One of Australia's best ever boxers Hector Thompson passes away aged 70

RIP Hector Thompson: 24/6/49 – 20/5/70

World title contender Hector Thompson (73-12-2 27KOs) sadly passed away on May 20, 2020.

Honorary Secretary of the Commonwealth Boxing Council, Simon Block, paid tribute to the Australian legend: "I am very sorry to learn from Derek Milham, CBC Director on behalf of the Australian National Boxing Federation, of the death of former Commonwealth Superlightweight Champion, Hector Thompson.

Hector had a 10 year distinguished and busy career from 1970 to 1980. In his first year alone he took part in 16 contests, winning 15.

In 1971 he won the Australian Superlightweight Championship and two years later, the Australasian Lightweight Championship.

He won our Championship the same year, defeating tough Ghanaian, JOE TETTEH on points. His first World Title opportunity came in in his next contest the same year when he was unlucky enough to come up against one of boxing’s all-time greats, ROBERTO DURAN, for the WBA Lightweight Title, losing by TKO.

Following two successful defences of his Commonwealth crown, Hector got a further World Title opportunity in 1975, but was again unlucky enough to come up against another boxing great, ANTONIO CERVANTES, for the WBA Superlightweight Title, losing the contest by retirement.

He went on to defend his Commonwealth Title a further three times before losing, regaining, then losing again to three-time rival, LAWRENCE AUSTIN.

His Title career was not over by then as he won both the Australasian Super-lightweight Championship, a Title he never lost in the ring, and the Australian Welter Title in 1978.  He held on to the latter Title until his penultimate contest in 1980, losing both that and his last contest.

Hector’s career of 87 contests, winning 73 some against ‘toughies’ like, TETTEH, PAT MCORMACK, JEFF MALCOLM and SAKARAIA VE, losing 12 and drawing two along with his Australian, Australasian and Commonwealth Title successes mark him out as one of Australia’s best ever.

May he rest in peace."

The World Boxing Council and its President Mauricio Sulaimán also paid tribute: "The World Boxing Council and its President Mauricio Sulaimán, are saddened by the death of Australian Héctor Thompson.

Hector had a 10-year career in boxing and is remembered for his terrific fight on June 2, 1973, against Roberto “Manos de Piedra” Durán at the Nuevo Panamá Gym. Although Durán won by technical knockout in eight rounds, and retained the belt, it was reported at the time that he was taken to a hospital with a broken rib and a swollen eye.

Hector retired  in 1980, after a tremendous career,  with a record of 73 wins (27 knockouts), 12 losses and two draws. The man who was born on June 24, 1949, in the city of Kempsey, was a super light and lightweight  Australian champion. What a fighter and what a body puncher!

The entire WBC family extends its deepest sympathy to Hector’s family and many friends. What a legacy of marvelous memories, Hector leaves us.

Rest in peace!"

Hector Thompson in numbers:

87 bouts
788 rounds
31% KO ratio
1970-1980 active
23 title fights

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