Carl ‘The Cat’ Thompson is still remembered fondly by British fight fans as one of the most entertaining, no-nonsense fighters to come out of the fabled boxing city that is Manchester.
Thompson’s career ended with the vindication it deserved, with a victory over future hall of famer David Haye to become IBO World Cruiserweight adding to his British, European and World titles and capping off what was a fantastic career.
Thompson looked back at the victory against Haye, who went on to become a world boxing great, becoming Undisputed World Cruiserweight Champion and WBA World Heavyweight Champion.
Thompson said, “David Haye was the man at the time, he was undefeated and was bombing everyone out. He beat me up for the first 3 rounds but he didn’t bank on me taking his best shots and he didn’t plan for that.
“I took his shots and I wore him down and broke him. I was a fighter that would always keep coming and that’s what happened against Haye. He tired and was there for the taking.”
People always question why Haye and Thompson never had a rematch. Thompson offers his views on the subject.
The former IBO King said, “The truth is I was never offered it. Haye’s team never approached me regarding it. The rumours I asked for too much money were false, I simply never got offered the fight because they know I would have ruined him.”
Thompson also held two victories over Chris Eubank, becoming the first and only man to ever stop the 2 weight British legend. ‘The Cat’ discussed the Eubank fights and the legacy he left in boxing.
“Eubank was one of the best fighters I boxed. He was a great fighter but after the first fight, I made the adjustments to make the second fight easier. That was to pressure Eubank and not let him know when I was hurt, which was a tactic I’d used throughout my career.
“Chris was a great fighter, he had great variety but I knew what I needed to do to beat him. He wasn’t strong and that was one of the keys to victory.
Thompson continued, “I wasn’t in boxing for just the money, it was always about being world champion and I wouldn’t have boxed if I didn’t believe I could be world champion and I became world champion. I was always true to myself and I have been blessed with a wonderful career.”
