Midlands Prospects - Thomas Costello by Tom Podmore Nov 16th 2007

In the fourth segment of his eight-part series, Midland correspondent Tom Podmore looks at the brightest prospects from the heartlands of Britain. He will assess what they've achieved so far, their style and what they can achieve if they continue at the level they've performed at thus far. Welterweight: Thomas ‘The Natural' Costello. Residence: Birmingham. Age: 18. Record: 2-0 (1). Trainer: Richie Woodhall / John Costello. http://www.britishboxing.net/boxers_77638-Thomas-Costello.html The Story So Far: The skilful, exciting teenager was a world-class junior amateur with Chelmsley Wood ABC in Birmingham and has more than looked the part in his opening two professional contests. In that illustrious unpaid period, Costello compiled an impressive 37-7 ledger that saw him win the Junior ABAs, the Four Nations and the Midland ABA's, a title he won on seven occasions. He also represented Great Britain at the World Cadets in 2005, losing to Turk Furkan Goreli (a dangerous puncher who reached the quarter-final) in the opening round. Add to that a gold medal at the Copenhagen Box Cup, only one defeat whilst boxing for England and excellent victories over the likes of touted Irish Junior ABA champion Eamon Mangan means this young stylist has the world at his feet. Costello then spurned the advances of Frank Warren, though has just signed a four-fight deal with Britain's number one promoter, and Fight Academy to turn professional with Birmingham promoter Ken Purchase in February – the offer of regular fights in his home-city proving to be too tempting an offer to refuse. Trained by his father John, who coached him during his amateur tenure, and former WBC world super-middleweight champion Richie Woodhall at the Team Ringside Gym in Birmingham, Tom has settled in to professional boxing with consummate ease. Durable Sutton-In-Ashfield-based Latvian Deniss Sirjatovs was decked and blown away in only 85 seconds on his paid bow at the Aston Villa Events Centre in late April. Thomas then went over and sparred with Paulie Malignaggi, the current IBF world light-welterweight champion, at Gleason's Gym in New York in May. Reportedly, Costello gave Paulie more trouble in sparring than champion Lovemore N'Dou did in their title fight. New York-Italian Malignaggi hailed the tall Brummie as a future world champion. Costello won a four-round (40-37) decision over fellow Brummie Jason Nesbitt at the Holiday Inn in July. Nesbitt, in fight 81, pushed the prospect but would have probably have been halted had it been a six-rounder – bodyshots getting to him in the last. Style: The orthodox teenager has many strings to his bow: speed of both hand and foot, accuracy, power, a willingness to finish the job early and the requisite temperament to flourish at a higher level. He also hits the body well, moves his head and works behind an impressively lengthy jab. With both his dad and Woodhall, a master craftsman who won gold at the Commonwealth Games and bronze at the Olympics, harnessing his talent, he is in safe hands. Where Next: Thomas fights Duncan Cottier in a four-rounder on Sunday (November 18) at the Custard Factory in Birmingham on a card promoted by dad John Costello and former pro bantamweight Jon Pegg (Pugilist Promotions). He has also recently signed a four-fight deal with Frank Warren, the first fight of which is likely to take place at Liverpool's Echo Arena, on the undercard of Derry Matthews WBU title defence, in February. However, his debut win has been somewhat a double-edged sword. Sirjatovs doesn't get blasted out often and many potential opponents have turned down the job. Nesbitt accepted the job on the day of his last fight after SEVEN opponents politely refused. Costello has admitted he is no rush for a title shot, so 2008 is likely to be another year of building. The 18-year-old, who doesn't turn 19 until January, will probably get a crack at the Midland Area title, or something similar at least, in 2009. What He Can Achieve: He fought at the highest possible level as an amateur and there is little reason to suggest he can't replicate that kind of form in the paid ranks. His two pro wins have shown he has the skills and punch to take him places – but final judgement will have to reserved until he has taken a solid punch on the jaw. Still, I wouldn't be too surprised if he soars above domestic level.

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