On August 15, 2008, Thompson lost by technical knockout in the sixth round to Ishmail Arvin in Washington D.C. Thompson suffered a deep wound over his left eye in the third round from an unintentional headbutt, but knocked Arvin down twice in the same round. Thompson continued to dominate the bout, but it was eventually stopped by the referee after round six due to Thompson's cut. There was confusion after the bout, however, and instead of going to the scorecards for a technical decision. The referee did not want Thompson to continue. However Thompson did not show any signs of slowing down and the bout should have been ruled as technical draw. After the decision he told the referee he ruined his career.