Undefeated American prospect to feature on Fury undercard

Undefeated American light-heavyweight prospect Lionell “Lonnie B” Thompson will make his United Kingdom debut on the Tyson Fury-Neven Pajkic undercard in Manchester on Saturday.

26-year-old Thompson (10-0, 6 KOs), who lives and fights out of Buffalo, New York, will be fighting outside of North America for the first time as a professional.

Rated as high as number two in his division as a U.S. amateur boxer, Thompson was a five-time New York Golden Gloves and three-time Empire State champion. Lionell also qualified and competed in the prestigious U.S. National Golden Gloves Tournament. As a member of Team USA, he boxed in Connecticut on ABC Sports, and in Romania in the Holden Belt Tournament.

Lionell also capture gold medals at the Western Olympic Trials and East Olympic Trials. Thompson, who is trained by pro boxer Ross Thompson (no relations) in Buffalo, is a graduate of Buffalo State College with a degree in Health and Wellness.

“Lonnie B” made his pro debut in 2009, stopping Zaid Malik in the opening round. Thompson has fought all over New York State, in addition to North Carolina, Delaware, Indiana and Montreal.

“I feel good about fighting for the first time in the United Kingdom," said Thompson. "The closest to England I’ve ever fought was in Romania when I was an amateur. Boxing fans over there are going to love me. I train hard and I’m always in top shape. I’m going to give British fans a brilliant night of boxing.

"It’s a big show and great opportunity for me to be fighting on a show headlined by a great fighter like Tyson Fury. I was born to be a superstar. TV and big crowds excite me. I’m at my best when the bright lights come on. Fans there will get a chance to see an up-and-coming star, live and in the flesh, before I become a star.

“Fans can expect to see quick hands and quick reflexes. It’s going to be a one-sided fight, no matter who I’m in the ring with. I have excellent boxing skills and will execute our game plan to a tee. I guess, you can say, my style is a mix of Sugar Ray Leonard, Floyd Mayweather, Roy Jones Jr. and Terry Norris. I hit and don’t get hit. I come forward, can fight in the pocket, and do what I want to do in the ring. I have a hard jab, go to the body, good ring generalship and head movement, and can fight on the inside, too. I’m not cocky, just confident. I never worry about losing. The hard work is done in the gym and the easiest part is the fight.

"I adapt well to anything, so I’m not concerned with the weather, air or anything over there. I’m ready to go.”