Carl Thompson (boxer)

Last updated

Carl Thompson
Born
Adrian Carl Thompson

(1964-05-26) 26 May 1964 (age 59)
Manchester, England
NationalityBritish
Other namesThe Cat
Statistics
Weight(s)
Height6 ft 0 in (183 cm)
Reach75 in (191 cm)
Stance Orthodox
Boxing record
Total fights40
Wins34
Wins by KO25
Losses6

Adrian Carl Thompson (born 26 May 1964) is a British former professional boxer who competed from 1988 to 2005. He held multiple championships at cruiserweight, including the WBO title between 1997 and 1999, and the IBO title twice between 2001 and 2005. Additionally, he held the British title in 1992 and 1999, and the European title in 1994 and 2000. He is also a former Muay Thai fighter, who fought in 1987 and 1989 for World Titles.

Contents

Professional career

Early years

Nicknamed "The Cat", Thompson turned professional boxer in 1988. He went 8-0 before losing to Crawford Ashley by TKO in round 6 for the British Central Area light heavyweight title after taking a thumb to the eye. In 1990 he was outpointed by Franco Wanyama, and in 1991 he was KOd by Yawe Davis. However, his punching power in his right hand brought him to contention, stopping the undefeated Nicky Piper in three rounds.

Thompson won the vacant British cruiserweight title by beating Steve Lewsam in eight rounds in June 1992, then in his next fight won the WBC International title in two rounds against Arthur 'Stormy' Weathers at York Hall, Bethnal Green, London in February 1993.

In February 1994, Thompson traveled to Ferrara, Emilia Romagna, Italy and won the European title by defeating Massimiliano Duran by KO in eight rounds, and in his next bout knocked out France's Akim Tafer in six rounds at Epernay, Marne, France to retain his European title.

After winning two mark-time fights, Thompson was matched against Ralf Rocchigiani in a bout for the vacant WBO cruiserweight title at the G-Mex Leisure Centre, Manchester in June 1995. Both fighters were knocked down in round five, and Thompson lost during round eleven after dislocating his shoulder.

WBO cruiserweight champion

After returning with three wins, Thompson won the WBO cruiserweight title via decision over Ralf Rocchigiani in a rematch in Stadionsporthalle, Hannover, Niedersachsen, Germany in October 1997. He defended the belt twice, beating the smaller Chris Eubank in 1998 before losing it via a controversial referee stoppage to Johnny Nelson in 1999.

Thompson regained the vacant British title with a twelfth round knockout of Terry Dunstan in December 1999, then regained the vacant European title with a sixth round stoppage of Alain Simon.

Thompson's winning streak ended in a fourth round knockout defeat to Ezra Sellers in 2001.

Thompson vs. Rothman

After three low-key wins, Thompson met South African, Sebastian Rothman. Thompson had been on the end of beating for most of the bout. The BBC commentators on the night, Jim Neilly and Colin McMillan, were calling for Carl's retirement, saying he was finished, taking the beating needlessly, and that the fight should have been stopped.

Rothman forced Thompson on to the ropes during the ninth round and the referee looked at Thompson ready to stop the fight. Somehow Thompson got away from the ropes and forced Rothman into the middle of the ring. With 17 seconds remaining in the round, Rothman dropped his left hand for what seemed like a fraction of a second, allowing Carl to deliver a flush right hand to the South African's head knocking him to the canvas.

Rothman bravely tried to get back on his feet but his legs had gone and the referee had no option but to stop the fight, handing Thompson a famous victory. [1] [2]

Thompson vs. Haye

In September 2004 at 40 years of age, Thompson boxed the up-and-coming 23 year old David Haye in a classic 'youth vs experience' matchup. Haye started fast and caught Thompson with constant barrages of power punches, coming close to forcing a stoppage at numerous points over the first few rounds.

Gradually, despite the early punishment he received, Thompson warmed up and worked his way into the fight whilst Haye seemed to tire and slow down. Thompson began to pressure Haye and knocked Haye down with a chopping right hand in round five. With seven seconds left in the round, Thompson landed two jabs followed by a flush right hand which rocked a fatigued Haye, and compelled Haye's corner to throw in the towel.

