Shaka’s back after a four year ring break

Shaka Thompson today…a more mature man ready to make his mark

IT’S been nearly four years since Shaka Thompson last graced a professional ring.

But the slick Selly Oak middleweight is back and training hard for a ring return under the watchful eye of coach Shaun Cogan.

What’s more, Shaka believes he’ll be better second time round. “I’m a mature man,” he said. “I hit a lot harder. The power is there and I weigh exactly the same.”

A different man, too. He was, as an active pro, chained to social media, he’s no longer shackled by facebook, twitter and Instagram. “I wanted to clear my head from social media,” he explained. “I needed to clear my mind from the social aspect and it’s one of the best things I’ve done.”

Shaka walked away from the game after seven straight wins, having his last bout in October, 2019. He won all contests on points and had just moved to six rounders. I saw him box at Villa Park on a couple of occasions and was impressed.

Before that, he was an experienced, 80 fight amateur with the Jewellery Quarter.

Shaka’s disappearance was something of a mystery.

“It was just Covid,” the now 28-year-old said. “When Covid hit, the gyms closed. You have bills to pay. I was engaged to my partner who is now my wife and I felt it wasn’t fair on her, I felt it was the right thing to do. I wanted to learn a new craft and I’m in property at the moment.

“The first year with Covid hurt, it was tough not being able to do your daily routine. But you have to make peace, I built my own little gym.

“When people meet me, they don’t think I’m a boxer – how I look, how I speak. But what does a boxer look like? Anyone can be a boxer.”

Shaka – a free agent for all but his final bout when he boxed under the BCB banner – loved his first professional stint.

A session at Cogan’s city centre gym, ignited the old drive. “I was on the heavy bag, looked to my right and there was a poster of me,” he laughed. “I always intended to come back to the sport because it’s been my life since I was a kid.

“I’m back training, giving myself time and I’m not setting a date,” he said. “The four years have gone so quickly. I’m always in shape, always look after myself, I have a clean lifestyle.

“If I’m going to do something, I do it all the way. If you don’t think you can go all the way, there’s no point doing it.

“I’d like to manage myself, I know the game inside out.”

Shaka is back – older, wiser and, he insists, with more venom in his punches.