John Thompson From Late Replacement to ESPN Boxcino Finalist

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John ThompsonThere is a well-known terminology in boxing, and that is “Always be ready”. In the case of John Thompson IV, it bodes as well as it ever could. The Super Welterweight was a replacement for the Cleotis Pendarvis and Ricardo Pinell fight in the current “ESPN” Boxcino tournament and on a days notice when Pendarvis failed to make weight in time for a big opportunity, Thompson was ready to take his spot and a chance at Pinell.

Thompson (16-1, 5 KO’s) who was also coming off a unfortunately entertaining knockout by Frank Galarza in his previous fight, thoroughly outclassed Pinell in 6 rounds sticking and moving and pot shotting from the outside which granted him a unanimous decision.

Thompson, who moved on to the semi finals of the tournament, would prove that wasn’t the last time we’d call upset. This past Saturday Thompson worked his way into the winners circle with a split decision over Stanyslav Skorokhod, who came in the fight as the favorite after a brutal 4th round knockout of Michael Moore in the Qtr finals Teddy Atlas even had him going to the finals. Thompson utilized his long reach, foot speed and spectacular jab to keep the Ukrainian off him. Skorokhod appeared to hurt Thompson in the 2nd and 8th round, but Thompson’s lateral movement kept the big puncher at bay most of the fight. Brandon Adams

Thompson has an even tougher task as he faces last year’s Boxcino finalist Brandon “The Cannon” Adams, who has KO’d both his opponents leading up to the final this year. Thompson, who is making the most out of his opportunities should take the opportunity to review how Adams failed in the last Boxcino tournament final and study it very hard. As Willie Monroe Jr, boxcino’s middleweight champ beat Brandon Adams handily in a 10rd unanimous decision. Thompson seems like the fighter able to utilize the same stick and move strategy Monroe put forth against Adams. Once again, he will be the underdog but once again it might not matter from replacement to Finalist John Thompson IV is a force to be reckoned with.