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The Big Question: Where does Carl Thompson rank in the list of Britain’s all-time most exciting fighters?

This week's panellists are asked to place Carl Thompson, the former WBO cruiserweight champion, among the pantheon of British boxing warriors

BN Staff

11th February, 2020

The Big Question: Where does Carl Thompson rank in the list of Britain’s all-time most exciting fighters?

Wayne Alexander (Former European super-welterweight champion)

Carl Thompson was the most exciting British cruiserweight of the Nineties and one of the most exciting British fighters of the last 40 years. His all-action, aggressive style made all his fights a must-watch. You knew he could be hurt but you also knew he could turn a fight around with his powerful combinations.

Nigel Wright (Former English super-lightweight champion)

Thompson was a very exciting fighter with a high KO ratio but could also ‘go’ himself which made his fights very entertaining. I would rank him quite high. He’s not one of the most obvious household names but he does hold some great wins over Chris Eubank and, more notably, David Haye, who was stopped for the first time by Thompson.

Ryan Walsh (British featherweight champion)

Very high. Thompson was super fit, always ready, did great as an underdog and had that me-or-you attitude and style. The Haye fight stands out for me because he took his licks and showed real character. If you look at what Haye went on to do it’s even more impressive.

Declan Warrington (Journalist)

Towards the top. He’s outside of the bracket dominated by Nigel Benn and George Groves, but his fights were often dramatic. Being in the unglamorous cruiserweight division means that that’s often overlooked.

David Haye
Thompson stops Haye before the halfway mark (Action Images)

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