That would also get him disqualified for the exact same reasons that a character attempting to use wresting moves, kicks, and or elbow strikes in a boxing match would be disqualified for. Just saying.
Well TP isn't boxing. The Champion would only be using skill. Despero's TP would be nullified by powers above his station, and would be auto expelled for even making the attempt. Look at what happened to Hulk when he broke regulations.
Can Despero out box the Champion? Probably not. On top of it all, Champion is much larger than Despero, weighing in at 5 tons, as well as being able to change size to a degree. The degree being his true height.
Has Champion ever done anything impressive without the Power Gem? On first look I thought this would be a terrible stomp in Despero's favor.
__________________
I am in your algorithm learning all your mannerisms
I'm already level with God
A million words a second and I know your imperfections, baby
I'm the only future you've got
Speak in diatonics, motivation diabolic
I'm like a religion, better locked in a box
Picture perfect image, more powerful every minute, baby
I am everything that you're not
Which simply tells me that Champion's strength/durability/speed isn't leagues above Thing's.
If I got into the ring with a guy who was Mike Tyson's physical equal, doesn't matter how skilled I am - I'd get ruined. It's why we have weight divisions in boxing.
Champion was portrayed as quite a bit above Thing... at least prior to the Thing fight. Ben was just more durable than he's ever been and gave him a great feat.
That being said, Champ is worthless without his gem now. With it, he should win. Without it, he loses badly.