A high-profile win over Guinn appeared to have elevated Thompson's stock. After staying inactive for almost eight months (the longest stretch of inactivity in Thompson's career up to that date), he faced Uzbekistani heavyweight prospect Timur Ibragimov on February 16, 2007. Ibragimov was coming off of a decision loss to Calvin Brock, and viewed the Thompson bout as an opportunity to return to the heavyweight title picture. The bout took place at the Playboy Mansion in Beverly Hills, California. Thompson's camp came to the bout unprepared – someone had stolen Thompson's shoes, and he had to borrow a pair of basketball shoes from a Fox Sports Network producer. Thompson dominated Ibragimov, working behind the jab and gradually stepping up his aggression. The bout went the distance, with Thompson being declared the winner by unanimous decision, with scores 97–93 (twice) and 99–91. After the bout, Thompson called out Sultan Ibragimov: "Ibragimov keeps talking about looking for a worthy opponent, but doesn't do anything with it. He wants to fight for the interim title, but avoids fights with worthy opposition". After the win, Thompson entered WBA heavyweight rankings at No.12, and IBF rankings at No.13.