by Johnny Walker
According to the report, the fight on August 24 with Pulev will be a final eliminator for a title shot at world champion Wladimir Klitschko. Thompson has already lost twice to Klitschko, with the initial fight being competitive, and the second fight not so much, as Thompson seemed unfocused and lacking the fire he showed previously.
Against Price however, Thompson seemed to have found the fountain of youth, and rejuvenated his career.
But before Thompson, who can claim based on his recent victories to be the top American heavyweight even at age 41, can even think about Klitschko, he’ll need to deal with the formidable Pulev, a man who Boxing Insider chose as the heavyweight of the year for 2012 for his strong wins over Travis Walker, Alexander Dimitrenko and previously unbeaten Russian giant Alexander Ustinov.
Make no mistake, Pulev, with a sterling amateur background and solid experience with wins over some tough professionals, is no David Price. The challenge for Thompson this time out is about as tough as it gets in the heavyweight division outside of the brothers Klitschko. There is a reason that a braggart like Tyson Fury was offered a fight with Pulev for a shot at Wladimir, but turned it down to face countryman David Haye instead — because Fury stands a much better chance of upsetting Haye than he does the unspectacular but tough, skilled and sturdy Pulev.
Suffice to say, if Tony Thompson can pull off a victory here, he will fully deserve another shot at the world title.
The location and venue for the fight have not been announced yet, but the event will likely take place in Germany.
