A Toxteth-born athlete and artist who has supported 50 Cent, Wu-Tang Clan and Tyga has launched his career as a professional boxer.
Junior Thompson, a talented singer and rapper, has supported some of the biggest rap and hip hop acts in the world.
The 28-year-old, who grew up in the Lodge Lane area of Toxteth, was walked into the ring on his professional debut by former WBC world champion Tony Bellew.
Junior, a veteran of the Golden Gloves gym on Lodge Lane, is now coached by former Irish professional boxer Dee Taggart.
The mult-talented athlete and former mixed martial arts fighter recently spoke to the ECHO about rubbing shoulders with world famous musicians, and making the move into the deep waters of professional boxing.
Junior, 28 said: "I started in Taekwondo aged three and went from there. I was a black belt when I was still at school. But I was also a half decent footballer and signed forms for Bury FC as a teenager.
"But when the football did not work out I went back to the Taekwondo and kick-boxing circuit."
Junior, who sings, raps and can play piano, also spoke about supporting some of the biggest artists in the world.
He said: "Yes I can hold a tune as they say and have been asked to support some really big acts over the years.
"I supported 50 Cent and the Wu-Tang Clan at the Ritz in Manchester. You remember things like that, and I supported Tyga in Liverpool.
"Fortunately they all had time for me and passed on important advice about how to hold the stage."
But Junior emphasizes that his focus had been on boxing in recent years.
He said: "I have had to put the music on the backburner over recent years and really knuckled down in the gym. I have known Dee for a few years and he is the right coach for me.
"We are not playing at this and I want to fight at the very highest level. I want to fight on the world stage."
Junior was walked into the ring by friend of the family Tony Bellew, who he described as his "role model".
He said: "I have known Tony Bellew since I was a child. I grew up around the corner from him and he is a friend of the family. When I turned pro I asked him if he would walk me into the ring and he just said 'yes no problem.'
"For me Tony is the perfect role model and who I aspire to be. We have grown up on the same south Liverpool streets and I aspire to do what he has done. Tony was a class act in and outside of the ring so yes I want to follow in his footsteps."
Junior said that he was fiercely proud of the L8 community and what it represented.
He said: "We all know what happened here in the past but Toxteth has moved on from all that stuff in the 80s. For me Toxteth is a hotbed for talent. Look at Tony, Robbie Fowler and Anthony Fowler. If you want to see the talent pop into the Golden Gloves on Lodge Lane - for me that place is Liverpool 8.
"But I am also proud to be a Scouser".
Junior, who fighters under the moniker of 'Majestic' said that he found some of the sacrifices associated with being a pro-fighter hard.
He said: "I have never smoked or been much of a drinker so that part of it is fine.
"But I love my chocolate and on a Saturday night all I want is a Dairy Milk Oreo bar. That is the hardest part I would say."
A massive Liverpool FC fan, Junior said that he idolised former captain Steven Gerrard. He said: "For me Gerrard is just like Tony Bellew - an ordinary Liverpool lad who worked hard to be the best in the world. I worship Gerrard.
"And in more recent years Trent Alexander-Arnold has picked up the baton and carried the flag for local lads."
Dee, who now works with professional boxers across the country, said: "I first met Junior a few years ago when I was coaching in north Liverpool. He was this cocky, likeable stringbean of a lad that you would think was a complete spoofer.
"That all changed the minute he put the gloves on and first hit pads with me. The man is a third degree black belt in Taekwondo and has been a professional footballer since he was eighteen.
"Straight away I knew this lad was a special athlete, a blind man could see that. Anyway I helped him start his amateaur career and he soon won a national title."
Dee explained that Junior was a man of many talents.
He said: "He also sings, writes songs, models and can fight.
"I mean he just makes you wanna punch him so maybe boxing isn't that bad of an idea.
"All joking aside we had an instant connection. Junior went on to work his way to a national senior under-20 bout title with the help of Wayne Smith and the Golden Gloves ABC. In his own words he just 'winged it' like he has done for much of his life.
"A few years later I had taken a break from boxing and was chilling out around Sefton Park and my phone goes 'What's happening coach?
"So I started training him again and it was like we never really stopped. He's a remarkable student and his father must get all the credit there. So anyway I thought I would 'murder' him on the pads and in my own way I will put him off pro boxing.
"But he flourished. Not only does he listen but he does exactly what I ask of him, that's not as common as you think.
"For me Junior reminds of the good looking lad at school who got all the girls, was class all the sports, but was normally a tool. But Junior is a nice guy.
"Boxing is a very, very lonely game I’ve been there myself, so he’s not just my fighter, he’s my friend. And that is what motivates me even more. Majestic Junior Thompson is going all the way, and he will have me right behind him.
"Junior made a sensational pro-debut last year with a first round stoppage and his next outing will be a packed small show full of the best young prospects in the city."
Majestic Junior Thompson is fighting on the February 28 at Grand Central Hall L1 2SF.
For ticket information call 07453993131
