'Not massively tested!' - British middleweight star takes aim at rival before major bout

Brad Pauls respects his latest opponent Shakiel Thompson, but believes his foe is yet to be "massively tested" ahead of their encounter.

The pair meet on the Moses Itauma-Jermaine Franklin undercard at Manchester's Co-op Live later this month in a middleweight blockbuster.

With Queensberry Promotions boss Frank Warren backing a title shot for the winner, Pauls has every reason to deliver on his promise.

Thompson is a tough opponent, but after bouts against Nathan Heaney and Denzel Bentley, Pauls hopes he can bank on experience.

"I know Shakiel's a good fighter, relatively new on the scene," Pauls told The Ring. "[He] built his way up on the small-hall circuit like me.

"But he hasn't been massively tested yet. He [has] dealt with every little step-up so far but he hasn't boxed any of the top-ten domestic lads.

"It'll be a tough fight against a tall, awkward southpaw but I've got my own ambition and desire. I've had three main event fights [in 2025].

"[They have] all [been] at the high level. Heaney twice and then Bentley, all experience in my back pocket, which helps going into the future."

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