Former boxing great still fighting to fight

by Jason Logan, staff writer

Tommy Morrison was one of boxing’s greats.

Morrison, who was known as “The Great White Hope” in his prime, ended George Foreman’s reign as the heavyweight champion of the world. Before this epic battle, Morrison defeated numerous opponents, including Carl “The Truth” Williams and Joe Hipp. After suffering a defeat to Michael Bentt, Morrison signed a $38.5 million deal for three fights.

This would all be in vein. Just before the first match of his new contract against Stormy Weathers, Morrison failed the prefight physical when he tested positive for HIV. He was suspended indefinitely from boxing.

Ten years after his unplanned retirement, Morrison is trying to make a comeback to the sport of boxing.  He fought his first bout in 10 and a half years on Feb. 21 in West Virginia, against John Castle who he knocked out in the second round.

In one of the most compelling underdog stories, Morrison is still fighting an uphill battle. He still has not had his boxing license reinstated by the World Boxing Organization despite of the fact that he has tested negative a number of times for HIV.  West Virginia does not require blood tests, but the Virginia boxing officials tested Morrison in order to ensure the safety of the fighters.

"When I was first informed that we had some people on the card that may need some additional testing, I worked very closely with the . . . medical people," said the West Virginia Boxing Commission Chairman Steve Allred "We feel as though we've done our due diligence.”

The boxing commissions are not the only ones concerned with Morrison’s health. His latest opponent, John Castle, almost declined the fight due to risk of infection.

“I asked to see his medical tests, and they showed me three tests where he was negative for HIV,” Castle said. “That’s the only way I would fight.”

With one fight behind him all Morrison can think about is the next time he gets to test himself in the ring, which is planned for March.

“I have a ways to go,” Morrison said. “I am just excited to be back.”