MAKING A RACKET

Jordan can cash in on tennis switch

- CHRIS MCKENNA

JORDAN THOMPSON once dreamed of starring on Centre Court at Wimbledon but now he is ready for the bright lights of being a world champion in the ring.

The Manchester-born cruiserweight takes on IBF champion Jai Opetaia tonight at Wembley Arena.

Thompson, 30, has felt it has been his destiny to succeed in the sporting world having been raised by a five-time karate world champion father and one-time karate world champion mum.

Football proved to be a no-go after he was dropped from Manchester City's youth system as a teenager before his tennis dream died as a lack of funding meant he couldn't keep it up.

"Then boxing found me," said Thompson.

"I didn't find it. It was a sport that came about after I had to stop playing tennis.