With a combined record of 49-2-1, it is amazing that Timor Ibragimov (21-1-1, 13 KOs) and Tony Thompson (28-1, 17 KOs) haven’t already received a well-earned shot at the World Heavyweight Title. So on Friday, February 16, at the Playboy Mansion in Beverly Hills, California, these highly-avoided warriors will do things the old fashioned way by fighting each other and leaving no doubt as to which fighter is truly the most deserving contender.

Ibragimov-Thompson, which is presented by Goossen Tutor Promotions, in association with Seminole Warriors Boxing, will be telecast live on a special boxing edition of Fox Sports Net’s “Best Damn Sports Show Period”.

“This is a rare meeting of two fighters at the top of their games who could have easily fought journeymen while waiting for a shot at the world championship,” said Leon Margules, Executive Director of Seminole Warriors Boxing. “I respect both men for putting it all on the line, and I’m expecting a great fight on February 16th.”

A talented fighter approaching his prime, Uzbekistan’s Timor Ibragimov (21-1-1, 13 KOs) is ready to make his move on the elite in the heavyweight division. A 1996 Olympian for his home country, Ibragimov relocated to the United States shortly after turning pro and has since impressed fight fans with his versatility in the ring. Ibragimov would lose his only pro fight in June of 2006 via 12 round decision to future title challenger Calvin Brock, but with temperatures in the outdoor arena sailing past the 100 degree mark, it was obvious that the 32-year old was hampered by circumstances out of his control. Well-rested and eager to return to the ring, Ibragimov looks to have an impressive comeback fight against Thompson on February 16.

Tony “The Tiger” Thompson (28-1, 17 KOs) is an imposing 6-5 southpaw who is coming into his own at the age of 35. A seven year pro who is unbeaten in 24 fights since his only loss (via four round decision to Erik Kirkland) in 2000, the Maryland native went 3-0 in 2006, with his biggest win coming in June, as he easily outpointed highly regarded Dominick Guinn over 12 rounds to win the vacant WBC Continental Americas Heavyweight title.

Click to read more boxing articles by Boxing Press

Discuss in Boxing Forum

---

Related Boxing Articles...

• Boxing Preview Analysis: Wladimir Klitschko vs. Tony Thompson

  Tonight in Hamburg, Germany, Ukrainian Wladimir Klitschko defends his WBO and IBF Heavyweight titles against Tony Thompson. In this one, Klitschko, for a change, will be facing an opponent almost equal >
  
  

• Boxing In Germany: Wladimir Klitschko Vs Tony Thompson In July

  The IBF has granted heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko an exception to fight Tony Thompson, 31-1 (19), the WBO mandatory challenger. The fight is expected to take place during July in >
  
  

• Star Boxing: Johnson Calls Out Ibragimov

  Kevin “Kingpin” Johnson: “I’m More Than Ready To Step In For Briggs” In a recent press release heavyweight Sultan Ibragimov, who claims he can’t find a suitable opponent to replace the >
  
  

• Boxing Perspective: What’s Next For Wladimir Klitschko?

  

  © Jim Everett / Saddo Boxing Now that IBF titlist Wladimir Klitschko cruised by the highly touted yet mediocre Sultan Ibragimov, lifting the WBO strap, he's got an open dance card >
  
  

• Ibragimov Cousins Win.

  Russian heavyweight cousins Timur and Sultan Ibragimov both achieved wins tonight in Atlantic City. Timur Ibragimov retained his undefeated record with a ten-round unanimous decision over David Polk and Timur >
  
  

• Rossy vs. Mercer Fight Airs Sunday on Sports New York

  Heavyweight Derric Rossy, "The Pride of Patchogue", is now ranked number nine in the world by the WBO. "This is like a dream come true, said Rossy. "I've been >
  
  

• Boxing Info: Sultan Ibragimov calls out Samuel Peter

  When Warriors Boxing Promotions learned that number two IBF Heavyweight contender Ray Austin had decided that he would rather wait around and hope for the best than fight unbeaten # >
  
  

• Boxing Preview: HBO Doubleheader - Brock vs. Ibragimov And Julio vs. Quintana

  This Saturday in Las Vegas, Nevada, four fighters will put their unbeaten records on the line on the HBO series . Boxing After Dark. In the welterweight contest, much talked >
  
  

• Boxing Weigh-in: Sultan Ibragimov - Javier Mora

  

  Sultan Ibragimov (19-0-1, 16 KO's), 221 pounds, of Russia (left) and Mexico's Javier Mora (23-3-1, 17 KO's), 256 3/4 pounds, weigh in for >
  
  

• World Boxing Organization Champion Briggs Loses Belt To Ibragimov In Snoozer

  In a virtual repeat of his WBO title winning effort against Serguei Lyakhovich last November, Shannon Briggs barely showed a pulse in the ring but this time there was no >
  
  

---