“I’m a fighter, and I’ll fight anyone, anywhere” – Mark Thom

Stegsie · Post by **Stegsie** » 21 Sep 2007, 07:48

“I’m a fighter, and I’ll fight anyone, anywhere” – Mark Thompson

Whilst some fighters tread water and build up “impressive” unbeaten records, others, such as Manchester Welterweight Mark Thompson, prefer to do things the old fashioned way. Coming off a career first defeat to world ranked South African light middleweight Vincent Vuma, Mark took some time out from training to have a chat about his upcoming season, and the frantic finale to his last.

Following the mandatory pleasantries Mark took a seat on the ring apron at Olivers gym. His workout had included four fairly intensive rounds on the pads with his trainer, Humphrey Harrison. During a session I’d recorded for the VIP Boxing web site, the pair had been working on combinations in close, and out of the clinch. The ferocity of Mark’s power, and the intensity of the rounds, was frightening upon watching the tape back later that evening. Something I’m told is par for the course when Mark trains.

I was fully aware that my first question to Mark was one he’d undoubtedly been asked on multiple occasions since his only professional defeat back in July. It was simple, you can wrap a fighter in cotton wool and amass a pretty 25-0 record, but the real acid test is how a fighter responds to that first defeat.

“I’ve gained so much experience from that one fight its unreal. The African is ranked 16th at light middleweight (Mark campaigns at Welterweight) with the WBC. I had six days notice. That resulted in me weighing 10st 10lbs whilst eating a banana on the scales. Vuma on the other hand was bang on the 154lb limit, he weighed just over a stone heavier than me come the first bell. But hey, I’m a paid fighter and that’s what I’ll do”

I decided to press Mark for further details on the experience he gained from the fight. Many fighters would buckle, swerve the question, and talk of their next fight, or their previous win. But as up front as his fighting style can at times be, Mark pressed on.

“I’d never been down as an amateur or professional. If I would’ve stayed down in the fourth, I think I’d be thinking a little differently now. But I didn’t. I got up and in the very next round put him on the seat of his pants. I think that answered some questions, not only for the paying fight fans, but for me too. Okay, I lost the fight in the 8th, but how many British prospects have that kind of experience in their twelfth fight? I learnt more from that defeat than I would’ve beating ten knockover jobs”

Mark had not only gained experience from the Vuma contest, he’d also gained valuable exposure.

“It was my first time on Sky, headlining the show was a real honour. Every other time I was due to feature (on Sky) the main bout, and supporting bout had gone the distance, so mine would be missed off the televised bill. I just can’t wait to get on again now”

Mark wont have long to wait. He is pencilled in to fight Scotish Welterweight Kevin Mcintyre, in what will be a British Welterweight title eliminator, on the undercard of Jamie Moore’s second bout with Andrew Facey in October.

“I’m fighting a Dutch kid, Ronnie Daniels, at Robin Park on September 22nd. If all goes well I should be chief support to Moorseys (Jamie Moore) next title defence. It’ll be a British title eliminator against Kev Mcintyre, he recently out pointed Tony Docherty, so I know it’ll be a tough one”

My mind took a second to process the information, and then the name clicked into place, Kevin Anderson. For a twelve fight novice the prospect of fighting ‘Ando’ for the British title within six months must be daunting.

“Anderson’s the champ, and I’ve got a big fight I can’t afford to look past with McIntyre coming up. Should I win the eliminator of course I’d jump at the chance to fight Anderson. I’d fight him in Manchester, or I’d fight him in front of his fans in Scotland. When it comes to the crunch there’s just the two of us in the ring. I’m a fighter, and I’ll fight anyone, anywhere. If that’s Kevin Anderson, for the British title, all the better”

Mark Thompson takes on Ronnie Daniels on this Saturday’s (September 22nd) VIP show at Robin park, Wigan. Tickets can be purchased through the fighters, or on the door. Doors open at 18:30, with the evenings boxing to commence at 19:30. Also on the card are Alex Matvienko, Brian Rose, Mark Moran, Stuart McFadgen & Martin Murray. For full details on this show, and future shows, please visit the news section at http://www.vipboxing.com

Wales · Post by **Wales** » 21 Sep 2007, 08:17

Pic we got of mark in training last week. Loads more on the VIP site.

Old bones Ian · Post by **Old bones Ian** » 21 Sep 2007, 08:56

Look forward to seeing Thompson back in the ring, but don't want to see him pushed again to soon.
Although he deserves alot of credit for taking on Vuma, he was beaten pretty convincingly. So he needs building up again with the right fights.
Kevin Mcintyre will be a decent fight, so hopefully that can be made.

