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Leagues and Governing Bodies

MORRISON EYES CHARITY FIGHT; BUT WHO WILL STEP IN THE RING?

     Tommy Morrison announced yesterday he wants to "fight one
more time" despite testing positive for HIV, the virus that
causes AIDS, according to Selena Roberts of the N.Y. TIMES.
Morrison announced his decision seven months after saying he
would never box again since being HIV positive.  So "when he can
find an opponent" Morrison will schedule a fight to benefit his
foundation, Knockout AIDS.  Morrison: "I hope and pray that
people will understand why I feel the need to do this."  The
TIMES' Roberts notes "not everyone does, not even those closest
to him."  Morrison's promoter, Tony Holden was absent for the
announcement "for the first time" (N.Y. TIMES, 9/20).  At the
press conference, Morrison said, "When all this happened, I
thought I would change my lifestyle and become a role model and
spokesperson for these kids. But the bottom line is, I'm not now,
nor have ever been, a good role model.  I believe that the
attention that I draw focuses more on my past than on helping
deliver a positive message" ("Sports Tonight," CNN, 9/19).
Although Morrison hopes to have a bout arranged by spring, he
"faces two major hurdles: Getting licensed and finding an
opponent" (Jeff Schultz, ATLANTA CONSTITUTION, 9/20).
     WHO WILL FIGHT?  CNN's Nick Charles: "For all of Morrison's
honorable intent, his decision to fight again raises many
essential questions.  Most notably perhaps, who would risk
fighting a man who is HIV positive for charity?" ("Sports
Tonight," CNN, 9/20).  But in Boston, Ron Borges writes that
promoter Holden confirmed that he had spoken to ten pro fighters
and seven had agreed to meet Morrison.  George Foreman was the
most notable fighter to say he would fight Morrison, adding "If
someone puts up the proper money, I'd do it" (BOSTON GLOBE,
9/20).  Foreman: "Let him go out and make some money. Boxing is
an honorable sport. I'd be glad to give him a chance" ("Sports
Tonight, CNN, 9/19).  CNN's Charles: "The speculation is Morrison
will avoid [states with boxing commissions] and go to one of five
states that doesn't have a boxing commission because he is
resolved to fight again" ("Sports Tonight," CNN, 9/19).  Five
states don't have athletic commissions: KS, CO, WY, SD and AL
(ATLANTA CONSTITUTION, 9/20).  Heavyweight Michael Moorer, asked
if he would fight Morrison: "I just wouldn't do it for the risk
of hurting myself or, I have a son to raise, hurting him"
("SportsCenter," ESPN, 9/19).  ESPN's boxing analyst Al Bernstein
believes it is "going to be a boxer that would think a better-
than-average payday that he gets is worth the risk given the
situation because I don't think .... many of the marquee boxers
will want to get in the ring with him" ("SportsCenter," ESPN,
9/19).
     REAX: Nevada State Athletic Commission Exec Dir, Marc
Ratner, asked what he thought of Morrison's decision: "Somewhat
surprising, though I guess maybe I shouldn't be surprised by
anything in boxing" ("SportsCenter," ESPN, 9/19).  New Jersey
State Athletic Commissioner Larry Hazzard: "I'm not interested in
his research. I don't care if it's one fight.  We're in the blood
business and HIV is transmitted through blood" (ATLANTA
CONSTITUTION, 9/20).  In Kansas City, Jason Whitlock, noting
Morrison's moving speech last February: "Thursday he recanted and
hatched an ill-advised scheme to get back into the ring and back
into the limelight" (K.C. STAR, 9/20).

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