By Mike “Mykers” Boehm – Tony “The Tiger” Thompson is a professional heavyweight fighter that hails from Washington DC. The 38 year old southpaw poses some mileage, however, his desire, and determination might provide some aesthetic appeal to the heavyweight division itself. Good ole “Spare Parts” looks to continue his outcry, provoking anyone that is willing to accept his challenge. Recently, Thompson proclaimed his “Letter” to the media that states his ambitions to challenge several heavyweight fighters to bragging rights, ranking placement, and the ultimate goal…a heavyweight title fight..
Tony Thompson’s road to victory was anything but lackluster. Most would disagree, however, is there really a price you can put on determination? Determination is the key factor for Tony Thompson turning his name “Spare Parts” into something useful. Thompson’s first entered the ring as a professional fighter back in 2000 against DeSean Harper. Tony won an unimpressive majority decision to earn his first win. It wasn’t until his fifth match against undefeated prospect Eric Kirkland, where he would suffer his first professional loss; subsequently losing on points.
The year 2001 proved different. Tony Thompson fought a total of six times, improving his blemished record to 14-1 with a meager seven knockouts. Thompson continued to fight relatively weak opposition until 2004. At this point it appeared the spark of determination was in full swing, as Tony Thompson easily outpointed the undefeated Cuban Amateur star in Yanqui Diaz. Thompson continued his game, when he defeated the former title challenger Vaughn Bean over ten rounds. While his calling was small, most sanctioning bodies did not overlook this aspect. Consequently, in June of 2006, Thompson was slated to face contender Dominick Guinn, bringing a 23 fight winning streak into the ring.
Tony outworked the contender, landing his jab frequently, throwing several punches at a time, and posing a major threat with his awkward southpaw style. With the unanimous decision win over 12 rounds, it seemed Tony Thompson posed the kind of inspirational story the media thrived on: he has seven children, started boxing at the age of 28, and bounced back from an early loss in his career. More importantly, most thought he posted the exact repertoire that could dismantle his overseas counterparts.
By 2007, “Spare Parts” found a way to wrench the pieces together and earn his name “The Tiger,” wholeheartedly. The next bout was against Timur Ibragimov, in which the poor Tony Thompson camp came unprepared. That is, someone stole Thompson’s shoes, and he had to borrow a pair of basketball shoes from a Fox Sports Network Producer. Either way, it wasn’t a total loss; Tony earned a ten round unanimous decision over Timur Ibragimov; and a shot at the WBO elimination series against Luan Krasniqi.
As we know, he rocked Krasniqi throughout the fight stapling down a fifth round TKO victory. This well deserved win, earned him the title shot against the reigning heavyweight kingpin, Wladimir Klitschko. After Tony Thompson took a quick tune-up fight against Cliff Couser, the date was cemented against Klitschko for July 12, 2008. The most important aspect of the Klitschko/Thompson fight was the unexpected. Most felt Klitschko would leave the ring early with a knockout win. As the story goes, he did leave the ring with a knockout win, but not so early. Thompson posed a problem for Klitschko with his awkward southpaw style. In retrospect, Tony Thompson, generally is unspectacular, but highly effective in fighting his game. Consequently, yes, Thompson did lose against Klitschko; not without a fight. Wladimir was cut by a Thompson punch in round two, and Thompson DID have his moments. Ultimately, the tiring after the seventh round Thompson suffered, along with the right that floored Thompson in the eleventh round ended the bout.
Afterwards, Tony Thompson proclaimed he suffered an injury that required surgery. However, “The Tiger” also claims this is not an excuse. He was quoted saying, “I make no excuses for the loss.” Either way, Thompson seemed to pull himself up by the bootstraps and re-enlist his services in the heavyweight division thereafter against Adnan Serin in March of 2009. Thompson dismantled the vulnerable Serin over five rounds earning a knockout victory since his loss to Wladimir Klitschko.
Recently, Tony Thompson climbed back into the ring against Chazz Witherspoon for a ten round contest. The fight started as usual, both fighters trying to gauge each other. Ultimately it was Thompson who struck first, staggering Witherspoon with a right hand in the ninth round. Witherspoon received a standing eight count, and after Thompsons follow-up attack the bout was stopped with Thompson earning a ninth round TKO victory.
So who is next for Tony “The Tiger” Thompson?
Your speculation is as good as mine. However, in recent events Tony Thompson has called out heavyweight fighters: 1. Chris Arreola, 2. Emmanuel Quezada, 3. James Toney, 4. Samuel Peter, 5. Oldlanier Solis, 6. Ruslan Chagaev, 7. Denis Boytsov. There are some great names to be had in the list, and others are laughable. More importantly, for once, Tony Thompson is doing the talking, and NOT his management. Thompson’s determination to prove himself is respectful, and intriguing. Most heavyweight fighters care more about money than the sport itself. While this is debated, its stance is unquestionable. Tony Thompson is setting the money aside to proclaim that he’s ready for anyone.
So what does all this mean? Well…nothing. It is just another interesting aspect of boxing, which shows simple determination for a fighter who will not accept defeat. Like many other professional fighters, the inspiration, determination, and love of the sport, is always strong within. However this, along with the “what if’s” of boxing, always seem to keep our one track minds wide open with speculation, broken promises, and thoughts of a new champion.