Thomas dominates Doncaster derby with Slaney to win Central Area title

He may have been the more unassuming fighter in the Doncaster derby but Richard Thomas certainly made a statement on his way to Central Area title glory.
Richard Thomas holds aloft the Central Area title after beating Daniel Slaney. Picture: Dean WoolleyRichard Thomas holds aloft the Central Area title after beating Daniel Slaney. Picture: Dean Woolley
Richard Thomas holds aloft the Central Area title after beating Daniel Slaney. Picture: Dean Woolley

The Tickhill fighter delivered a brutal performance to overwhelm Doncaster rival Daniel Slaney inside seven rounds and become Central Area super middleweight king in only his sixth fight.

Much of the attention - and pre-fight tipping - had fallen on Harworth's Slaney, who commanded the greater profile and stood in the home corner hoping to ignite a promising career.

Richard Thomas and Daniel Slaney go at it in the Central Area title clash. Picture: Dean WoolleyRichard Thomas and Daniel Slaney go at it in the Central Area title clash. Picture: Dean Woolley
Richard Thomas and Daniel Slaney go at it in the Central Area title clash. Picture: Dean Woolley
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But Thomas - who has operated away from Doncaster for much of his career - pummelled his way into prominence with a dominant show that upset the apple cart on Stefy Bull's brilliant show at The Dome.

Thomas pounced on Slaney from the first bell, unloading shots to which there was little answer from the Harworth maths teacher.

Slaney was in trouble and struggled to weather the early storm in an opening round which firmly went against the plan.

Thomas was the aggressor in the second and the uncomfortable Slaney barely offered any offense in return.

Richard Thomas and Daniel Slaney exchange punches in their Central Area title clash. Picture: Dean WoolleyRichard Thomas and Daniel Slaney exchange punches in their Central Area title clash. Picture: Dean Woolley
Richard Thomas and Daniel Slaney exchange punches in their Central Area title clash. Picture: Dean Woolley
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The southpaw did begin to find his feet in the third and did enough to suggest he could turn the fight around as he began to work behind the jab.

But any shift in balance was short-lived. Whenever 31-year-old Thomas turned up the heat and piled forward, Slaney could not handle it.

Clubbing shots troubled Slaney and halted any progress he made with the jab and on the inside.

The end was in sight early in the sixth when a stiff short right hand from Thomas sent Slaney tumbling back through the ropes.

Richard Thomas lands a damaging blow behind the ear of Daniel Slaney. Picture: Dean WoolleyRichard Thomas lands a damaging blow behind the ear of Daniel Slaney. Picture: Dean Woolley
Richard Thomas lands a damaging blow behind the ear of Daniel Slaney. Picture: Dean Woolley
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Though Slaney made the count, his eyes were glazed over and Thomas smelled blood.

He pounced quickly and sent in a string of shots which Slaney could not block.

Referee John Latham took a quick look and began a standing count but waved the fight off quickly.

Thomas' manager Joe Elfidh was delighted with his man's performance.

Richard Thomas and Daniel Slaney go at it in the Central Area title clash. Picture: Dean WoolleyRichard Thomas and Daniel Slaney go at it in the Central Area title clash. Picture: Dean Woolley
Richard Thomas and Daniel Slaney go at it in the Central Area title clash. Picture: Dean Woolley

"They underestimated him and he have it is all," he said.

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"So many people told me, naming no names, that he didn't have a chance of winning that title and I don't know if anyone has ever won an Area title in their sixth fight before.

"He was in the away corner but sold a few tickets anyway, being a Doncaster boy.

"He's a pleasure to work with and I don't think anyone from Tickhill has ever achieved this before.

"He's hardworking in the gym and never says no to any fight. He's not bothered about boxing in the away corner.

"He's so naturally heavy-handed with both hands.

"What's next for Richard is that he likes being up against it so we'll look for a big name next."