Thompson: ‘I’ve only shown 60 per cent of what I can do in ring’

Bradley Thompson…in action next month. Pic: MSN Images/BCB

IN the drama of Liam Davies’ world title loss last weekend, the fact his brother fought on the same bill has become something of a footnote.

And brother Bradley Thompson has certainly inherited the Telford family’s boxing genes. He’s a very capable flyweight now back and firing on all cylinders after a lengthy injury lay-off.

Liam has achieved big things. Bradley,  unbeaten in six, is expected to achieve big things.

On the major Resorts World bill headlined by Liam’s points defeat to Shabaz Masoud, Bradley put in a dominant performance against Sean Jackson.

The four round whitewash was expected. Manchester’s Jackson has yet to register a win in 27 contests.

“It was a bitter-sweet night,” Bradley admitted. “I’m proud of Liam and I’ve fought on big shows because of Liam and what he’s done. Without him, it would’ve taken longer.”

He is not, however, riding on the coat-tails of a famous sibling – his outstanding amateur CV  proves that.

A product of Telford’s Donnington club like his brother, Bradley had 90 amateur bouts and gained national titles at schoolboy, junior and youth level.

He’s in a weight division where domestic professional progress can be made very quickly. What’s more, for a little man he hits big.

Bradley – a ground worker by day – makes a swift return to action next month, albeit away from the bright lights and big build-ups of arena events. He fights on Black Country Boxing’s December 20 show at the Eastside Rooms, Birmingham.

“I’m making up for lost time,” he told me.

There has been a lot of lost time. After winning four on the spin – two inside distance, Bradley’s progress was stifled by a serious shoulder injury. The joint kept dislocating and there were even worries the weakness could spell the end in boxing.

After two years out and surgery, he returned in July and is determined to rise quickly.

“It (the shoulder) is perfect,” Bradley said. “It’s like normal, it’s held up.

“Early next year, I should fight Benn Norman for the Midlands title. In an interview he said he hasn’t been able to defend the title since winning it over two years ago. We were straight on the phone and he was up for it.

“I think I can get a British title, I believe I can become a world champion. The division is warming up, there are a lot of good professionals at my weight, but I think I’ll move up (the rankings) quite quickly.”

Bradley – and those around him – stress the public have yet to see his full potential.

“They’ve seen 60 per cent, maybe 70,” he said. “I’ve been in with journeymen, and they know what they have to do.

“Against opponents who really throw back, I’ll find the opening and you’ll see the power. I wasn’t 100 per cent for most of my fights (because of the shoulder), but I continued because I wanted to keep myself in the mix.

“It’s not easy for any fighter to make weight, but I feel this is the right division for me. I feel big and strong.

“In the future, I’ll probably grow into a bantam or super-bantam, right now I’m happy at flyweight.”

Liam Davies became king of the bantams, Bradley aims to be lord of the flys.