Thompson Boxing Promotions CEO, Ken Thompson, has passed away at the age of 85. Thompson was a pillar of the Southern California boxing scene that cultivated talent such as Daniel Roman, Timothy Bradley Jr., and Josesito Lopez, keeping these fighters active, and getting them in position to land big fights.
Mr. Thompson’s 23 year run in the boxing business of promoting the sport in Southern California, saw him focus on his craft of promoting by mostly promoting events in Ontario, California, at the DoubleTree.
“I am so sorry to learn of the passing way of Mr Ken Thompson an incurably gentle person who helped many people throughout @ThompsonBoxing,” Mauricio Sulaiman, the head of WBC via Twitter. “…our sincere condolences to his family and the so many friends he left behind. @TimBradleyJr."
Born in Lubbock, Texas, Kenny had a love for boxing from an early age. He started his boxing promotion career in the early 2000's and quickly established himself, and not unlike his ability to find a niche in business, Mr. Thompson found a place for himself in the sport. That spot was finding and cultivating young talent. This is no more evident than this past Friday’s show, in which George Acosta stopped Marlin Sims. Acosta had lost early in his career only to regain footing, and now is arguably the face of Thompson Boxing at the moment.
“I just learned of Ken Thompson's passing,” said Dougie Fischer, Editor-in-chief of Ring Magazine and RingTV. “Heartbreaking, but he lived a full, very successful life that includes an undeniable legacy in boxing."
His legacy will live on, inspiring future generations of boxing enthusiasts to pursue their passions and make a difference in the world.
“The passing of SoCal Promoter Ken Thompson is a huge blow to boxing, professionally and on a personal level,” said hall-of-fame matchmaker Bruce Trampler of Top Rank Inc. “he and matchmaker @AlexCamponovo ran 6-8 clean, exciting shows a year for several decades and developed great fans and ring talent. RIP to a sweet gentle man [sic].”
In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations be made in Kenny’s honor to the Wounded Warrior Project. https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/
Forthcoming information about a celebration of life event in memory of Kenny will be announced soon. Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to Kenny’s family during this difficult time.
