Tony Thompson (boxer)

Anthony Tyrone "Tony" Thompson (born October 18, 1971) is an American professional boxer. He has challenged twice for unified world heavyweight titles, in 2008 and 2012, both times against Wladimir Klitschko.

2000–2007: heavyweight title contention

Despite not making his professional debut until the age of 28, by late 2007, Thompson had built up an impressive record of 31 wins and a single loss. This included wins over former title contenders Dominick Guinn, Timur Ibragimov, and Luan Krasniqi. After winning a WBO heavyweight title eliminator, Thompson was appointed the mandatory position in the organization's rankings, thus setting up a showdown with then-WBO, IBF and IBO champion Wladimir Klitschko.

2008: Thompson vs. Wladimir Klitschko

Thompson was defeated in a late eleventh-round stoppage by Wladimir Klitschko on July 12, 2008. Despite the loss, Thompson made a solid account of himself and managed to land some punches on the dominant champion, who had seldom been hit clean by any of his opponents by that point.

2009–2011: resurgence

On April 16, 2010, Thompson won against Owen Beck, knocking him out in four rounds. Following that, he won two more fights (both by stoppage) against Paul Marinaccio on November 20, 2010, and an IBF heavyweight title eliminator for the number two spot against Maurice Harris on May 26, 2011. After the withdrawal of Eddie Chambers from what would have been a final eliminator for the number one position, Thompson was nominated the official IBF challenger after accumulating five consecutive stoppage victories.

2012: Thompson vs. Wladimir Klitschko II

On July 7, 2012, Thompson faced Wladimir Klitschko in a rematch, this time with Klitschko's WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, IBO, Ring magazine, and lineal heavyweight titles also at stake. In the sixth round, Thompson would lose by stoppage for a second time.

2013: Thompson vs. Price, Pulev

In a major upset, on February 23, 2013, Thompson defeated highly touted prospect David Price by a second-round stoppage, following a single punch which floored the unbeaten 2008 Olympic bronze medalist. Thompson emphatically repeated the feat on July 6, 2013, this time via fifth-round stoppage. In August, Thompson faced undefeated contender Kubrat Pulev in another IBF title eliminator, in an attempt to secure a third fight with Wladimir Klitschko. After a competitive first seven rounds, Thompson faded down the stretch and allowed Pulev to take advantage by out-boxing him, and landing the more cleaner and effective shots. Following this setback, at age 41, Thompson's career at the top level was once again in doubt.

2014–2015: Thompson vs. Solis, Takam

In March 2014, Thompson resurrected his career again after defeating 2004 Olympic gold medalist and former heavyweight title challenger Odlanier Solís by split decision. He then went on to lose a fight via decision to Carlos Takam later that year. Thompson fought a rematch againast Solís in February 2015, forcing him to retire in his corner in the eighth round.