Fight News
By Robert Coster
Jerome Thomas of France, a spectacular star in the amateur ranks but a flop as a pro, has decided to hang up the gloves after only 14 fights. The 33-year-old bantamweight’s story is unique, to say the least. Jerome was born with Poland Syndrome, a genetic disease that resulted in him having his left hand smaller than the right, his left arm smaller than the right and almost no pectoral muscle. Nevertheless, these handicaps did not stop the Frenchman from becoming one of the most successful amateur boxers of all times. He won gold in the flyweight class at the World Amateur Championships in Belfast 2001 and a silver medal in Bangkok 2003; a gold medal at the European Championships in 2003; a silver medal at the Olympics in Athens in 2004 and a bronze in 2000. Thomas displayed a set of skills perfectly suited for the amateur ranks: speed, movement, a classy jab and the ability to score points from a distance. Thomas however did not adapt to the rough style of professional boxing, being seriously limited by his lack of power and stamina. On January 29th in Agadir, Morocco, Thomas was stopped in the third round by Hassan Azaouagh (a 9-6 rival). The loss prompted his decision to end his career. Thomas retires with a final 12-1-1, 1 KO ledger.
