6ft3ins middleweight Shakiel Thompson knocked out in big upset to lose unbeaten record on Moses Itauma bill

Shakiel Thompson was stunned on the undercard of Moses Itauma vs Jermaine Franklin in Manchester.

6ft 3ins middleweight talent Thompson was in action against British veteran Brad Pauls in Manchester on the Itauma vs Franklin bill.

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It was a big opportunity for the towering giant to make a statement and push towards world honours on his debut for British promoter Frank Warren.

But despite making a bright and dominant start to proceedings and looking to be edging closer to victory, Pauls produced a staggering upset.

He turned the tides of the contest in the penultimate round, putting his foot on the gas.

Pauls buzzed Thompson who was uneasy on his feet before dropping him to the canvas, drawing a roar from the crowd.

And it was another booming right hand that slayed the giant and saw him dropped to the canvas for a second time, with the referee waving off the action.

Paul’s corner charged into the ring to celebrate and the unexpected victor was delighted.

Thompson vs Pauls – how it happened

Pauls was finding himself far behind on the scorecards nine rounds in.

The giant Thompson had looked every bit the part for his comfortable margin, moving well and using his long levers to keep Pauls at bay.

It was a roaring atmosphere with ‘The Newquay Bomb’ roared on by his army of fans as he looked to make one last hoorah.

And knowing he needed a stoppage for any success, Pauls landed a clubbing right hand during a scrappy exchange.

It took Thompson by surprise and he collapsed to a knee with Pauls scarcely believing what had happened.

‘Dr Steel’ had certainly lost his metal and climbed to his feet but looked in dire straits clinging on.

Pauls flattened Thompson again with a similar shot, with two right hands again clipping the target and doing the job.

On a move to the big stage, things took a nasty turn for the overwhelming favourite who had been surprised and had his game plan completely derailed.

Pauls will be hoping he gets his shot at the big time after his clinical display.

He went on to declare the moment ‘the best night of his life’ in an emotional post-fight interview.

A potential shot for the vacant IBF middleweight title could be the push next for a rampant Pauls who will fancy his chances even if he is down and out again.

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