Carl Thompson retires!!

Former WBO and IBO cruiserweight champion Carl Thompson has officially retired, finally choosing to bring the curtain down on his illustrious 18-year career. The 41-year-old, one of British Boxing’s most exciting prizefighters ever, has become increasingly disillusioned by the lack of lucrative paydays on offer in the cruiserweight division.

“I was nominated to fight Mark Hobson but without wishing to sound disrespectful I didn’t want to drop back down to British title level for the money that is on offer there. Nor was I willing to fight Lee Swaby either,” explained Thompson, who was ranked no.10 by the IBF.

The Bolton bomber has been in talks however about the possibility of a rematch with current European ruler David Haye, the former amateur star Thompson schooled in five rounds in September 2004.

“They approached me and made an offer but it wasn’t acceptable,” said Thompson. “I’ve been doing this for 18-years and I’ve dedicated my life to Boxing but I don’t do it for the fun of it. If the money’s not there I’m not going to put myself through it anymore.”

Thompson finishes with an impressive 34-6 (25) slate, containing a catalogue of memorable up-and-down slugfests, and insists that his lacklustre points win over Frenchman Frederic Serrat in November last time out had no bearing on his final decision.

“It played no part at all. You have to remember that I’d been out of the ring for 14 months and was recovering from an injury. I’m retiring because the financial incentives just aren’t there. I was hoping to secure a final eliminator for the IBF title but even then it might be two years before I’d get a shot at the world title. In Boxing there are no assurances and unfortunately time has run out for me,” he admitted.

Despite his obvious disappointment “The Cat” recalled fondly some of his greatest moments in his rollercoaster career. “Stopping Akim Tafer to retain my European title (in six rounds in 1994) was one of my most satisfying wins because I was getting my butt kicked in that fight. After I’d won I remember shouting out for joy in the ring afterwards. And beating Ralf Rocchigiani in Germany to win the world title (the WBO’s version in 1997) meant a lot especially given I had to retire in the first fight after dislocating my shoulder (Thompson was in a commanding lead on all three judges’ scorecards when forced to pull out in round 11).”

Thompson followed this up with back-to-back victories over Chris Eubank (UD 12, TKO10) but it was the eccentric showman Eubank who captured the hearts of the British public during their two breathtaking battles.

“I didn’t get the credit I deserved for those wins,” bemoaned Thompson. “The critics said that had Chris been younger he would probably have beaten me but they forget that I was older than him when we fought! (Eubank was 32, Thompson 34). Had I been a bit younger I think I would have stopped Chris sooner.”

But Thompson was quick to praise Eubank, too.

“Chris was an entertainer, a real showman. There aren’t many entertainers around these days and Boxing is duller as a result.”

Aside from spending time with his family, Thompson has no immediate plans now that he has hung up his gloves except for making a point of thanking those who have helped him in his career.

“There are so many people that I am going to have to ring and thank. Maurice (Core), Ensley (Bingham), Dennis (Hobson) and Fight Academy for giving me another opportunity when people no longer believed in me. And I must also thank my wife for supporting me and putting up with me!”

The humble Thompson will be remembered as a throwback warrior who made the very best of his abilities and for a never-say-die attitude that allowed him to snatch some unlikely victories from the very brink of defeat. Thompson’s decision to retire is not before time. He finishes with a win but more importantly with his reputation and health intact. Thanks for the memories, Carl.

Great warrier has been in some great fights down the years, the two eubank fights and the fight with Sellers sticks out, but he is a great guy and i wish him all the best in retirement.

As big of a boxing fan as I am...I just was never able to get up for Cruisers...hate it that I never followed the Cat...seems like a good chap & I hate it that he's that disgusted...oh well...I'm sure he will be missed...by somebody.

He didnt get the props he deserved!

I saw the Haye and Eubank fights. He wasnt given a chnace against Haye

Haye got his ass handed to him

I liked Carl Thompson, he looked real mean until you heard him speak with that thick Brummie accent!

Exciting fighter though, a bit like Dennis Andries

Excellent British fighter.

I will always remember the supposed smartest fighter in Britain, Nicky Piper, putting up his unbeaten record, against the 6 hour notice sub, the then unknown Carl Thompson, in a catchweight contest (Piper was a Light Heavy).

The Result... Thompson TKO3!!!

That was 15 years ago, and 'The Cat' has been a fixture in the division ever since.

Thank you Carl Thompson, for giving us excellent value for money, and being one of the top 10 best Cruiserweights of the last decade. ;)

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Originally Posted by Britkid

Excellent British fighter.

I will always remember the supposed smartest fighter in Britain, Nicky Piper, putting up his unbeaten record, against the 6 hour notice sub, the then unknown Carl Thompson, in a catchweight contest (Piper was a Light Heavy).

The Result... Thompson TKO3!!!

That was 15 years ago, and 'The Cat' has been a fixture in the division ever since.

Thank you Carl Thompson, for giving us excellent value for money, and being one of the top 10 best Cruiserweights of the last decade. ;)

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Speaking of smart has anyone actually done the IQ test that pops up most of the time you log onto this site?

I scored 129. 130 is considered genius apparently! Woohoooooooo! 8)

Seriously you should respect my postings more, you should! :P

bilbo, those 100 cool clicks have gone to your head....do not tell people your IQ score....they might laugh at you!! ;D

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Originally Posted by miles

bilbo, those 100 cool clicks have gone to your head....do not tell people your IQ score....they might laugh at you!! ;D

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hehehe just kidding!

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Originally Posted by miles

bilbo, those 100 cool clicks have gone to your head....do not tell people your IQ score....they might laugh at you!! ;D

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Oh look one of the great unwashed makes an attempt at humour.

j/k ;D

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Originally Posted by bilbo

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Originally Posted by miles

bilbo, those 100 cool clicks have gone to your head....do not tell people your IQ score....they might laugh at you!! ;D

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Oh look one of the great unwashed makes an attempt at humour.

j/k ;D

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;D m bilbo, do calm down !!!

:-[

he's a good fighter, a good fella and i loved it when he sparked haye out

sad that a true warrior the likes of which we dont see to often in britan has hang his gloves up and probably won't even get a mention in the sports pages tomorrow

"And I wish I never met her at all!!!!!!!!"-Carl Thompson O0

Good figher great Man If any fighter never got his just rewards,it was Carl Thompson He gave the sport more than he took.

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Originally Posted by bilbo

I liked Carl Thompson, he looked real mean until you heard him speak with that thick Brummie accent!

Exciting fighter though, a bit like Dennis Andries

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Brummie accent????

He is from up north?? Bolton i think.