Anthony Thompson on Gatti-Ward card Nov. 23

31.10 - Anthony “The Messenger” Thompson of Philadelphia, Cedric Kushner Promotions’ highly regarded, undefeated welterweight, returns to action Saturday, Nov. 23, in Atlantic City, N.J., on the HBO-televised Arturo Gatti-Mickey Ward card.

The 21-year-old Thompson, who has a record of 6-0 with four knockouts, faces Edwin Collado of Orlando, Fla., in the six-round bout.

Thompson, is coming off an impressive fourth-round technical knockout of Tommy Attardo on a Cedric Kushner Promotions “Everlast Heavyweight Explosion” card on Fox Sports Net Sept. 8 in Lawton, Okla. “ ‘The Messenger’ delivered,” said Thompson.

“I landed some good shots, but he (Attardo) had 20 fights, so he’s used to taking shots. I’m glad the referee stopped it, because it was getting a little one-sided.”

Prior to that bout, Thompson was confident he’d halt Attardo. But he’s making no such prediction against Collado, who’s been stopped only once in seven bouts.

“My first choice is to outbox him (Collado),” said Thompson. “But if the opportunities right, I’ll take him out.

“It really doesn’t matter to me how I win. I’m just getting experience and more confidence in my abilities now. I’m taking it one step at a time. ”

Thompson outboxed and eventually stopped his first two foes: Elvesto Mills in the second round on a Cedric Kushner Promotions “Everlast Heavyweight Explosion” card March 13 in Oroville, Calif., on Fox Sports Net and Fausto Alvarque in the first on a Cedric Kushner Promotions show April 27 in New York City.

Thompson elected to concentrate on his inside attack during his third and fourth fights and took unanimous decisions over Ruben Munoz on another Cedric Kushner Promotions “Everlast Heavyweight Explosion” card in May 25 Las Vegas and Joseph Christy on an HBO-televised show June 29 in Atlantic City.

Returning to the style which best suits him, one emphasizing speed and movement, Thompson stopped Daniel Craycraft in the second round on the undercard of an HBO-televised show, one featuring David Tua’s knockout win over Michael Moorer Aug. 17 in Atlantic City.

The 28-year-old Collado has a record of 5-2 with three knockouts. Thompson, who was favored to win the gold medal for the United States at the 2004 Athens Olympics had he not turned pro, is trained by Ronald Jackson.

Thompson, who had amateur record of 78-7, began boxing during 1990 and went on to win the U.S. Championships for 2000 and 2001 and the National Golden Gloves for 2000. He also was selected the USA Boxing “Athlete of the Year” for 2001. Thompson attended Temple University and majored in accounting before concentrating solely on his professional boxing career.