Boxer Nathan Cleverly has dedicated his upcoming Las Vegas title-fight to a Bargoed man who died last week.
Cefn Fforest-born Cleverly will face Sweden’s Badou Jack on Saturday, August 26 in Las Vegas and has paid tribute after a 24-year-old man’s body was found at a forestry centre in Cwmfelinfach on Tuesday, August 15.
Gwent Police launched a joint investigation with the Health and Safety Executive, adding inquiries were “ongoing”.
In a Facebook post, 30-year-old Cleverly wrote: “I arrived in Las Vegas yesterday and I’m very sorry to hear about another local Bargoed lad taken way too soon.
“The thoughts of myself and everyone in Team Clev are with the family, friends and loved ones of Ben Thomas. Stay strong!
“It’s eight days until I take on Badou Jack in the first defence of my WBA world title. It’s a crucial fight in my career and it will be dedicated to Ben!
“Rest In Peace, mate.”
Cleverly will look to defend his WBA light-heavyweight title he won in October 2016 by beating Juergen Braehmer, after being named on the undercard on the hotly-anticipated Las Vegas fight between Floyd Mayweather and Conor McGregor.
His opponent, Jack, is moving up a weight after holding the WBC super-middleweight crown for two years.