Thompson vows to serve up success in the ring
It could have been game, set and match for Jordan Thompson at the Wimbledon tennis championships, but the only ace performances he is bothered about now are in the boxing ring.
The unbeaten Manchester Cruiserweight gave up a promising tennis career in 2012, but now still plays in local club competitions despite his busy boxing career as one of the sport’s top prospects.
Punching opponents instead of punishing them with a racket has paid off and Thompson bids to make it a magnificent seven professional wins at London’s Copper Box Arena on Saturday.
“Could I have played at Wimbledon? 100 per-cent. I was in the wrong sport if I didn’t believe that,” said Thompson who had his first professional fight in December 2015.
“Grass was my best surface. I had the big serve, but I wasn’t the best at volleying. I would have given it a good go though if I played at Wimbledon.
“I am happy with the decision I made to give boxing a go instead of tennis. It was the best decision I made to be honest.
“Boxing is lot less stressful at the minute and easier. I feel more in control of my career.
“When I get in the ring it is down to me. I have the capabilities to end a fight. In tennis you can have a dodgy call against you. There are so many variables in tennis it is crazy.”
Thompson, 24, plans on spending some time at the Wimbledon tennis tournament if all goes to plan and he defeats Jan Hrazdira on Frank Warren’s ‘The Future is Now’ bill’
He added: “I love Roger Federer player because he makes it looks so easy and Nadal because he is the ultimate warrior, the complete competitor.
“I know people playing there so I am planning to go, but this week I will relax for the fight by watching hours of tennis on TV.”
Elsewhere on the card Bradley Skeete has the chance to win his British Welterweight strap outright against Dale Evans; Light-Heavyweight monster Anthony Yarde challenges Richard Baranyi for the WBO European belt; Darryll Williams and Jahmaine Smyle rematch for the English Super-Middleweight belt after their Fight of the Year contender in April; undefeated Heavyweight Hughie Fury makes his eagerly-awaited return and teenage Heavyweight sensation Daniel Dubois looks to move to 4-0.
Tickets for The Future Is Now priced at £40, £50, £100, £150 and £250 are available from:
www.eventim.co.uk
The Future Is Now Fight Week Schedule:
Wednesday July 5, 1pm start, Media Work Out, Peacock Gymnasium, 8-9 Caxton St N, London, E16 1JL.
Thursday July 6, midday for 12.30pm start, Final Press Conference, BT Sport Production Hub, off Waterden Road, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London, E20 3ZH.
Friday July 7, 2pm start, Official Weigh-in, BT Sport Production Hub, off Waterden Road, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London, E20 3ZH.
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