David Haye has been sparring with Tony Thompson

Thompson has been in training camp with titleholder David Haye, serving as one of his sparring partners as Haye prepares to defend his belt against Audley Harrison on Nov. 13. Thompson has won three fights in a row since being stopped in the 11th round by champion Wladimir Klitschko in July 2008.

http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/boxing/columns/story?columnist=rafael_dan&id=5734748

Ali wrote:Thompson has been in training camp with titleholder David Haye, serving as one of his sparring partners as Haye prepares to defend his belt against Audley Harrison on Nov. 13. Thompson has won three fights in a row since being stopped in the 11th round by champion Wladimir Klitschko in July 2008.

http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/boxing/columns/story?columnist=rafael_dan&id=5734748

I saw that multiple places. Thompson is a decent fighter and unlike other guys who faced Wlad, he didn't run. He landed some decent shots and fought back. He eventually ran into the buzzsaw that is Wlad's right hand, but he was to be commended for actually coming to fight that night.

Haye better dispatch of Fraudley in an emphatic fashion and then sign to fight Wlad or Vitali.

That's actually a MAJOR step in the right direction for 13.

Thompson is lost in the mix. People talk about Wlad, Vitali, and Haye as the elite.
People spend time talking about Adamek as he was LH and Cruiserweight belt holder.
People talk about Povetkin because of his amateur pedigree/running/atlas as trainer
People talk about Arreola because of his shape and his latino heritage

People don't talk about Thompson, the guy who gave Wlad his toughest fight of the last few years.

Thompson isn't getting a big fight, but it is hard to when you are awkward (and probably good enough to beat every single HW out there except for the 3 beltholders).

captainanddew wrote:Thompson is lost in the mix. People talk about Wlad, Vitali, and Haye as the elite.
People spend time talking about Adamek as he was LH and Cruiserweight belt holder.
People talk about Povetkin because of his amateur pedigree/running/atlas as trainer
People talk about Arreola because of his shape and his latino heritage

People don't talk about Thompson, the guy who gave Wlad his toughest fight of the last few years.

Thompson isn't getting a big fight, but it is hard to when you are awkward (and probably good enough to beat every single HW out there except for the 3 beltholders).

Thompsom has active since the Wlad fight, but has to beat up the top guys so he can get another title shot. Beating up Paul Marinaccio is not the way to go about that.

flapanther2001 wrote:
Thompsom has active since the Wlad fight, but has to beat up the top guys so he can get another title shot. Beating up Paul Marinaccio is not the way to go about that.

He called out Arreola, but Gossen doesnt want to see the Butterbeaner go down to his stablemate

gomez1012 wrote:

flapanther2001 wrote:
Thompsom has active since the Wlad fight, but has to beat up the top guys so he can get another title shot. Beating up Paul Marinaccio is not the way to go about that.

He called out Arreola, but Gossen doesnt want to see the Butterbeaner go down to his stablemate

I don't see a problem with Arreola/Thompson....Goosen can only get so much blood out of that turnip. The winner could be no. 2 ranked hwt in any alphabet org.

flapanther2001 wrote:
I don't see a problem with Arreola/Thompson....Goosen can only get so much blood out of that turnip. The winner could be no. 2 ranked hwt in any alphabet org.

I agree, but Arreola is managed by Haymon, I doubt they take that risk

Arreola would be the favorite in my book

none of the other top 10-15 guys(excluding the beltholders) will face Thompson. It is high risk/low reward. Why face Thompson when you can beat total nobodies and become the mandatory for Wlad, Vitali, or Haye, and win the lottery by doing so?

Adamek should have choosen Thompson for his Dec fight, he's the perfect opponent to get ready for the Brothers with no charisma.

I don't mind David Haye and Tony Thompson sparring, but I think they have the sparring partner role mixed up. Tony Thompson has heart. All he needs is a connected manager and an exceptional trainer. He showed no fear of Wlad and I was impressed. He needs to improve because for Thompson, it's now or never. Wasting time with David Haye is not the answer. Get a trainer, put on some muscle, develop a snapping jab and go in there against Wlad again. This time, win it.