Accrington’s undefeated professional boxer Thomas Varey has won his last fight as a teenager before turning twenty on 1st April having beaten Polish boxer Jakub Laskowski on points in a six round lightweight contest in Bolton to win his eighth professional bout.

Commenting after the fight, Varey said, ‘I’m young. I’m still learning, I’ve got to be patient.’ It’s eighteen months since Varey entered the paid ranks and he’s quickly and firmly established himself on the local boxing scene. He started boxing aged eight and won 50 of 55 amateur bouts. ‘My best achievement was winning a European amateur championship but I’m also proud of four national titles and winning six box cup championships.’

Varey trains at Sharpstyle Gym in Blackpool. ‘I love it at Sharpstyle training under Andy Abrol. I’m mates with the lads there like Jake Abrol, Brad Rea, Luis Wright and Levi Barnes who’s from Preston. Levi and I joined the professional ranks together when we were just eighteen. We’re all Lancashire lads constantly trying to outdo each other and it’s never boring. In the amateurs you go hell for leather for three short rounds but in the paid game you’ve to be more patient. I also never struggle to make weight as I’m always on the go training constantly and travelling to and from Blackpool almost daily.’

Finding suitable opponents for young prospects eager to establish themselves as contenders can be difficult. Varey has managed to see off eight opponents in eighteen months with his last two matches being six rounders. Two of his opponents chose not to complete their bouts with Varey and BoxRec, the sport’s international database, shows that Varey hasn’t yet lost a single point in fights going the scheduled number of rounds. He’s now ranked 26th out of 116 active British boxers in his division. When not boxing, Varey enjoys fishing ‘to relax and think things over,’ or playing football with ‘mates I’ve known since childhood and whose friendship I’ll always value.’

Family friend Nigel Waldie was so impressed with ‘the skill, talent and undoubted courage shown by Thomas’ that he decided to sponsor him. Waldie, 63, explained that ‘I’d sponsored his cousin Frank who many know was himself a promising boxer but who died aged sixteen in a swimming accident. Thomas honours his memory with the initials FV on his fight trunks. Like many others, I’m highly impressed with the quality role model and brave and ambitious professional that Thomas has become. He’s a shy lad but not introverted and analyses and discusses his boxing in a mature manner.’

Varey attended St. Mary’s primary school in Oswaldtwistle and completed his education at Myerscough College. Boxing has always been his exclusive priority. ‘Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao known as ‘PacMan’ is my hero,’ explained Varey. ‘He’s inspirational. He’s won twelve world titles at eight different weights. I’ll be happy to win my first. I was devastated when my cousin died. I guess I’ve come to terms with it. I intend to do my best and I’ll always be wearing pink, his signature colour. I’m grateful to all my sponsors for their generosity making this boxing journey possible.’

Accolade Logistics, The Steamer Pub (Fleetwood) and John Muttick have joined Waldie as Varey’s sponsors. Further potential sponsors should contact Varey on Instagram at thomasvarey18 or his coach Andy Abrol at Sharpstyle or e-mail sharpstyleboxing@hotmail.co.uk.