Boxing News

Running up that hill

“THURSDAY? That’s running up steps at 7am and then boxing at around 11am,” Jordan Thompson tells Boxing News. The relief at knowing exactly what he will be doing every single day is clear in his voice.

Years ago, Thompson would effortlessly chalk up ascents of the notorious Jutland Street hill in Manchester City centre. Back then, ‘Troublesome’ Thompson was a gifted athlete, blessed with determination and power, but without a real plan.

These days, ‘The Practitioner of Artistic Violence’ finds himself at the heart of the action at the Matchroom gym in Essex and fights for the world cruiserweight title this weekend.

His standing in the sport has changed dramatically, but he is still running the hills and steps. Thompson drove himself up and down them until he got where he needed to be.

“I like the pain. It’s similar to how you feel in a fight. The legs definitely start talking to you.”

Thompson spent years flitting between

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