Shakiel Thompson Nears IBF Middleweight Title Shot with One More Win
Shakiel Thompson has chosen to face Brad Pauls as he moves toward a potential world title opportunity. The fight is scheduled for the undercard in Manchester and will stream on DAZN.
IBF order and the vacant belt
The IBF has ordered Thompson to meet Italy’s Etinosa Oliha later this year. The bout would be for the vacant 160-pound title.
Thompson sits at No. 3 in the IBF rankings. Oliha is at No. 2 and ranked sixth by The Ring.
Why the title is available
Former unified champion Janibek Alimkhanuly returned a positive test for meldonium late last year. The IBF stripped him of its middleweight title after the result.
The WBO suspended Janibek but allowed him to retain its belt. The split in decisions opened a vacancy in the IBF rankings.
Thompson’s immediate challenge
Thompson has not fought since September. He will tackle Brad Pauls next as a step toward bigger fights.
Puals carries a record of 20-2-1 with 11 knockouts. Thompson is 15-0 with 11 KOs. Oliha stands 22-0 with 10 KOs.
Style and stakes
The 6-foot-3 southpaw has size and power for the division. A win would place him one step from an IBF middleweight title shot.
Thompson says he is focused on the immediate task. He views a victory as the gateway to the world title opportunity.
Event details
The Thompson vs. Pauls fight appears on the undercard of the heavyweight clash between Moses Itauma and Jermaine Franklin. The card takes place at Manchester’s Co-op Live Arena on Saturday.
The entire event will be shown on DAZN.
What happens next
- If Thompson wins, the IBF ordered matchup with Oliha could follow later this year.
- Oliha remains the mandatory next-in-line at No. 2 in the IBF.
- For Thompson, one more win could bring an IBF middleweight title shot.
Filmogaz.com will monitor developments as dates and mandates firm up.
