City boxing club mourns the late 'Tommo'

The former president, secretary and treasurer - who has been with the club for more than half of its existence - died at home on Saturday, writes Craig Birch.

The 77-year-old had been unwell for sometime due to respiratory issues and was treated at New Cross Hospital and Compton Hospice this year.

Thomas, of Burcot Avenue in East Park, Wolverhampton, is survived by his widow Marilyn and will be sadly missed in the boxing and local community.

An emergency general meeting took place last night to discuss the club - which was formed in 1936 - and its future. The gym is shut until tomorrow as a sign of respect.

It will be immediately down to trustee Gary Bate, new secretary and treasurer George Langford and head coach Dennis Stephenson to take control.

And Bate insists the trio are dedicated to running the place as 'Tommo would have wanted,' including keeping hold of the vast boxing memorabilia he has left to the club.

Bate said: "It's very sad news. We only had our AGM last week, which we had at his house as he wasn't quite up to coming down to the club.

"It came as a shock, still, because that was the best health I had seen him in for a while. I have been visiting him regularly for the last 18 months.

"George took over his duties, which he stepped down from in June. But, in our eyes, he was still the top man at the club as he'd always been.

"All of his collection has been audited and logged and we'll be making sure none of it goes anywhere. He made his last wishes very clear to us.

"He always made sure everything was run in the right way and it's down to us now to carry that on. It's big boots to fill, but we'll try our best.

"Not matter how ill he was, he still seemed like his old self."

His death comes just a year short of the club's 80th anniversary, with the current gym on Willenhall Road a stark cry from its humble beginnings.

Their original home on Thornley Street burned down to the ground, before moving to Union Street and then onto their current site 30 years ago.

They occupy what used to be the old Eastfield School and, when you throw open the doors, the transformation inside is immense.

An Olympic-sized ring is the centre-piece and was donated by multi-world champion Amir Khan, who trained through those ropes for the 2004 Games in Athens.

The club's fight apparel is one of only two organisations permitted to use the City of Wolverhampton crest - a request granted the year after they were formed - next to Wolves.

Thomas got involved after coming out of the Navy in the late 1950's and, while he was front of house than fighter, his contribution will never be forgotten.

Bate said: "Tommo dedicated himself for 40 years and the club has produced two Olympians, Roy Addison and Tony Wilson, in that time.

"But it's just as important how he's kept kids off the street in East Park and the surrounding areas and gave them something to aspire to.

"The way he's tirelessly worked for the gym down the years will be what I most remember him for , along with how he'd rope you in to help!

"He could be a crafty old devil! He's inspired people and upset a few down the years, as well, but most will remember him as a top bloke.

"I'm 51 this year and I have been involved with boxing since I was 13, so I've known Tommo man and boy. He always had time for everyone.

"I remember one Christmas, after I had grown up, coming into the gym and the kids were skipping with old aerial wire from televisions.

"I had a whip round and we managed to get about 25 ropes, speed balls and gloves and put them all in the veranda at Tommo's house.

"He came home, rang me and told me Santa had been around! He knew full well it was me and he so thankful of the help for the club.

"He put his heart and soul into it and made you want to to the same."