas on Saturday 13th March (GMT) night, after being promised a spectacular performance will give him a world title shot.

Edwards had four fights cancelled in the last 20 months due to COVID-19 so is raring to get into the Octagon against Belal Muhammad.

With a total of six fights on the card, the UFC Fight Night will be live streamed on BT Sport 1 from 10:30pm (GMT) on Saturday 13th March. Edwards is expected to enter the Octagon at around 4:30am (GMT) on Sunday 14th March.

Despite the disappointment of missing out on headlining UFC London against Tyron Woodley last March, and seeing three fights against Khamzat Chimaev cancelled, Edwards believes he is now stronger than ever.

He said: “It was disappointing when Woodley it got cancelled but I thought ‘you know what, let’s use this time to improve my skills and my mindset’.

“I’ve had a year and a half in the gym, out of training camps, and my overall game is so much better – my grappling, my wrestling, my striking.”

Edwards contracted coronavirus in December but insists he has had no long-lasting effects.

He said: “I lost a lot of weight, 6kg. I lost my appetite for food; my smell and my taste went.

“I had two weeks off and went back to training, but I struggled with my lungs, I didn’t feel myself. My coach said: ‘you’re operating at 50% of the fighter you can be’.

“I’m back to normal now, my strength is back and my weight is back up.”

‘Rocky’ is on an eight fight winning streak and is ranked third in the world in the highly competitive welterweight division.

UFC supremo Dana White this week said Edwards will be “100% next in line” to fight champion Kamaru Usman if he wins spectacularly.

Edwards said: “If I put in a great performance, I can’t see where else I can go other than a title shot, I’m looking forward to showing fans I’m the best in the world.

“It would be proof to all the kids out there in Britain that you can do it. I spent all my time in Birmingham so it would be nice to show the kids you can reach the top by staying in England.”

Leon Edwards faces off against Belal Muhammad

For more information about Leon Edwards visit www.ufc.com/athlete/leon-edwards

For more on UFC from BT Sport, visit www.bt.com/sport/ufc