From tennis sensation to heavyweight contender - Jordan Thompson's former tennis coach reflects ahead of Lenier Pero clash

With the division wide open outside a small number at the top, Thompson, a former world title challenger at cruiserweight, could set himself for some lucrative opportunities in 2026, but it all could have been different for the giant Mancunian if he would have stuck to his original career path. 

As a youngster, Thompson was a keen tennis player who spent a lot of time at the esteemed Bolton Tennis Arena, the site of several Amir Khan fights, under the tutelage of highly rated performance coach, Andy Watt. 

Thompson’s height, 6ft 6ins, combined with his natural athletic ability allowed him to play tennis at a lofty level before he eventually made the switch to professional boxing with his debut coming in 2015. 

“Jordan was a great kid from a great family, and he would always give me everything,” said Watt when speaking with DAZN News. 

“I had him with me on a few County Cup squads and he was a player I knew I could rely on because he would give it everything. He had an incredible work ethic that has served him well in both tennis and now boxing. 

“It didn’t surprise me to see him make the switch to boxing as his parents were both karate champions. They were both lovely people and they had big success in martial arts so maybe that’s why Jordan thought his future was in boxing.”  

Since turning pro, Thompson has been identified as a fighter with serious potential as he bludgeoned his way up the rankings with the majority of his fights ending in the early stages. 

Against Vasil Ducar in 2022, Thompson captured IBF European honours with a hard-fought points win but a disastrous last round saw him go down and extremely fortunate to hear the final bell. 

The following year, taking on the outstanding Jai Opetaia, Thompson’s lack of experience competing at world level was brutally exposed by the Australian as he was repeatedly dropped before being stopped in round five. Thompson demonstrated remarkable bravery, but it was not enough to make him world champion. 

Now back after a two-year absence with Don Charles in his corner, Thompson and his team are hoping the break and new surroundings will see him overcome an unbeaten opponent who has his own world title aspirations. 

“I’m wishing him all the best because he’s a lovely lad who has always been a pleasure to work with,” added Watt who is now Head of Performance at Widnes Tennis Club.

“We still speak from time to time, and I've followed his career closely, and it doesn’t surprise me in the slightest to see him taking part in big fights. 

“I know his last fight didn’t go to plan, but Jordan isn’t just going to go away. This is massive for him, and he’s got my best wishes as always going into it.”

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