Wales · Post by **Wales** » 21 Sep 2007, 09:13

Yep, he's fighting tomorrow against Daniels whcih should act as a tune up for Mcintyre, whom he'll fight on the undercard of Moore Facey.

n1ebf · Post by **n1ebf** » 21 Sep 2007, 15:02

has anybody got any videos of McIntyre I haven't seen him once I don't think, only heard the name.
I think Mark Thompson needs at least another 5 fights and wins at that to be anywhere near ready for a title crack - it's not as though there's a shortage of good domestic welters.
I thought Mark fought very bravely against Vuma and showed bouncebackability, balls is what I am trying to say - but for me he left the chin too high on plenty occasions. KA would need no second invitation. It would be a very rude awakening indeed, and as someone said, he needs to ease back in after Vuma , a Jamie Coyle or Darren Gethin or Elwell type would be more sensible. IMO

By the way someone please tell me how u copy the other person's message in your reply please - cheers

n1ebf · Post by **n1ebf** » 21 Sep 2007, 15:14

Terry D wrote:
NorthEastBoxingFan wrote:has anybody got any videos of McIntyre I haven't seen him once I don't think, only heard the name.
I think Mark Thompson needs at least another 5 fights and wins at that to be anywhere near ready for a title crack - it's not as though there's a shortage of good domestic welters.
I thought Mark fought very bravely against Vuma and showed bouncebackability, balls is what I am trying to say - but for me he left the chin too high on plenty occasions. KA would need no second invitation. It would be a very rude awakening indeed, and as someone said, he needs to ease back in after Vuma , a Jamie Coyle or Darren Gethin or Elwell type would be more sensible. IMO

By the way someone please tell me how u copy the other person's message in your reply please - cheers
Click quote.

nice one Terry D
cheers mate

Wales · Post by **Wales** » 22 Sep 2007, 20:39

mark TKO'd daniels in 1 tonight. Daniels looking to stand his ground with a high guard, ideal for Mark to drop bombs on him!

tyson · Post by **tyson** » 23 Sep 2007, 09:29

How on earth did this get by the board Mark thompson a solid guy with 11 wins and 1 loss with 6 kos boxes against a kid with 1 win and 5 losses .
A win for mark but lucky his opponent did not get hurt or there would of been some questions asked at the board.

sweetscience · Post by **sweetscience** » 23 Sep 2007, 10:09

he has alot more fights than that

http://www.boxrec.com/list_bouts.php?hu ... &cat=boxer

tyson · Post by **tyson** » 23 Sep 2007, 10:28

Ok apologise for that i got his record from another site.

matko · Post by **matko** » 23 Sep 2007, 11:43

this guy hits hard think daniels got knocked back in time someone spotted him in the land what time forgot i think :)

sweetscience · Post by **sweetscience** » 23 Sep 2007, 14:29

yep, good fight mat

good show in general

brian rose is very lucky to get the nod, felt sorry for his oppo, id go as far to say robbery

Wales · Post by **Wales** » 23 Sep 2007, 14:44

I too felt Rose was lucky, although I know Terrence scored it to Brian.

sweetscience · Post by **sweetscience** » 23 Sep 2007, 14:49

how the hell did he do that

what rounds

2 & 3 were 100% nobles

so even if he did win the other two, which is debatable, its a draw

Wales · Post by **Wales** » 23 Sep 2007, 14:52

Think Terry saw Noble spoiling a lot, although I cant speak for old 'Shaggy Nield' myself.

sweetscience · Post by **sweetscience** » 23 Sep 2007, 15:01

is terry the geezer who rocco was talking to before the first fight, just outside the vip section ?

were were u sat wales?

Wales · Post by **Wales** » 24 Sep 2007, 05:21

Ringside, Block A. Sat next to Gomez for the Rose fight, he was going nuts (no surprise realy).

Wales · Post by **Wales** » 24 Sep 2007, 05:23

Ringside, Block A. Sat next to Gomez for the Rose fight, he was going nuts (no surprise realy).

Wales · Post by **Wales** » 24 Sep 2007, 05:23

Ringside, Block A. Sat next to Gomez for the Rose fight, he was going nuts (no surprise realy).

sweetscience · Post by **sweetscience** » 24 Sep 2007, 06:36

Wales wrote:Ringside, Block A. Sat next to Gomez for the Rose fight, he was going nuts (no surprise realy).

i noticed

Wales · Post by **Wales** » 24 Sep 2007, 07:11

Where were you sat?

sweetscience · Post by **sweetscience** » 24 Sep 2007, 07:14

about 3rd row from back in the middle with a few of the lads from Olivers & Shannons

matko · Post by **matko** » 24 Sep 2007, 12:25

yeah thanks terry i just set A hard pace he come out fast too but i knew i could keep the pace going over 6 he was up for it thou i was gutted gettin a cut in 1st 10 secs but nigel did a great job couldnt see out of my right eye in 1st round all blurred was fine after that yeah looking forward to seeing report

Captain Hook · Post by **Captain Hook** » 26 Sep 2007, 11:51

....I was sat at a pub in London getting text updates from you :)

Well done Mark, and with regards the shape his career is taking, he is the first to admit he's still learning and that the Vuma fight taught him more than all of his other fights put together.

The lads in that gym have all got the same kind of attitude. No excuses, no fornicating about, let's get in and do the business.

None of this: "I want a 25-0 record against stiffs before easing into a British title shot and losing"....

Matvienko and Thompson in particular are a throwback to the old days, and it's a breath of fresh air...