Q&A with Prospect Maredudd Thomas

Fighting out of the Welsh capital, Cardiff, Maredudd Thomas trains at Llanrumney Phoenix Boxing Club. The 23-year-old, full-time boxer, is trained by former World Middleweight title challenger Gary Lockett.

The young welterweight scored a few spectacular KO’s early on, though he’s developed into a well-rounded boxer. In just over two years, he’s compiled an unbeaten run in 11 bouts.

I caught up with Maredudd to talk about his progression in the professional ranks.

How did you get into boxing?

From a young age, I’ve always been interested in boxing, so my Dad took me to the boxing gym, aged nine, and I’ve never stopped since then.

What gym did you first go to?

I boxed out of Colcot Amateur Boxing Club and had around sixty amateur fights. My highlights of amateur boxing were fighting for Wales in international tournaments.

Who are you managed and trained by?

I’m managed by Mo Prior and trained by Gary Lockett.

Gary Lockett trains you at the Llanrumney Phoenix Boxing Club in Cardiff. Describe the gym and who’re the characters there?

We have a great gym, full of top Welsh fighters. We all push each other, and there’s always a good atmosphere in the gym.

Favourite part of training?

My favourite part of training would be sparring.

Who do you spar in preparation for fights?

Most of my sparring is with British Welterweight Champion, Chris Jenkins; we always have good sparring. It is great for me to have this sparring in the gym. Also, I spar prospect Jay Munn and Olympic Silver Medalist Fred Evans, so plenty of different styles to mix it with.

You made your professional debut, in Pontypool, back in December 2017. How did you feel going into that fight with Geiboord Omier?

For my pro debut, I was excited to be fighting finally, as I had a few issues with medicals beforehand. On the night I did get nervous, it was the first time having a crowd of my family and friends watching me fight. As most of my amateur fights, it would just be my Dad watching me.

You’ve had eleven fights, winning all. How do you rate your performances?

I’ve now had 11 pro-fights, and I’m learning with each contest. Gary likes to keep me matched up with opponents that I can learn from and not just KO and gain no experience from.

You’ve been kept busy. How important is it to be boxing regularly?

I’m lucky to have been kept so busy in my pro career. At first, I had some bad luck with my medical, and my fight getting called off on the night. But since my third fight, I’ve been fighting very regularly, which has been great for me.

Which fight have you performed best in?

My last fight, in March, versus Serge Ambomo, I felt like I boxed good, listening to Gary, in my corner. Just boxing behind my jab and not getting involved in a scrap with a big puncher. By boxing a lot smarter in this fight, I won all six rounds clearly.

Coronavirus has brought sporting events and boxing to a standstill. How do you train and keep focused?

With the current coronavirus situation, it’s been harder to train with not being able to use any gyms. But I am lucky to still be able to do pad sessions with my brother, and I’m always running to keep fit.

All boxers rely on sponsors, which ones are supporting you even though you can’t fight?

I’m lucky to have my sponsors behind me Sterling Security and Frans Injury and Rehab.

Once boxing gets going again, are there any titles or opponents that you’re targeting?

Before the cancellation of all sporting events, I had a WBC Youth title fight lined up for the 8th of May, in Bolton, England, against another unbeaten fighter Sahir Iqbal (7-0). That is the fight I want, as soon as this is all over, it’s a good fight for me and one I know I can win.

Ambitions in the sport?

My ambition in boxing is to take it as far as I possibly can and to win every title on the way.

How can people follow your career?

My Instagram is maredudd96 and Twitter @mareduddT