Federal Way's Vincent Thompson is venturing deep into the heart of steelworker country, Bethlehem, Pa., to fight the biggest bout of his boxing career tomorrow.

Thompson is matching up against the WBA's No. 9-ranked fighter, Travis "My Time" Kauffman -- who has lost once in 28 fights (20 KOs) -- in the 10-round heavyweight main event on Saturday night at the Sands Casino Event Center in Bethlehem.

"I'm gonna punish him; I'm not going to be clowning around," said Thompson via cell phone from Bethlehem Friday night. "I'm going to come on strong and beat him."

Thompson (13-1, 2 KOs) is coming off a heartbreaking loss to unbeaten Los Angeles fighter Charles Martin, the first of his career. He suffered a high-ankle strain in the second round of the fight, which took away his mobility, and his strong suit as a counterpuncher.

Thompson has since healed and has been champing at the bit for competition.

"I was in a boot for six weeks and had to elevate it," Thompson said, of his injury. "I thank my wife (ShaVonne). God bless her heart for putting up with me."

Kauffman, of Reading, Pa., has won nine straight fights since he got knocked out in the fourth round by Tony Grano in 2009.

Six of those nine straight wins have come in Pennsylvania, his own backyard. Thompson is not much different in that aspect as Kauffman: This is only his second fight away from the confines of Washington state, and his first on the East Coast.

The fight can be viewed on GFL.tv.com (delayed).