Undefeated Federal Way heavyweight Vincent Thompson steps back into the ring on March 19 when he faces Ryan Shay at Brian Halquist Productions’ Battle at the Boat 81 at the Emerald Queen Casino in Tacoma.

Thompson (6-0-0, KO) is coming off an impressive victory over the previously unbeaten Charles Ellis, a former 2003 National Golden Gloves Heavyweight Champion on Nov. 13, 2010.

He will face an opponent who has registered knockouts in four of his five career wins.

“I don’t care who they throw at me. I am the type of fighter who will step into the ring with anyone,” said Thompson, who dominated his bout with Ellis, appearing as the 60-54 winner on two scorecards and a 59-55 victor on the other. “I am really looking forward to getting back in there and taking the next step.”

Thompson made his professional debut on Aug. 29, 2009, winning a four-round unanimous decision over Freddie Miller.

“Vincent has all the tools to be an exceptional heavyweight in this sport,” said promoter Brian Halquist. “The sky’s the limit for him.”

Undefeated Evgeny Gradovich squares off against once-beaten Francisco Reyes in a highly-anticipated main event.

Since turning pro nearly a year ago, the 24-year-old Gradovich has done everything right – registering a stellar record of 8-0-0 with six knockouts with two of his victories coming against previously unbeaten opponents.

Gradovich, who is coming off a fourth-round TKO of Tommy Atencio on Dec. 17, closed out 2010 by handing both Jesse Carradine (6-1-1) and Cordaro Simpkins (5-1-0) their first career defeats.

The 22-year-old Reyes, who fights out of Renton, Washington, has been equally impressive, winning three consecutive fights after losing a six-round decision to Michael Perez (12-0-1) in New York on March 14.

Since that setback Reyes (8-1-0, 2 KOs) picked up victories against Heder Rivas (6-1-0) and Marcos Herrera (6-1-1) before stopping undefeated Robert Vargas in January.

First fight on the card will begin at 7 p.m.