CHLOE Thomas will go for a hat-trick of national titles on Friday safe in the knowledge that she has secured a place in GB Boxing’s development squad.

The 25-year-old was inf-ormed of her inclusion in the Sheffield-based British set-up on Sunday, not long before a Welsh ABA Championships semi-final against Jade Gitsham in Tylorstown.

Torfaen Warriors star Thomas wasn’t on top form but overcame Gitsham via a unanimous points decision to take her place in the final, where she will face Port Talbot’s Tamlyn Williams.

The duo meet for the women’s 57kg crown at Cardiff’s Sport Wales National Centre – Lauren Price and David Walker, both Pontypool, Cwmcarn’s Katie Tinklin and Blackwood's Kody Davies also go for senior titles.

Speaking of Thomas’ development squad selection, Warriors head coach Simon Weaver said: “With so many boxing clubs around these days, people might not realise how much of an achievement it is.

“Out of all the clubs around the country Chloe was one of 26 female fighters to go to Sheffield for a trial a few weeks ago, and now she has been picked out of that number.

“They’ve picked out certain boxers with talent to develop and move up to the full squad.

“The guys at GB Boxing saw how great her attitude is and being recognised is a great achievement for her.”

Thomas has had 16 contests as an amateur and won 14, although Weaver feels she was unlucky to lose the other two.

Welsh champion for the last two years, Thomas, who lives in Port Talbot, did enough to beat Gitsham in the Rhondda, and Weaver knows there is plenty to come from his fighter in the final.

“Chloe won unanimously but didn’t box brilliantly,” said Weaver. “But if you can win like that without boxing well then it shows what you can do when you’re on form.”

Friday’s Welsh ABA elite finals night features 12 bouts, with the first starting at 8pm.