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Junior middleweight contender Anthony Thompson will return to the ring against Luis Lopez on Saturday, May 2 in one of the feature bouts at “Fists Of Thunder II” at the Cambria County War Memorial Arena in Johnstown, PA it was announced today by Chet Koerner, President of TKO Boxing Promotions.
This will be Thompson’s first bout following his highly controversial loss against Ishmail Arvin on August 15 in Washington, D.C., which was broadcast on ESPN.
During that bout, Thompson suffered a bad cut in the third round from an accidental headbutt, the same round in which he dropped Arvin twice.
Despite the cut, Thompson continued to dominate the bout until the commission doctor stopped the fight after the sixth round. Although the cut was initially and incorrectly ruled as coming from a punch, ESPN replays viewed by the commission clearly showed the cut was caused by an accidental headbutt.
Despite viewing the replay, the commission refused to change the referees’ incorrect call and Arvin was awarded the win. At the time of the stoppage, Thompson was leading the scorecards, 59-53, 58-54 and 57-55.
Said Koerner, “The loss was initially devastating to Anthony, but he’s regrouped and he’s ready to make a run towards the top of the division. It starts with Lopez who is an aggressive, crafty veteran.”
The 27 year old Thompson brings a record of 23-3 (17) into the scheduled six round battle with Washington state native Lopez, 14-15-1 (6). Lopez’s eight year career includes bouts against Jesse Brinkley, Peter Manfredo Jr., David Banks and Hector Camacho Jr.
Finishing up a sparring session with Philadelphia prospect Mike Jones, Thompson discussed his return.
“I was very upset when it happened but I have to get past the Arvin fight,” he said. “I was close to beating Yuri Foreman in the bout before Arvin, but I had to put that in the past and move forward. Lopez is a tough rugged guy, but I’ve trained hard and I’m in great shape.”
Along with being promoted by TKO Boxing Promotions, Thompson is guided by award winning manager Cameron Dunkin.
“Chet and Cameron have solid plans for me to get right back in the mix for a world title shot this year,” said Thompson. “I plan on doing my part inside the ring.” s
“Fists Of Thunder II” is presented by Chet Koerner’s TKO Boxing Promotions and Team Taylor Made Boxing in association with Rezk Medical Supply
Headlining the show is an outstanding cruiserweight battle between the fighting pride of Johnstown, PA., Andres Taylor and Philadelphia’s Simon Carr.
A full undercard will be announced shortly.
Starting at $22, tickets can be purchased in person at the Cambria County War Memorial Arena Box Office or by phone at 800-243-8499. They are also on sale locally at Giant Eagle Super Markets (Richland and West End) in Johnstown. Doors on the evening of the event will open at 6:00pm with the first bell at 7:30pm.. The Cambria County War Memorial Arena is located at 326 Napoleon Street in Johnstown
More information on the Cambria County War Memorial Arena can be viewed on their website at www.warmemorialarena.com
