Shakiel Thompson inspired by Sheffield neighbour Dalton Smith
Shakiel Thompson is hoping to continue learning from Sheffield hero Dalton Smith after setback
Shakiel Thompson will be glued to the TV on Saturday, hoping his Sheffield neighbour Dalton Smith will successfully defend his WBC world title.
And the 29-year-old from Handsworth will be hoping to pick up more tips from the champion, as he seeks to reignite his own career.
Thompson was stopped by Brad Pauls as they competed for the vacant IBF International title in March, in Manchester.
It was his first reverse in 16 fights – and signalled the end of his lifestyle of the time.
Thompson, signed by Frank Warren's Queensberry promotional firm, had quit normal work duties and was living the life of a full-time professional fighter.
But the defeat saw some of his sponsors disappear, and the father of two had to go back to monthly pay cheques while continuing his daily training programme.
He hasn't boxed since the Pauls bout, despite putting himself in the shop window.
But he says he is still learning and improving and will be watching every second of Smith's Super Lightweight title fight with the Dominican Republic's Alberto Puello, which will be hosted at Sheffield Arena.
Thompson, who trains at Manor Boxing Academy, said: "When I watch Dalton I learn from every single round he is in, I see his rhythm, how he picks things up, how he relaxed he is.
"I watch how he controls the distance. I think it will be a good fight and he will outbox Puello and hand out a boxing lesson."
Describing Smith as an inspiration he added: "I'm sure he has trained very hard. Like me, he is always working to make himself better.
"I will be tuning into his fight. I wish him all the best, he's a very good person.
"I have seen Puello fight Subriel Matias, he's a good boxer...but Dalton is better."
Thompson's loss to Pauls earlier this year triggered an unwanted change in his circumstances.
"Afterwards I was struggling to get enough sponsors, although I still have G.W Price and Highgage Media," he said.
"I had no choice but to go back to work. It was a big disappointment - I had trained so long and so hard while working to get to the position I had always dreamed of.
"I'd wanted to be a full-time athlete since I was a kid. I managed it for eight months or so.
"Now I am working here and there, warehouse work, so I can feed the family and keep a roof over our heads."
The Sheffielder has a vivid recollection of the blow that floored him both physically and financially.
"Pauls caught me with a backhand. I got hurt and couldn't shake it off" he said.
"I have learned so much from that experience. It was the first time I had been hurt and put in a situation like that.
"I could have stayed on the ground a bit longer, taken and eight count before standing up. There is loads I could have done. After the fight I just went back to the gym - it is what I do."
Sadly, the Queensberry middleweight has been off the radar since the defeat.
"I'd wanted a rematch with Brad Pauls" he said. "You'd have thought I would have been easier to match after a loss but it is now even harder.
"In the Pauls fight I did nothing wrong other than get caught. People saw how good and dangerous and awkward I am and right now I am high risk and low reward...more than ever. It doesn't make sense but that is what the matchmakers say."
Thompson's confidence hasn't been dented though.
And recent sparring sessions with Ben Whittaker in the Midlands and Dublin have shown he still has plenty to offer.