18.12 - Two Cedric Kushner Promotions boxers-undefeated welterweight sensation Anthony Thompson and heavyweight contender Michael Grant-will fight during late January. Thompson, who's nicknamed "The Messenger," makes his hometown debut as a professional in a six-round bout at The Spectrum in Philadelphia Friday, Jan. 24, while Grant is in the 10-round main event on a card at the City Center Pavilion in Reno, Nev., Saturday, Jan. 25.
The 21-year-old Thompson has a record of 7-0 with five knockouts while the 30-year-old Grant, from Norristown, Pa., has a mark of 36-2 with 27 knockouts.
Opponents for Thompson and Grant will be determined.
Thompson has knocked out his past three opponents: Richard Lee Hall in the second round Nov. 23 in Atlantic City, N.J.; Tommy Attardo in the fourth Sept. 8 in Lawton, Okla.; and Daniel Craycraft in the second Aug. 17 in Atlantic City.
Grant, who met Lennox Lewis for the world heavyweight championship during 2000, has won five straight by knockout: James Walton in the fourth round on Nov. 7 in Washington, D.C.; Robert Davis in the third Aug. 3 in Ledyard, Conn.; Anthony Willis in the second June 1 in Las Vegas, Nev.; Joe Lenhart in the fifth April 13 in Chester, W. Va.; and Reynaldo Minus in the fourth March 9 in Pittsburgh.