Defeat won’t derail Shakiel Thompson, says manager Kevin Maree
Shakiel Thompson’s title dream is still alive despite his first defeat, with his manager backing him to bounce straight back into contention.
Kevin Maree says there are lessons to be learned following the Sheffield middleweight's loss to Brad Pauls last weekend, in Manchester.
But he backs the previously undefeated 28-year-old to shrug off the disappointment of the loss and mount a renewed drive for the sport's top titles.
Thompson's split-second lack of focus had let in hard-hitting Brad Pauls for a stoppage which secured Pauls the vacant IBF International belt.
"It can happen. Shakiel was in full control and got caught. It’s boxing" reasoned Maree.
"You can only learn these things in the fights — staying concentrated throughout and how to deal with what to do if you do go down.
"Shakiel jumped up far too quick (from the canvas in the ninth round) when his head wasn’t cleared.
"He was so far ahead on the scorecards he could have taken a knee and tried to recover properly.
"Those are the lessons we’ll drill into him going forward," Maree told The Star.
"As it is at the moment, another win or so and you’re right back in the mix. I don’t see this as derailing things long-term.
"Shak’s obviously disappointed but he’s a level-headed, smart lad.
"He knows it was just a mistake that he can put right. We’ve spoken about it and he’s already got his head turned towards the next one.
"When boxers are stepped up in class like on Saturday there’s ways that you can get beat. It might be a one-sided contest or even a 50/50.
"But Shak was winning every round! If he hadn’t got caught with that shot everyone would be saying what a master class that was.
"That shows me — with a few learning elements — Shak is no doubt good enough to be a world title contender next year."
Maree, who also manages Barnsley's Callum Simpson, added: "We will go through everything now and are already planning the next steps.
"We’ll pick the right fight and the right time, so the earliest we might see him back depends on how the recovery and prep goes, but we’re moving forward positively."
Thompson, from Handsworth, was pragmatic on social media stating: "Saturday night wasn’t my night. No excuses. A big thank you to every person who bought tickets and those who tuned in. I will be back."
Several local boxing figures agreed the fighter would make a successful return, including Nav Mansouri, Tommy Frank, Donte Dixon, Darnell Sterling, Sami Hamed, and Mykyle Ahmed.
Derbyshire's Ty Mitchell summed up: "The harsh reality of boxing can be breezing then switch off for one second and get caught, it’s happened to many greats, minor set back to a major comeback."