Exclusive – Thompson eyes Commonwealth title shot

Mark Thompson could be set to challenge for the Commonwealth light-middleweight crown after becoming frustrated at his lack of opportunities in his favoured welterweight division. 

Discussions have taken place with a view to matching Thompson against Glasgow-based Ugandan Badru Lusambya for the Commonwealth light-middleweight title that has recently been vacated by Anthony Small. Lusambya, nicknamed Mr.Crush, has won 21 of 23 contests (against one draw and a solitary defeat) and stopped 19 of his opponents.

In January, Thompson unanimously outpointed Kevin McIntyre in a British welterweight title eliminator which he thought would earn him a crack at reigning British champion Kell Brook. To Thompson’s dismay however, he has since been ordered to face unbeaten Swindon southpaw Jamie Cox in another eliminator for the domestic 10st 7lbs crown before the end of May.

“I don’t know what else I have to do to get a British title shot,” bemoaned Thompson over the phone to BoxRec News. “I’ve beaten Kevin McIntyre, who is a former British champion, and have won my last 12 fights but now I have to fight another eliminator against Cox. I don’t understand who Cox has beaten to warrant him being put forward for a British title eliminator.”

Purse bids for Thompson-Cox must be submitted to the British Boxing Board of Control by Tuesday 9^th March and despite his frustrations, Thompson would relish a showdown with the Swindon braggart.

“Cox is a come forward, aggressive fighter but he does leave himself open and I can bang so it would be a good fight,” admitted Thompson. “I don’t know when it would be able to take place though because Cox got cut at the weekend (during his points victory over Michael Frontin at Wembley Arena).”

Thompson has had to increasingly bide his time while waiting for a title shot. A Commonwealth welterweight title eliminator against James Armah fell through last year whilst British champion Kell Brook’s planned defence against Michael Jennings has twice been postponed. Brook is now set to take on Krzysztof Bienias for the WBO inter-continental title on 12 March but has since been ordered to defend his British title against reigning Commonwealth champion John O’Donnell.

“If I have to move up to light-middleweight to get a title shot then I’m prepared to do it. I proved against McIntyre that I’m a strong welterweight but with the right notice I can build myself up and be strong at light-middleweight as well,” said Thompson.

Thompson’ sole defeat on an impressive 23-1 (14) record ironically came up at light-middleweight in July 2007. The Heywood slugger stepped in at short notice following an injury to Jamie Moore to take on South Africa’s Vincent Vuma for the WBC international title and was gallantly stopped in eight rounds.

“Vuma was only my 12^th fight and he’d had more knockouts than I’d had wins. I still proved though that I’m good enough to compete at title level, whether that be at light-middle or welterweight,” Thompson added.