HEAVYWEIGHTS Tony Thompson and Malik Scott are all set to face one another later this month, Thompson confirmed this week. The scheduled 10-rounder will be part of the Premier Boxing Champions platform and will be televised by Bounce TV. The fight is set to go on October 30th in Orlando, Florida and it is a match-up neither man can afford to lose.
Thompson, who is 40-5(27) and will turn the age of 44 on October 18, spoke to Boxing News earlier this year and “The Tiger” said he is aiming for one last push at the world title and that his retirement will come in 2016. Thompson has challenged for the heavyweight title on two previous occasions, losing by stoppage to Wladimir Klitschko both times, yet he says he feels he can beat and even knockout current WBC ruler Deontay Wilder. Thompson will no doubt be hoping a win over Scott – 37-2-1(13) and almost ten years his junior at age 34 – will get him a big step closer to another shot.
“It’s almost that time [to fight] and I’m looking forward to it,” Thompson said of his upcoming clash with Scott.
Scott has of course been in with Wilder already, losing by a humbling one-round stoppage defeat in a WBC elimination bout with the future champion in March of last year. That loss came shortly after Scott’s stoppage loss to Dereck Chisora and some critics have questioned Scott’s heart and desire since both defeats. The Philadelphian has bounced back with a useful win over recent Klitschko challenger Alex Leapai, however, with Scott winning on points in Australia a year ago. Both he and Thompson have been somewhat inactive as of late. Southpaw Thompson last boxed in February of this year, when he forced an overweight Odlanier Solis to remain on his stool after eight rounds.
Now, the two veterans will be hoping ring rust is not too big a factor as they meet up at the end of the month. With WBC boss Wilder speaking about having a third voluntary defence before his unavoidable mandatory against Alexander Povetkin, the possible incentive for Thompson and Scott might be a shot at Wilder. Wilder vs. Thompson would certainly be an interesting fight, but would fans seriously consider paying to see Scott challenge Wilder a second time?
