Anthony Thompson of Philadelphia makes his New York City debut April 27 when he appears on the undercard of the Jameel McCline-Shannon Briggs main event presented by Cedric Kushner Promotions in The Theatre at Madison Square Garden.
An opponent for Thompson, a strong and speedy welterweight with a record of 1-0 and one knockout, has not been finalized. "It doesn't matter to me who I fight," said Thompson, a three-time national champion and one of the most highly sought-after amateur boxers in recent memory. Thompson won his pro debut on a Cedric Kushner Promotions card televised by Fox Sports Net March 17 in Oroville, Calif., when he stopped veteran Elvisto Mills after two rounds.
Thompson, who's 5-foot-11-inch and still growing, signed an exclusive promotional agreement with Cedric Kushner Promotions earlier this year.
"We're pleased and excited to be able to showcase Anthony in New York and on an HBO card in only his second professional bout," said Cedric Kushner.
"I like being in the spotlight," said Thompson, who turns 21 10 days before the bout. Thompson, who's managed by Cameron Dunkin and trained by Ronald Jackson, had an amateur record of 78-7. Thompson began boxing during 1990 and won the U.S. Championships for 2000 and 2001 and the National Golden Gloves Tournament for 2000. He also was selected the USA Boxing "Athlete of the Year" for 2001.
He was the favorite to win a gold medal at the 2004 Athens Olympics had he not turned pro. Thompson attended Temple University in Philadelphia and majored in accounting before concentrating solely on his professional boxing career.
Also on the McCline-Briggs card is International Boxing Federation featherweight champion Manuel Medina defending against former world champ Johnny Tapia.
