Federal Way boxer Vincent Thompson remains undefeated in his professional career following a dominating victory March 19 in Battle at the Boat 81.
Thompson (7-0, 2 KO) pounded away at South Carolina’s Ryan Shay (5-12) in a bout that was stopped at 1:26 in the second round by referee Jeff Macaluso. Shay repeatedly took a knee throughout the second round as Thompson poured on the pressure with a flurry of head and body shots. Thompson kept Shay on the defensive from start to finish, either in a corner or against the ropes.
“I knew I had to keep up the pressure,” Thompson said after the fight at Emerald Queen Casino in Tacoma. After landing one hard punch to Shay’s ribs, Thompson said, “I knew I had him.”
Shay admitted as much after the fight when congratulating Thompson backstage.
“I’m glad he stepped up to the plate to take on an undefeated boxer,” Thompson said. “I’m here to fight. I want to bring heavyweight boxing back to the Northwest.”
Thompson received a hero’s welcome from the crowd when his name was announced. The 28-year-old heavyweight recently signed a promotional contract with Brian Halquist Productions and is trying to get more professional wins under his belt. Thompson’s stock as a boxer was boosted by a Nov. 13 victory over the previously unbeaten Charles Ellis, a former 2003 National Golden Gloves Heavyweight Champion.
Main event
Among local fighters in Battle at the Boat 81, Renton boxer Francisco Reyes (8-2, 2 KOs) lost the main event to Evgeny Gradovich (9-0, 6 KOs) in a 10-round decision. The lightweights went the distance, and Gradovich won in a unanimous decision. Judges scored the fight 99-91, 100-90 and 99-91.
Bolstered by chants of “Paco! Paco!” from the crowd, Reyes kept up with Gradovich until about the fifth round. Reyes suffered a cut under his right eye and started to slow down, while Gradovich maintained his intensity and aggressive engagement of Reyes until the final bell.
Other results
Co-main event: Donatas Bondarouas (12-2-1) def. Paul Mpendo (7-7-4)
Joey Montoya (4-0-2) def. Sylvester Barron (1-1-0)
Corben Page (1-1-0) def. Ricardo Garcia (1-1-0)
Nate Serrano (2-0-0) def. J.R. Delgadillo (1-1-1)