Thompson retired at the end of 2005 after a points win over Frederic Serrat.

Professional boxing record

40 fights34 wins6 losses
By knockout255
By decision91
No.ResultRecordOpponentTypeRound, timeDateLocationNotes
40Win34–6 Flag of France.svg Frédéric Serrat PTS1026 Nov 2005 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Hallam FM Arena, Sheffield, England
39Win33–6 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg David Haye TKO5 (12), 2:5310 Sep 2004 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Wembley Arena, London, EnglandRetained IBO cruiserweight title
38Win32–6 Flag of South Africa.svg Sebastiaan RothmannTKO9 (12), 2:576 Feb 2004 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Ponds Forge, Sheffield, EnglandWon IBO cruiserweight title
37Win31–6 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Paul BonsonPTS67 Nov 2003 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Hillsborough Leisure Centre, Sheffield, England
36Win30–6 Flag of Zimbabwe.svg Hastings RasaniKO1 (6), 2:015 Sep 2003 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Ponds Forge, Sheffield, England
35Win29–6 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Phil DayKO4 (6), 0:3510 Jun 2003 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Ponds Forge, Sheffield, England
34Loss28–6 Flag of the United States.svg Ezra Sellers KO4 (12), 1:3626 Nov 2001 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Wythenshawe Forum, Manchester, EnglandLost IBO cruiserweight title
33Win28–5 Flag of Jamaica.svg Uriah Grant TKO5 (12), 2:203 Feb 2001 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Bowlers Exhibition Centre, Manchester, EnglandWon IBO cruiserweight title
32Win27–5 Flag of Russia.svg Alexey IlyinTKO2 (12)25 Sep 2000 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Metrodome, Barnsley, EnglandRetained European cruiserweight title
31Win26–5 Flag of France.svg Alain SimonTKO6 (12), 2:2513 May 2000 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Metrodome, Barnsley, EnglandWon vacant European cruiserweight title
30Win25–5 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Terry Dunstan KO12 (12), 2:403 Dec 1999 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Bushfield Leisure Centre, Peterborough, EnglandWon vacant British cruiserweight title
29Loss24–5 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Johnny Nelson TKO5 (12), 1:4227 Mar 1999 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Storm Arena, Derby, EnglandLost WBO cruiserweight title
28Win24–4 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Chris Eubank RTD9 (12), 3:0018 Jul 1998 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Sheffield Arena, Sheffield, EnglandRetained WBO cruiserweight title
27Win23–4 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Chris Eubank UD12 18 Apr 1998 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg NYNEX Arena, Manchester, EnglandRetained WBO cruiserweight title
26Win22–4 Flag of Germany.svg Ralf Rocchigiani SD124 Oct 1997 Flag of Germany.svg Stadionsporthalle, Hanover, GermanyWon WBO cruiserweight title
25Win21–4 Flag of the United States.svg Keith McMurrayTKO4 (8)26 Apr 1997 Flag of Switzerland (Pantone).svg Hallenstadion, Zürich, Switzerland
24Win20–4 Flag of the United States.svg Jason NicholsonPTS89 Nov 1996 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg NYNEX Arena, Manchester, England
23Win19–4 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Albert CallTKO5 (8)13 Apr 1996 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Wythenshawe Forum, Manchester, England
22Loss18–4 Flag of Germany.svg Ralf Rocchigiani TKO11 (12), 0:3810 Jun 1995 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg G-Mex Centre, Manchester, EnglandFor vacant WBO cruiserweight title
21Win18–3 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Tim KnightKO5 (8)13 Oct 1994 Flag of France.svg Palais des sports Marcel-Cerdan, Levallois-Perret, France
20Win17–3 Flag of Brazil.svg Dionisio Lazario NascimentoTKO1 (6), 1:0610 Sep 1994 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham, England
19Win16–3 Flag of France.svg Akim Tafer TKO6 (12)14 Jun 1994 Flag of France.svg Épernay, FranceRetained European cruiserweight title
18Win15–3 Flag of Italy.svg Massimiliano Duran KO8 (12)2 Feb 1994 Flag of Italy.svg Ferrara, ItalyWon European cruiserweight title
17Win14–3 Flag of the United States.svg Willie JakeKO3 (8)25 Jul 1993 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Oldham, England
16Win13–3 Flag of the United States.svg Steve HarveyKO1 (8)31 Mar 1993 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg York Hall, London, England
15Win12–3 Flag of the United States.svg Arthur WeathersKO2 (12)17 Feb 1993 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg York Hall, London, EnglandWon vacant WBC International cruiserweight title
14Win11–3 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Steve LewsamTKO8 (12)4 Jun 1992 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Cleethorpes, EnglandWon vacant British cruiserweight title
13Win10–3 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Nicky Piper TKO3 (8)4 Sep 1991 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg York Hall, London, England
12Loss9–3 Flag of Italy.svg Yawe DavisTKO2 (8)1 Apr 1991 Flag of Monaco.svg Stade Louis II, Monte Carlo, Monaco
11Win9–2 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Terry DixonPTS87 Mar 1991 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Festival Hall, Basildon, England
10Loss8–2 Flag of Uganda.svg Franco WanyamaPTS621 Apr 1990 Flag of Belgium (civil).svg Sint-Amandsberg, Belgium
9Loss8–1 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Crawford Ashley TKO6 (10)31 Oct 1989 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Bowlers Exhibition Centre, Manchester, EnglandFor vacant British Central Area light-heavyweight title
8Win8–0 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Peter BrownKO5 (8)11 Jul 1989 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Variety Club, Batley, England
7Win7–0 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Steve OsbornePTS812 Jun 1989 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Free Trade Hall, Manchester, England
6Win6–0 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Tenko ErnieKO4 (6)4 May 1989 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Hilton, London, England
5Win5–0 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Keith HalliwellTKO1 (6), 1:044 Apr 1989 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Piccadilly Hotel, Manchester, England
4Win4–0 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Sean O'PhoenixTKO4 (6)7 Mar 1989 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Piccadilly Hotel, Manchester, England
3Win3–0 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Steve OsbornePTS613 Feb 1989 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Piccadilly Hotel, Manchester, England
2Win2–0 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Paul SheldonPTS611 Oct 1988 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg South Staffs Sporting Club, Wolverhampton, England
1Win1–0 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Darren McKennaTKO2 (6)6 Jun 1988 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Free Trade Hall, Manchester, EnglandProfessional debut

