Accrington Boxing Talent Thomas Varey Triumphs with Fifth-Round Knockout
In a thrilling display of skill and power, Thomas Varey, a promising boxer who commutes from Accrington to train at Blackpool's Sharpstyle gym, has started 2026 with a spectacular victory. Varey stopped Ugandan boxer Andrew Kikonyogo via a dramatic fifth-round knockout on a Bolton show organized by his manager, Steve Wood of VIP Promotions.
Coach Praises Varey's Strategic Brilliance
Coach Andy Abrol, who mentors Varey at Sharpstyle gym, hailed the performance as a testament to the fighter's growing expertise. "A quality performance from Thomas against a strong, previously unbeaten fighter keen to win," said Abrol. "This brought out the best in Thomas as his opponent pressed forward, allowing our fighter to maximise his power by positioning himself so that Andrew walked into the shots."
Abrol emphasized Varey's development in ring intelligence, noting that the boxer had comfortably taken the first four rounds. In the fifth, Kikonyogo charged out determined to turn the fight around, but overstepped on his front foot, enabling Varey to land a well-timed left hook. "It was obvious this had shaken the opponent," Abrol explained. "Thomas took advantage with a barrage of shots which went unanswered, leading the referee to wave off the contest."
Varey's Undefeated Streak and Rankings Rise
Thomas Varey, who turns 21 in April, remains undefeated in 12 professional bouts since joining the paid ranks in 2023 at just 18 years old. This victory marks his fourth bout not to go the scheduled distance, showcasing his knockout prowess. According to BoxRec, the sport's official database, Varey is now positioned 19th out of 122 active British professionals in the lightweight division, a significant climb that highlights his rapid ascent in the boxing world.
Varey's Ambitions and Future Plans
Reflecting on his win, Varey expressed satisfaction with his performance. "I'm pleased with how it went," he said. "I'm good at sticking to the game plan and listening to my corner's advice. I wouldn't dare not. The better the opponent, the better I box."
Looking ahead, Varey has set his sights on securing an area belt later this year, with the central area super lightweight title being a mentioned target. "We'll have to see, but I'm keen to follow in the footsteps of the boxers I train with, such as Jake Abrol and Brad Rea, who've all had recent success," he added. "The world's my oyster."
Call for Sponsorship Support in Accrington
Like all elite athletes, Thomas Varey requires sponsorship to support his burgeoning career. He is currently grateful to sponsors Nigel Waldie and 11.11 Management but is seeking greater backing from his hometown of Accrington. Potential sponsors interested in supporting Varey's journey are encouraged to contact coach Andy Abrol via email at sharpstyleboxing@hotmail.co.uk or through Instagram @sharpstyle_boxing.
This victory not only solidifies Varey's status as a rising star in British boxing but also underscores the importance of community support for local athletes striving for national and international recognition.
