Queensberry Promotions sign the ‘most avoided middleweight’

Queensberry Promotions continues to build its stable by signing top talent turning pro, as well as some of the most impressive active fighters in the professional ranks. The promotional powerhouse has unveiled its latest signing, unbeaten middleweight Shakiel Thompson (15-0, 11 KOs), as he looks to keep active and move towards significant title fights in the future.

Unbeaten Shakiel Thompson joins Queensberry Promotions for career boost

Before joining Queensberry, its been frustrating for Thompson, despite the undefeated record. Constant fight cancellations and difficulties finding opponents have frustrated the Sheffield fighter:

Speaking to The Star newspaper in early September, “Dr Steel” said:

“I have been trying to get people to fight me, but I am the most avoided middleweight out there.”

“It has been a nightmare getting an opponent for this one; there must have been six or seven who said no” said the fighter before his last win against Grant Dennis.

Revealing his frustrations, Thompson said: 

“But I’ll get this over and then have a big, big fight in December time, hopefully a final eliminator for the British title.

“I was meant to be fighting Tyler Denny but he withdrew from the purse bids, which was a shock because he has fought all of the top names like Hamzah Sheeraz.

“It showed me how avoided I really am. I have not boxed since February – I was supposed to be on a Sky card in June and couldn’t get anybody for that and a GBM card in the same month but the same happened.

“I haven’t got a huge following, not that many people domestically know me but those in the boxing world – the trainers, the fighters – they know me and how good, big and strong I am.”

Shakiel Thompson – recognised in the boxing world, but overlooked by opponents

In the ring, Shakiel Thompson has been mostly impressive, including winning his last five fights by stoppage, including last time out against Grant Dennis.

When speaking to The Star, Thompson spoke about an upcoming promotional change: “I have changed to get better opportunities, I’ve not been getting them. I think the new promoter is going to be able to offer them to me,” said Thompson. 

“Haven’t got that much to gain from fighting me,” added Thompson on potential opponents.

Discussing his reputation, he said: “I haven’t got a huge following, not that many people domestically know me but those in the boxing world – the trainers, the fighters – they know me and how good, big and strong I am.”

Revealing the split from GBM, Thompson said: “Izzy is a good guy, I’ll never have anything wrong to say about him. We shook hands, and he said ‘Move on’ and understood that I needed to do that.

“He promoted me for four fights. His shows are really good and he builds up his fighters really well.”

Shakiel Thompson qualities

It’s difficult to argue with Thompson that he’s avoided. He’s tall, awkward, can box both outside and inside, and punches like a mule. 

Signing with Queensberry should give Thompson many more opportunities, and looking at the middleweight division, it feels like there are plenty of opportunities for “Dr Steel.”