Shock for Shak as Sheffield star floored in title thriller
Muhammad Ali once said: "Only a man who knows what it is like to be defeated can reach down to the bottom of his soul and come up with the extra ounce of power it takes to win."
That sentiment could serve as inspiration for Sheffield’s Shakiel Thompson after a potentially devastating loss at the weekend.
The 28-year-old was TKO'd by Cornwall's Brad Pauls in the ninth round of their mutual quest for the vacant IBF International Middleweight title at the Co-op Live Arena, Manchester.
The IBF sanctioning body had previously ordered a world title fight between Etinosa Oliha and Thompson, but this shock loss unquestionably represents a setback for the Manor Boxing Academy fighter.
So how did he get it wrong on his big night - his first under Frank Warren's Queensberry promotional banner?
The short answer is that defeat didn't look on the cards at all until a right hook dropped the bigger man.
In fact, Thompson had seemingly been closing on a victory until that brutal moment.
His legs were wobbly, his face suggested disorientation, and Shak was soon back on the canvas again after a flurry of head shots from both sides.
The 'Newquay Bomb' had detonated, referee Howard Foster waved his hands to signal bout completion, Pauls' 200 fans were going crazy in the stands, and Thompson's 15-fight unbeaten record had come to an abrupt end.
Pauls, 32, had only had one eight round fight since 2024 and said Saturday was "the best night of my life" - while Thompson must now find the inner strength that Ali had referenced.
Like South Yorkshire boxers Maxi Hughes, Dave Allen and Junaid Bostan, all of whom have lost in recent months, he must now concentrate on getting back up the ladder and into contention for major titles once more.
Also on the wrong side of a result at the weekend was Cusworth's Connan Murray.
He was outpointed over 10 rounds at Rotherham's Magna Centre, by Welshman Carvell Crocker (91-99.)
The Doncaster super welterweight was philosophical, stating: "We didn’t get the nod tonight. It definitely stings but we put our heart and soul into this game and sometimes the arm does not get raised!
“The road to athletic greatness is not marked with perfection, it’s built on the ability to overcome adversity and failure.
"Today was not my day but tomorrow is a different story.
"As long as there is fuel in the tank and love for the game I’ll keep pushing to achieve my own version of greatness. I am down but I am not out."
Doncaster's Jimmy Joe Flint was also beaten, his third loss in five outings.
And Sheffield United assistant kitman Adam Geelan lost his unbeaten record.
MAGNA RESULTS
Connan Murray (previously) 13 1 0 Cusworth lost to Carvell Crocker 8 1 0 Cardiff; super welterweight
Jimmy Joe Flint 16 3 2 Doncaster lost to Connor Gray 15 1 1 Wiltshire; super light
Ellie Hellewell 7 1 0 Doncaster/Rotherham technical draw with Klaudia Ferenczi 20 129 10; Slovakia super bantam
Kacie Doocey 2 0 0 Rotherham beat Katherine Quintana 0 40 1; Colombia light
Gideon Anaba 2 0 0 Doncaster bt Robbie Chapman 13 67 10; London light heavy
Adam Geelan 4 0 1 Sheffield lost to Ivan Trofimovich 0 3 0; Spain middle
Cory Sagar 5 0 0 Barnsley bt Steve Davies 1 17 0; Swansea middle.