Coley v Thompson - a flyweight title epic

Manning, Coley and Thomas…they’ve got a breakthrough fight

WHAT an absolute cracker!

The negotiations have taken place, the match has been made – we’ve now simply got to wait for the explosion.

In a mouth-watering battle of unbeatens, Bradley Thompson and Brad Coley will meet for the vacant Midlands flyweight title on BCB’s show at Birmingham’s Eastside Rooms on December 20.

This is a true 50-50 encounter and I’m already counting the days. A big thanks to the Midlands arm of the Board of Control for making the pairing, a big thanks to those guiding the fighters – BCB and Coley’s manager Anthony Manning – for taking the risk and making it happen.

When it comes to area title fights, this is about as good as it gets. This is what small hall boxing is all about.

Erdington’s Coley, trained by James Thomas, is the skilled technician who has peeled off seven wins and is itching for the big time. He’s won all bouts comprehensively but is yet to score a stoppage.

There’s a reason, he insists. “The power is there,” he said. “I’m beating people who are three or four weights above me – and journeymen come to cover up. What the public have seen so far is less than 50 per cent of what I’m capable of.”

Thompson, brother of former world champ Liam Davies, is another fine boxer from the Donnington, Telford, gym. Having overcome a serious shoulder injury that sidelined him for over a year, Bradley is 6-0 and has fought on the big arena shows that Coley craves.

Thompson, who aims to squeeze in a warm-up on BCB’s big show at Aldersley Leisure Village, Wolverhampton, on October 24, has stopped two opponents.

Both are 24, both are reaching the peak of their powers, both were quality amateurs.

Bradley Thompson…a Donnington gym dynamo. Pic: Manjit Narotra/BCB

And there’s history. As amateurs they met once, with Coley, a product of the multi-titled Second City gym, taking the decision.

“Soon be 1-1,” Thompson laughed during a break in training.

Referring to the amateur result, trainer Tristan Davies told me: “It is what it is – Brad has won national titles since then. I know if Brad turns up on the night and produces what he’s capable of, he beats him.”

Tristan – honest to a fault – admitted Thompson’s career has been hampered by inactivity. “Injury and work (Brad’s in the construction industry), that’s been the problem. He’s not quite there where he can be a full-time boxer.

“Win the Midlands title, then he’ll fight for the British some time next year. Brad’s very good and he knows I know what I’m doing. I know what needs to be done.”

Coley’s trainer Thomas has unswerving belief in his young boxer and has no doubt we are looking at a future world champion.

Of the forthcoming title epic, he said: “I think it’s a natural progression to be moving in that direction. Bradley Thompson – anyone, it doesn’t matter who it is, the opponent is irrelevant. It’s something we have to do to move forward, that’s the process we have to go through.”