SAN DIEGO – July 7, 2012 – The Steel Hammer came down on American Tony “The Tiger” Thompson of Washington, D.C. as reigning heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko made an easy defense of his titles with a sixth round knockout victory in his 13th straight title defense.
The Ukranian boxer had little trouble with Thompson in this rematch. He was in superior shape, well trained and efficient. Thompson, 40, who had not had a fight in well over a year, fought with heart but was simply rusty and out gunned by the superior Klitschko.
Klitschko put the straight right to use, connecting with a wicked shot to the right side of Thompson’s head two-and-a-half minutes into round 5. Thompson gets credit for getting to his feet after taking such a hard punch. At that point it was only a matter of time, and not much time at that as Klitschko launched a combination of punches and sealed Thompson’s fate.
Wladimir Klitschko puts Tony Thompson on the canvas for good in round 6. Photo: AP/Keystone.
Following the fight, Thompson, now 36-3, 24 KO, said “Wladimir is so sound defensively it’s hard to land any punches.” Of his future, Thompson said his team not to make any snap judgments, but “If you can’t beat the champion, what’s the sense in going on?” Still, in a division shy on competition, it would be hard for a guy with seven kids to go back to his job for the Department of Homeland Security when he can make more in one night than he can working a year in his day job.
Klitschko, now 58-3, 51 KO, said he knew right away Thompson didn’t have enough weight or enough strength to beat him, but he wanted not to be in a rush. “From the beginning, I was ready to shoot. I wanted to get my timing right, take my time.”
So what’s next for Klitschko? Is there anyone out there for him to fight right now? Thompson suggested British heavyweight David Price, Americans Seth Mitchell or 2008 Olympic bronze medal winner Deontay Wilder, “a young gusty guy with the stamina to sustain an attack.”
Klitschko, ever the diplomat, said there are a lot of good names, eager to fight, naming Price and Mitchell, along with Chris Arreola.
He didn’t mention either David Haye, who Klitschko embarrassed last year, or Dereck Chisora, who slapped Vitaly Klitschko at their weigh-in before getting slapped down in the ring by the elder of the boxing brothers. Dr. Klitschko is also an extremely intelligent man in addition to being a diplomat.
It would be terrific to see Klitschko fight someone in the United States. He deserves to have more American fans.
Despite the easy dispatching of Thompson by Klitschko, promoters staged a terrific looking veune with state-of-the art lighting and sound, all of the rock show flash a prize fight deserves. The 30, 000 fans at the Stade de Suisse saw a great show, if an abbreviated one.
Those watching on Epix enjoyed excellent visual production values via the European production and lighting, and the engaging commentary of Bruce Beck, sports anchor at WNBC New York, Dan Rafael of ESPN, and hall of fame trainer Freddie Roach. The trio worked together well. They are professional and refreshing. It’s worth tuning in alone to enjoy Roach’s insights about boxing, no matter who is in the ring. Gentlemen, it was a pleasure and I hope to see more of this team in the future.
Gayle Lynn Falkenthal, APR, is President/Owner of the Falcon Valley Group in San Diego, California. She is also a serious boxing fan covering the Sweet Science for Communities. Read more Ringside Seat in the Communities at The Washington Times. Follow Gayle on Facebook and on Twitter @PRProSanDiego. Gayle can be reached via Google +
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