Brad Thomas will be keen to show the improvements he’s made when he attempts to go one better than his pro debut.
Thomas could only draw on his bow in September and is determined to pick up the win, this time, when he forms part of a Friday fight night on March 15.
The 26-year-old super lightweight features on BCB Promotions’ first bill of the year in Birmingham, at the H Suite in Edgbaston. The show has been titled ‘Fly Guys.’
The former unlicensed fighter endured a baptism of fire when turning over against the experienced Michael Mooney, a rugged man of the circuit.
Thomas’ nose poured with blood from the first minute onwards as they traded blows at will, until the four-round contest ended with honours even.
Both men had claimed just one session as their own, with the two other rounds drawn to produce a 39-39 result with referee Chris Dean.
It was a rough introduction to pro life for Brummie Thomas, from Acocks Green, but he’s been determined to crack on and get that ‘W’ ever since.
A December date to compete again fell by the wayside, due to illness, and ‘Bosh’ has used the free time since to hone his skills in the gym.
He said: “It’s been a while since I’ve last been in there, too long in fact. I should have boxed in December, but I wasn’t well.
“It seems like a long time ago now, but it was an unreal debut for me. I wanted to win so much but, looking back, it was the best experience I’ve ever had.
“I thought I’d edged it, so did my corner and all of the fans that were there. I was disappointed not to have my hand raised.
“I showed that I’ve got heart, though, and that I’m fit and game. Maybe I’ve proved I’ve got a chin, too, because I got caught with some good shots as well as dishing them out!
“I don’t want to be taking that many again, I need to be staying in the pockets and putting pressure on in a calculated way.
“I love to fight and I’ll always come forward, but you need to pay boxing the respect it deserves. I’m raw and I want to become a student of the sport.
“I’ve had a good camp for this one, I’ve been working hard with Malcolm (Melvin, coach) and, in many ways, I’m still learning the game.
“I’m picking up things every single day and I’ll show the difference in me on March 15. I’ve come on a lot.”
The Midlands flyweight title will be contested in a battle of Birmingham at the top of the bill, when champion Ijaz Ahmed defends against Matt Windle.
Another area champion, Midlands lightweight boss Kane Baker, engages in a keep-busy affair to get his 2019 up and running.
Baker, from Bartley Green, defeated Ishmael Ellis to win the vacant strap in December and now undertakes his 15th pro outing, looking for a 10th victory.
Jordan Clayton, of Solihull, appears for the 11th time as a pro as he continues his progression down to welter, with new coach Tom Chaney in his corner for a second time.
Clayton only boxed once in 2018, recording a points win over MJ Hall – forenames Matthew James – after nearly nine months out of the ring.
Super welterweight Mussab Abubaker, from Small Heath, returns to the venue where he made his pro debut in 2017 having scored another over-the-distance result since.
Daryl Pearce, of Rednal, steps in for his second paid affair. He arrived with a points success over Mohamed Mahmoud at welter last June.
Tickets, priced at £35 standard or £65 VIP ringside with a buffet and waitress service, are on sale now. It will be £40 for entry on the door. For more information, contact the boxers.
