From staff reports:

Undefeated Federal Way heavyweight boxer Vincent Thompson will step back into the ring Aug. 27 against Masataka Takehara in the main event of Battle at the Boat 83 at the Emerald Queen Casino in Tacoma.

Thompson improved his record to 8-0 with a unanimous decision over Kelsey Arnold on June 4.

In addition to his victory over Arnold, Thompson also scored an impressive victory on Nov. 13 over the previously unbeaten Charles Ellis, a former 2003 National Golden Gloves heavyweight champion.

Thompson will face his toughest challenge to date in Takehara, a former national champion and the No. 1-ranked heavyweight in Japan.

“This is a big step for Vincent,” said promoter Brian Halquist. “But he’s handled everything that has been thrown at him. He keeps improving with every fight. Takehara won’t back down. It’s going to be an exciting fight.”

To prepare for the upcoming bout, Thompson trained in Moscow, Russia, this month under the watch of Teddy Atlas, who conditioned Michael Moorer to the world heavyweight title in 1994. Thompson was sparring with top 10-ranked Alexander Provetkin (21-0), who will face Ruslan Chagaev for the vacant WBA world heavyweight title on Aug. 27.

The eight-round main event will mark Takehara’s second bout in the United States. He has fought primarily in Japan and Australia during his professional career.

Takehara scored a six-round draw with Alex Leopai in July 2009. Leopai, ranked in the top 20 in the world by some organizations, is 14-0-1 in his last 15 bouts with this draw to Takehara being his only non-victory

Highlighting the undercard will be a semi-main event between undefeated Oscar Andrade (6-0) and Mike Lucero (12-16-0).

Check it out

The first fight on the card will begin at 7 p.m. Tickets are $25, $45 and $100 and are available at the Emerald Queen Casino box office or by calling (888) 831-7655 and at all Ticketmaster outlets. For more information, visit www.halquistproductions.com.