LENROY THOMAS has embraced the underdog label he has been given ahead of his Commonwealth heavyweight title defence on Saturday (May 5).
Thomas makes the second defence of the belt he won in May 2017 against Dave Allen in Sheffield on the undercard of Kell Brook versus Errol Spence Jr.
Former Olympic silver medalist Joe Joyce, promoted by David Haye, is Thomas’ challenger who finds himself as an underdog, and not for the first time.
“I’m always the underdog and I love it,” Thomas said. “The body is God’s, I go on my knees and I let him take care of it. God controls the future and whatever his plan is I’ll be ready.”
The story for Thomas began two years ago when current unified heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua drafted the Jamaican in for sparring prior to his world title challenge against Charles Martin in 2016.
Thomas believes his success is all part of a destined plan. “This is a plan, it’s God’s plan” he said. “Just look at the picture, when I came here two years ago I came here to help Anthony Joshua to beat Charles Martin.
“And look what God has given me, it’s all part of his work.”
Thomas, who has also sparred with current WBC king Deontay Wilder, Luis Ortiz and shared the ring with former Joshua opponent Dominic Breazeale would return to the UK to face Allen when he won the Commonwealth strap.
Along the way Thomas would meet his now trainer Kenny Porter, father of former welterweight world title challenger Shawn Porter, the Jamaican southpaw described his partnership with Kenny as “blessing”.
“It’s a blessing to have him working for me” Thomas said.
“We met in Sheffield and here we are again back in England and God made no mistake this is all part of his plan.
“To any young kid who’s going through the struggle just don’t give up keep on believing in yourself keep on pushing and have the faith it will happen, because it will happen.”