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References

Sporting positions
Regional boxing titles
Vacant
Title last held by
Derek Angol
British cruiserweight champion
4 June 1992 – February 1994
Vacated
Vacant
Title next held by
Dennis Andries
Vacant
Title last held by
Andrey Rudenko
WBC International
cruiserweight champion

17 February 1993 – February 1994
Vacated
Vacant
Title next held by
Przemysław Saleta
Preceded by European cruiserweight champion
2 February 1994 – January 1995
Vacated
Vacant
Title next held by
Alexander Gurov
Vacant
Title last held by
Bruce Scott
British cruiserweight champion
3 December 1999 – December 2000
Vacated
Vacant
Title next held by
Bruce Scott
Vacant
Title last held by
Torsten May
European cruiserweight champion
13 May 2000 – February 2001
Vacated
Vacant
Title next held by
Alexander Gurov
Minor world boxing titles
Preceded by IBO cruiserweight champion
3 February 2001 – 26 November 2001
Vacant
Title next held by
Ezra Sellers
Preceded by
Sebastiaan Rothmann
IBO cruiserweight champion
6 February 2004 – November 2005
Vacated
Vacant
Title next held by
Tomasz Adamek
Major world boxing titles
Preceded by WBO cruiserweight champion
4 October 1997 – 27 March 1999
Vacant
Title next held by
Johnny Nelson