Thompson fits in a ‘sharpener’ before the big title battle

Bradley Thompson….Wolverhampton fight next. Pic: Queensberry

BRADLEY Thompson has long been recognised as a talented prospect, yet, like so many fighters, the demands of life outside the ring have slowed his progress, writes PAUL WEBB.

That is set to change dramatically. With his first career title fight secured for December, the flyweight has a sharper focus and will get crucial rounds in on BCB Promotions' “Unfinished Business” card on October 24 at the WV Active Aldersley.

 The 24-year-old, unbeaten in six fights and signed to promotional powerhouse Queensberry, is looking to make up for lost time. A four-year professional, Thompson has suffered from a lack of activity - this will be his first fight in 2025.

However, with time still on his side and quality in abundance, the former amateur standout is stepping up a gear in his pursuit of major titles.

 "I'm looking forward to it," said Thompson. "I've been nominated for the Midlands Area title, I know I have that next, so it's really important that I get these rounds in. It will be a shorter fight, of course, than the title fight, but, at this point, whether it's four or six, it will all be valuable."

 Thompson candidly discussed the challenges of balancing his dreams with his responsibilities. "It's not an easy position to be in,” he said. “I have to work - I have a house to pay for and bills to take care of and being a grounds worker doing 12-hour days, it hasn't been easy to put boxing first.

“At this stage, I'm not in a position to be a full-time boxer and as soon as that opportunity comes, I will make that jump. I have to go through the levels - Midlands, English, and then British and more to make that happen."

 Thompson trains at Donnington Boxing Club alongside his brother, former IBO super- bantamweight champ Liam Davies. While boxing can often be a lonely sport, having someone so close who has already reached the summit is a massive benefit.

 Thompson said: "Training has been hard as always, and having Liam there alongside me, pushing me on has been a massive help. If you were just left to it, some days you could take a step back. But I have seen the path he has been on and what he has achieved, the lifestyle you need to live to get to the top. He has shown me it isn't easy, but if you do the right things, you will succeed."

 While his October fight will blow off the cobwebs, Thompson will have one eye firmly fixed on Brad Coley, who he faces for the vacant Midlands title at the Eastside Rooms, Birmingham, on December 20.

 With fewer than a dozen registered flyweights in the UK, major title opportunities can emerge quickly. The recent retirement of division stalwart Jay Harris has further changed the landscape.

 "The division has really opened up with Jay retiring,” said Thompson. “Chances are going to open up and there aren't a lot of flyweights in the UK. Brad Coley will be my first chance to really show what I can do. When you are boxing journeymen, they tend to tuck up and not throw back, I know I have the power to take these boxers out.

 This month’s fight will be part of the undercard for the Midlands featherweight title rematch between Ryan Griffiths and Lewis Morris.