Bradley is back and aiming for very top!

Bradley Thompson…two years out. Pic: MSN Images/BCB Promotions

WHILE big brother Liam Davies bull-dozed his way through the super-bantam division, Bradley Thompson sat frustrated in the shadows, his career stalled by injury.

It has taken time - two years, three months – and surgery for a serious shoulder problem to heal. But Bradley is now back and hungry for major titles.

The Telford flyweight eased back on the major, televised Resorts World bill last Saturday with a shut-out four round decision over Stephen Jackson.

After such a long lay-off it was an understandably undemanding return to arms: Manchester’s Jackson has won only one of 54, but is a past master at survival and he had weight advantage.

The main thing is, 22-year-old Badley’s motor is now running again. And those within the game expect it to journey to top honours.

He has the pedigree and punch to achieve big things. A product of Telford’s Donnington club like Liam, he enjoyed a stellar, 90 fight amateur career and gained national titles at schoolboy, junior and youth level.

Like Liam, he began boxing early. Bradley was a fixture at the Donnington club at the age of nine.

As a pro, he’s unbeaten in five and itching to make up for lost time.

Bradley, a groundworker by day, admitted there were times when he feared the injury would crush his title dreams.

“There were times when I wondered whether I would be able to come back from it,” he said. “I made sure I saw the best physios I could see and they got me through.

“It was a good performance on Saturday and I was pleased to get the rounds in.”

Bradley now wants to emulate his brother. “Liam has been a massive inspiration,” he added. “He’s shown we what needs to be done to reach the top.

“I think I can go all the way up and be world champion, it’s all about doing it at the right time.”

Donnington boss and trainer Tristan Davies is a little more measured in his assessment. “I think he can win the British title at the very least,” he said.

“He’s had good luck and bad luck – a bit of both, really. He turned pro during covid which wasn’t ideal, but he’s been on two big Frank Warren cards.

“As an amateur he had a lot of bouts and lost twice to Dennis McCann. McCann was heavier, but no excuses. At 20-years-old, we realised there was no other option than surgery on the shoulder.

“Brad has a good back hand, good skills. Saturday’s performance was good, but I’ll always find something – I’m a negative person. There was a bit of ring rust and it’s now about working on things and getting him right.”