Thomas Essomba closing in on major title fight

Thomas Essomba is a step closer to a tilt at the Commonwealth flyweight title.

The Echo reported on Monday that manager and promoter, Phil Jeffries, was writing to the Commonwealth council to push the claims of his boxer.

Essomba had turned on the style – and power – when he registered his fourth straight win as a professional when he stopped Hungary’s Robert Kanalas two minutes and 25 seconds into the second round of their international flyweight battle.

Following that stunning success at the Stadium of Light, the undefeated Sunderland fighter has been placed at number seven in the Commonwealth rankings and is now in contention for a challenge.

“I’m over the moon,” said Jeffries. “Now I am hoping to get Thomas a shot at the title.

“That lad he blew away at the Summer Rumble was number 11 in Europe and had won a minor world belt.

“It had cost me a few quid to bring him over so Thomas would get a test, but he destroyed him.

“That was just his fourth pro fight and what a performance.

“I say it all the time, but Thomas is something special and I’m convinced he’ll bring the Commonwealth title to Sunderland.”

The Cameroon fighter has made the city his home after claiming political assylum following representing his country at the 2012 Olympics in London.

He is trained by Sean Casey at the BOS gym, in Hendon, the coach doing a tremendous job with the two-time Olympian.

Essomba cannot box for the British title, but with Cameroon a relatively new addition to the Commonwealth, he can make his move towards world level via that route.

“Thomas is happy in Sunderland,” added Jeffries.

“Not only is he an exciting boxer, he’s a lovely person and nothing will give me greater satisfaction than seeing him with one of the big belts around his waist.

“He sold a £1,000 worth of tickets for Sunday’s fight so he’s developing a nice little following.

“Thomas is good to watch so I hope more people keep becoming fans.”