Tommy tipped for Team GB

Another Ghent from Coseley is on the verge of adding his name to the list of hopefuls for Team GB at the 2012 Olympics.

As older brother Richard continues his journey in the professional ranks, 16-year-old Thomas has been tipped to conquer all before him at amateur level.

The sibling is emerging as another strong contender for London in three years time and, as a double national champion, his legend is starting to precede him.

Trainer Paul Gough believes with Dudley's Ryan Aston at middleweight and the younger Ghent at light-welterweight, the chances of the Black Country competing and succeeding in the boxing ring come 2012 are high.

But there is a problem, as the Priory Park ABC amateur has expressed a wish to join his brother in the paid ranks, something his mentor advises strongly against while an Olympic hope remains.

Ultimately, he believes that will eventually prove to the teenager's benefit and the rewards for successful boxers are high, as James DeGale MBE can testify after winning gold in Beijing last year.

He said: "I think Thomas has got an excellent chance of reaching the Olympics, possibly as good a chance as Ryan. He has some to way to go and of course nothing is for certain until he is involved, but I am confident.

"He is a very talented lad, but the opposite in that he really wants to become a professional, probably with seeing what his brother is achieving, whereas Ryan's only focus is on Team GB.

"That is Tommy's dream and that's fine, but he has a lot to offer his country and stands to gain a lot by going down that route first. Just look at the likes of James, who was given a contract and massive coverage before he turned professional.

"I will continue to put that to him, Thomas Ghent has the ability to go as far as he wants."