Jason Thompson and Trainer Lenny Wilson Interview: Scores Face First Coffin Shot Knockdown in Scorching Harrisburg
By Robert Brizel, Head RCM Boxing Correspondent
Harrisburg, PA (June 13th, 2014)– Jason Thompson is the New York City welterweight ringer nobody will sign. His last eight bouts have produced four draws and four losses in the last five years against opponents with a combined record of 45-2-3 when he fought them. Dangerous names of prospects and contenders Thompson has tangled with include Sadam Ali, Boyd Melson, Frank Galarza, Steve Martinez, Marcus Willis and Jonathan Gonzalez. Thompson, with a record of 5-7-3, is an always ready in shape ringer who has yet to get the big break, if not the big fights against rising prospects.
In the preliminary bout to the main event in Harrisburg on Saturday, July 12, 2014, of a boxing card promoted by Jason Bryant Promotions, a local crowd was treated to a four round thriller in 120 round heat. Washington D.C. 4-0 welterweight prospect Charles Natal. Natal waged a technical fight for two rounds, knocking Thompson down in the first round, and winning the first and second rounds. Thompson appeared to get hit while slipping on the canvas for a lucky flash knockdown. This was evidenced at Thompson getting hit full blast by a right hook at the end of round two but not moving.
During the third round, the fighters clashed heads midway, ruled an accidental head butt by referee Gary Rosato. A slightly disoriented Natal stood in front of Thompson all of a sudden and tried to slug it out. Thompson, timing the counter left hook over the incoming power right, dropped Natal flash first to the canvas with a loud thud. The crowd went while. Natal, unbelievably, struggled to one knee and beat the count at the bell. Thompson then outworked him in the fourth round to draw the bout. Perhaps Thompson should have floored the gas pedal to try to get Natal out of there. Despite the urging of his corner to pick up the pace, Thompson only did enough to win the fourth and final round.
Natal needed oxygen after the bout, and was transported to a Harrisburg hospital with a conclusion. His corner claimed the concussion was caused by the accidental clash of heads, leaving the fighter dizzy. Natal did not remember the bout from the head butt on, verifying fact.
Jason Thompson: “The fight is my one and only destination. I listened to my corner. I caught on to score combinations and punches. He was not throwing anything different. I saw the type of punches coming in, and it was time for me to counter.”
Lenny Wilson (trainer): “The reason why I told Thompson to move, this kid Natal was working on the inside to throw the hook. I told Thompson to move, to give Natal something different to look at, and then he dropped him.”
Real Combat Media: “Were these conditions the hottest ever experienced for you as a fighter?”
Jason Thompson: “I think so. We train in a hot gym with a temperature just like it (Harrisburg).
Thompson’s coffin shot was a rare comeback while behind on points in the promoter’s home territory. It added excitement to the 120 degree heat, and brought the Harrisburg crowd alive to its feet. Thompson may never be a world champion, but fights will continue to come his way after his remarkable performance. It was a magic moment in a rural location which boxing fans rarely see.
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