BBN Exclusive - Costello signs with Frank Warren by Tom Podmore Nov 6th 2007

One of Birmingham's brightest prospects, unbeaten Chelmsley Wood welterweight Thomas ‘The Natural' Costello, has signed a promotional deal with Frank Warren - Britain's number one promoter. The hard-hitting teenager appears in a four-rounder against Duncan Cottier on Pugilist Promotions debut show at the Custard Factory in Birmingham on Sunday, November 18 and has put pen to paper on a four-fight deal with Warren. Warren, who has guided Joe Calzaghe and Ricky Hatton to the top, has also told Costello that he will be able to appear under the Birmingham-based Pugilist Promotions banner once or twice a year. That's good news for Birmingham boxing, currently basking in particularly rude health after Shard End's Wayne Elcock won the British middleweight title in September and Yardley's Frankie Gavin won gold at the World Amateur Championships on Sunday. Unbeaten at 2-0 (1), the John Costello and Richie Woodhall-trained stylist initially spurned the advances of Sports Network and Fight Academy to go pro with Birmingham-based Ken Purchase, but lack of shows has seen him change his mind and link-up with world-renowned Warren. The Hertfordshire-based promoter originally courted the 18-year-old in early 2007 after an unpaid career that included a Junior ABA and Four Nations title, as well as representing his country at the World Cadet Championships in 2005. Thomas also compiled a stellar 37-7 ledger and only tasted defeat once whilst in the vest of England. John (Costello, dad, head-honcho at Chelmsley Wood ABC and co-promoter of Pugilist Promotions) told me over the phone: “Frank has offered us a good deal that will see Thomas fight regularly and get the chance to move up the domestic ladder quickly. “Frank has, providing there is no clashes with dates, said we can have Thomas boxing on our shows once or twice a year. Thomas is pleased with that as he is keen to box in front of his home fans in Birmingham as much as possible. Tom, who won his paid debut against durable Deniss Sirjatovs in only 85 seconds in April, added: “It would be a dream to bring a recognised world title to Birmingham and signing with Frank Warren could help me achieve that.”

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