 Thomas, trying to score an upset, took bouts on short notice against Ricky Burns and Steve Murray, troubling both before losing each fight conclusively.However, he also gained a points victory, over former British Title Challenger, British Masters and Midlands Area Champion Anthony Hanna,and then went on to beat Wales' Anthony Christopher.This lead Thomas to get a chance to fight for the biggest pay day of his career, against Olympic silver medalist Amir Khan.