Date: 6th February 2004
Venue: Ponds Forge Arena, Sheffield, United KingdomTitle: IBO World Cruiserweight Title
Promoter: Fight Academy
Referee: Richie Davies
Tv: Setanta Sports
Sebastian Rothman
(
17
-
1
-
2
)
Weight: 196 lbs
Carl Thompson
(
31
-
6
-
0
)
Weight: 200 lbs
On February 6, 2004, at the Ponds Forge Arena in Sheffield, United Kingdom, a memorable cruiserweight clash unfolded between South African IBO champion Sebastiaan Rothmann and British veteran Carl Thompson. The bout, promoted by Fight Academy and televised on Setanta Sports, showcased the unpredictable nature of boxing and the indomitable spirit of a fighter known for his resilience.
After entering the ring with a record of 17-1-2, Rothmann had been dominating the fight from the outset. The South African's superior boxing skills were evident as he consistently outmanoeuvred and outpunched the 40-year-old Thompson, who came in with a 31-6-0 record. The champion's control of the bout was so pronounced that BBC commentators Jim Neilly and Colin McMillan were calling for Thompson's retirement, suggesting that he was taking unnecessary punishment and that the fight should be stopped.
The tide of the fight seemed set as Rothmann forced Thompson onto the ropes during the ninth round, with the referee poised to intervene. However, in a dramatic turn of events, Thompson managed to escape from the ropes and drive Rothmann into the centre of the ring. With just 17 seconds remaining in the round, Rothmann momentarily dropped his left hand, providing Thompson with the opening he needed. The British fighter capitalized on this split-second lapse, landing a devastating right hand that sent the South African champion crashing to the canvas.
Despite Rothmann's valiant attempt to regain his footing, his legs betrayed him, leaving referee Richie Davies with no choice but to halt the contest. This stunning reversal of fortune handed Thompson an improbable victory and the IBO World Cruiserweight title. The outcome served as a testament to Thompson's renowned durability and punching power, traits that had defined his career even in the face of adversity.
This fight marked a significant moment in the careers of both men. For Rothmann, it was the end of his reign as IBO champion, a title he had successfully defended once since winning it on October 26, 2002, in Brakpan, South Africa. For Thompson, it represented a remarkable resurgence, as he claimed his second IBO World Cruiserweight title at an age when many fighters have long since retired.
The bout exemplified boxing's unpredictable nature, where a single punch can alter the course of a fight and a career. It also underscored the importance of experience and mental fortitude in the sport. Thompson's veteran savvy allowed him to weather the storm and seize the crucial moment that led to his victory. This encounter between Rothmann and Thompson remains etched in the annals of cruiserweight boxing history as a prime example of the sport's capacity for drama and sudden shifts in momentum.