The boxing world often says `records are for DJs,` and Thomas Essomba was a prime example in the UK. However, his recent defeat to Rhys Edwards on Saturday night proved to be his last fight, as he announced his retirement shortly after.
Born in Yaounde, Cameroon, Essomba represented his country at the 2008 Beijing and 2012 London Olympics. He later defected to the UK after the London Games and became a British citizen.
After losing his professional debut in 2009, Essomba restarted his career in Britain in 2014. He built a 7-1 record and captured the Commonwealth flyweight title along the way.
From there, Essomba consistently faced tough opponents, losing four of his next five bouts, but securing the English bantamweight title in his only win during that stretch.
Competing out of Sheffield, Essomba continued taking on challenging fights. He famously dropped future world champion Sunny Edwards but lost a points decision, and later drew with the then-undefeated Thomas Patrick Ward (29-0).
Subsequent losses to Marc Leach and Marcel Braithwaite occurred before Essomba achieved his greatest triumph. He traveled to Italy and upset Alessio Lorusso via unanimous decision to win the European bantamweight championship.
Essomba defended his European belt once before losing to Charlie Edwards at York Hall in September. He then defeated journeyman Sean Jackson before facing Welsh featherweight Rhys Edwards (17-1, 4 KOs) in an eight-round bout at Oakwell Stadium on Saturday night.
True to form, Essomba provided a competitive challenge for Edwards but ultimately lost a points decision (79-74). Edwards took control in the latter half of the fight, and Essomba reportedly laid his gloves down after the scores were read.
On Instagram, his manager Lee Eaton paid tribute to the 37-year-old southpaw`s career, calling him `the ultimate road warrior`.
