“I’m ready whenever, lad” – Irish trained Thompson set for title fight

“I’m ready whenever, lad.”

That was the response from undefeated Dee Taggart trained boxer Junior Thompson when asked if he wanted to fight, possibly for a Central Area Title, in Bolton tonight.

Being prepared and active is nothing new for Junior. The light-middleweight prospect began training at his dad’s Wavertree based taekwondo gym at just six-years-old, earning his first black belt aged nine.

On October 8th, the man they call ‘Majestic’ will be looking for another step towards major boxing honours.

“I’m a firm believer of staying ready, not getting ready. It’s the way my dad always showed me and I still live by that code today.”

Junior’s electric style has caught the eye since his professional career started three years back. Currently 5-0, the exciting southpaw scored one of the most frightening highlight reel knockouts you’ll ever see over Vladimir Fleischhauer last year. After an extremely positive fight-camp, his coach Dee Taggart feels there’s much more to come.

“I gave Junior nearly three months off after his last fight because we haven’t really stopped since February 2019. He needed the break and so did I. It’s been the best thing we could have done because he’s come back a different man. I’ve never seen him so driven and ruthless.”

Time away from the ring seems to have made the charismatic scouser even hungrier for success, yet there’s another source of motivation now driving Junior towards titles. The 31-year-old and his partner, Holly, are soon expecting their first child, with a due-date just before next weekend’s fight.

“Since turning pro my journey has been a whirlwind. When Dee gave me three months off it was amazing to be able to take time out and reflect. And now with my baby girl on the way, it’s changed everything!”

Organised by Tom Stalker’s Loyal Sports Management team and headlined by a WBO European welterweight championship clash, Junior will be chief support on a stacked professional card from Bolton’s Whites Hotel. He’s hoping to steal the show.