The 21-year-old heads to Scotland’s largest city ready to step foot on the biggest stage of his fledgling career so far and kick on from his 90kg+ quarter-final appearance at last year’s World Boxing Championships in Liverpool.
And after a disciplined and demanding training camp that has seen him push through a gruelling training schedule, Thomas, who won 92kg gold at the European Youth Boxing Championships and silver at the IBA Youth World Boxing Championships in 2022, is ready to mix it with the best.
“It’s been great,” said the 6ft 6in fighter, who is part of Powerday Hooks ABC in Ealing.
“We are on the track at seven o’clock in the morning, doing the run. Then back in at 12 for pads or a technical session. And then in the evening, sparring. It’s quite a hard training camp, but nothing’s easy in this sporting life.”
That routine has been sharpened further by recent experience in major competition, while watching the 2022 Commonwealth Games helped fuel Thomas’ ambition to reach the same stage himself.
“When I watched in Birmingham, it looked great, and a great atmosphere, and I couldn’t wait to be there myself,” Thomas continued.
“It’s always great to represent Team England, especially when you’re wearing a kit and you’re doing it for your nation.”
Thomas’ selection moment was an emotional one, arriving suddenly during training before being confirmed in a team meeting.
“I was training here, then we ran into a meeting, and then we found out, and I was chuffed,” he said.
“I didn’t say anything. I waited till I got home and told my mum. She was really happy, especially because she is going to come and watch me win a gold medal.”
Thomas’ pathway into boxing began in an unassuming way, but it quickly became a defining part of his life.
“I got into boxing literally doing pads at my school lunch break, and I loved it,” he explained.
“As soon as I went down to the gym, I fell in love with boxing, and here I am now.”
Now, that journey has taken him all the way to Team England selection, with Thomas determined to make the most of his opportunity on the international stage.
He added: “At these Games in Glasgow, my aim is to win gold, obviously, nothing less. It’s going to be great.”
Team England are Ready to Win at the 2026 Commonwealth Games. Keep up to date on https://teamengland.org/