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."

Watch Kabayel vs. Knyba with a DAZN subscription

January starts with a heavyweight bang as Agit Kabayel takes the next steps towards a world title shot as he face Damian Knyba on Saturday, January 10, exclusively on DAZN  Watch with a subscription, monthly and annual options available.

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