Manchester’s Co-op Live arena witnessed a boxing upset for the ages on Saturday, March 28, 2026, as Brad Pauls delivered a stunning ninth-round stoppage over the previously unbeaten Shakiel Thompson. The 32-year-old from Newquay, who was a heavy underdog and well behind on the scorecards, flipped the script in dramatic fashion, seizing the IBF international middleweight title and reigniting his career in front of a roaring crowd.
Heading into the contest, few gave Pauls much of a chance. Having lost the British middleweight title to Denzel Bentley in 2024 and managing only one low-profile fight in 2025—a modest eight-rounder in Torquay—Pauls was largely seen as a stepping stone for Thompson. The Sheffield southpaw, standing a towering 6’4” and boasting a record of 15-0 (11 KOs) before the bout, was widely expected to cruise to victory and set up a showdown with Etinosa Oliha for the vacant IBF 160lbs world title.
But boxing, as ever, thrives on the unexpected. The opening rounds played out according to the pundits’ script, with Thompson dictating terms behind a sharp southpaw jab. He looked comfortable, even confident, as he poked his lead hand into Pauls’ face and shuffled away from danger. In the third round, Thompson’s dominance became more pronounced. A crisp left hand to the body visibly hurt Pauls, forcing him to retreat into his own corner. The favorite pressed his advantage in the fourth, mixing in powerful right hands and keeping Pauls at bay with his reach and footwork.
By the middle rounds, it seemed as though Thompson was on the brink of forcing a stoppage. In the seventh, he sat down on his shots, driving a right hand across Pauls’ chin that had the former British champion reeling. Pauls was absorbing punishment, struggling to land anything meaningful against the taller, rangier man. The crowd sensed the end might be near, and Thompson’s supporters grew louder with each flurry.
Yet Pauls, whose record now stands at 21-2-1 (12 KOs), refused to fold. Digging deep, he weathered the storm and looked for openings, even as the rounds slipped away on the judges’ cards. As the fight entered the penultimate ninth round, the narrative shifted in a heartbeat. Pauls landed a looping right hand that caught Thompson flush, sending shockwaves through the arena. Thompson staggered, his legs betraying him as he desperately tried to hold on. Pauls, sensing his moment, swarmed his opponent with a barrage of scrappy shots on the inside, finally sending the Sheffield man crashing to the canvas.
Referee Howard Foster administered the count as Thompson, clearly dazed, struggled to his feet. With a potential world title shot on the line, Foster allowed the action to continue, but Pauls was relentless. Another hard right hand found its mark, and Thompson hit the deck for the second time. This time, Foster waved off the contest at one minute and 30 seconds of Round 9, sealing a remarkable comeback win for Pauls and handing Thompson the first defeat of his career.
“This was supposed to be a routine win for Thompson,” one ringside observer remarked, echoing the sentiments of many in attendance. But Pauls, undeterred by the odds and the occasion, delivered when it mattered most.
With this victory, Pauls not only claims the IBF international title but also puts himself in the frame for a potential crack at the full IBF world championship. For Thompson, now 15-1 (11 KOs), the loss is a bitter pill to swallow. The 28-year-old had looked every inch the future world champion through eight rounds, dominating with his jab and movement. But boxing is a sport where fortunes can change in an instant, and Thompson learned that lesson the hard way.
Saturday’s drama in Manchester wasn’t the only major news in British boxing this week. Looking ahead, the heavyweight division is set for fireworks as Dave Allen and Filip Hrgovic prepare to clash at Doncaster’s Eco-Power Stadium on May 16, 2026. The bout, co-promoted by Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions and Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing, will be streamed live on DAZN and promises to attract a raucous crowd in the north of England.
Allen, known as “The White Rhino,” has enjoyed a career resurgence in recent years, building a loyal fan base and stringing together high-profile contests. With a record of 25-8 (20 KOs), the Liverpudlian enters the fight on the back of a sensational first-round knockout in February 2026, delivered on the undercard of Leigh Wood vs Josh Warrington. “This is everything I’ve wanted,” Allen said. “A big fight, at home, in front of my own people. Nights like this don’t come around often, and I’m not letting it pass me by. I know how tough Hrgovic is, but I believe in myself and I’ll be ready to give Doncaster a night to remember.”
His opponent, Filip Hrgovic, brings an imposing record of 19-1 (14 KOs) and a reputation as one of the most dangerous heavyweights in the world. Hrgovic is looking to re-establish himself as a world title contender after suffering a knockout defeat to Daniel Dubois in 2024. Since that setback, he’s bounced back with consecutive victories over Joe Joyce and David Adeleye, signaling his intent to climb back to the top. Promoter Frank Warren, who represents Hrgovic, was effusive about the upcoming showdown, stating, “May 16 will be a magical experience for Dave Allen. He is taking on a world-class operator, but he gets to do it on his own doorstep at Doncaster Rovers.”
The Eco-Power Stadium, with its capacity of just over 15,000, is expected to be packed to the rafters for this heavyweight battle. Fans from across the country are already snapping up tickets, eager to witness a clash that could have major implications for the division’s future. The stakes are high for both men, with Allen seeking to cap his resurgence with a marquee win and Hrgovic aiming to cement his place among the world’s elite.
As British boxing continues to deliver unforgettable moments, the sport’s unpredictability remains its greatest allure. Brad Pauls’ dramatic victory in Manchester is a testament to the power of perseverance and the ever-present possibility of an upset. With more big nights on the horizon, fans can only watch and wonder: who will be the next to defy the odds?