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Philippines, 23 Nov 2024 |
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AZ Boxing News & Note By Don Smith PhilBoxing.com Sun, 30 Sep 2012 Several boxing fans want to know if former WBO Heavyweight Boxing Champion Tommy "The Duke" Morrison is still alive. The answer is yes. An official of the Arizona State Bar Association confirmed that Rich Kingdom, no longer with the Association, spoke to Morrison in February 2012 about a case the Bar is working on. The Call to Morrison was received in Tennessee where his children reside with their mother. Morrison hasn't officially retired and last year he challenged Hevyweight Champion Vitali Klitscho..really! Morrison (48-3-1 w 42 knockouts) tested positive for the HIV Virus in 1996 and unlike NBA Star Magic Johnson; refused to get help. In 2006 the Rocky V Co-star moved to Arizona and proclaimed himself ready to resume his boxing career at age 37. Morrison, born in Arkansas and raised in Oklahoma, called the 1996 positive test a cruel hoax and part of a conspiracy to end his career. His claim to be HIV negative was supported by Morrison legal representative Randy Lang and Tommy's girlfriend (Lisa) last name withheld. Lisa left her husband in California to be with Morrison and she bragged about having multiple unprotected sexual encounters with Tommy without any ill effects. Liza ended her relationship with Morrison in 2008 and returned to her husband and children. Lang, a very smooth operator, graduated from America College of Law in Anaheim California but didn't secure a license to practice his chosen profession. In Arizona, he started Integrated Law Services & Associates (I.L.S) which listed a post office box for contact information. It is uncertain what services the company provided but Morrison told associates that Mr. Lang promised to legally expedite Tommy's pending divorce. The promise was never kept even though Mr. Lang tried to collect for a transaction that was never completed. Eventually, the egoistical and overbearing Lang began to rub people the wrong way which led one veteran reporter to check on his credentials. When the Journalist told Morrison of his findings , the boxer was angry and sad. Lang retaliated by calling members of the press and declaring that Morrison did indeed have the Aids Virus. The unlicensed practitioner went on to tell anyone with press credentials that the boxer was being treated by renowned Aids Specialist Dr. David Ho and his treatment to block transmission of the HIV Virus was working. Dr. Ho hasn't commented on the allegations made by Mr. Lang who faces serious charges from the Arizona State Bar Association for attempting to practice law in the State of Arizona without a license. Earlier this year, the State Bar imposed an injunction on him which forbids him from practice law in the state of Arizona and he faces a hefty fine for his misconduct. Despite his woes, the clever Mr. Lang is currently working on the San Carlos Apache Reservation as special prosecutor. Lang is appealing the fine and he has a licensed attorney representing him. He sent a "Hardship" letter to the Bar asking for lenience. Tommy applied for a license to fight in Arizona and then withdrew it meaning that the Arizona Boxing Commission wasn't obligated to release HIV test findings. In June of 2007, he took on big John Stover in an MMA cage fight held at Cliff Castle Casino in CampVerde Arizona. Sovereignty usually trumps state law. In the controversial bout, he thumped big John in the first round and retreated to his hotel room where he partied so hard, Indian Security knocked on the door to break up the boisterous happening. Inside, investigators found drugs and drug paraphernalia. An undisclosed fine was paid and Morrison was told he had worn out his welcome. Since that eventful evening, he has fought in West Virgina and Japan and won both bouts...if he could only win the battle with himself! Short Jabs: Undefeated super bantamweight Emilio "Milo Time" Garcia (6-0-1) wont fight Jensen Ramirez on the October 6 Iron Boy Celebrity Theatre Card due to an injury. Instead, Paul "Ziggy" Rubin will get a shot at Ramirez.... Super Middleweight Andrew "Hurricane" Hernandez returns to action on the November 10 Top Rank Card at the Wynn Casino & Resort in Las Vegas fighting highly touted Rudy Puga Jr. 3-0 w/ 3 knockouts. If "Hurricane" wins, look for the 168 lb Arizona Native to sign with a major boxing promotion company. Hernandez is 4-0-1. ....Standout Amateurs David Benavidez (super middleweight) and Alexis Zazueta (114 lbs) are expected to turn professional in the next few months; official announcement forthcoming.... boxing publicist Emily Pandelakis is urging all Arizona gyms to contact her in regards to her special calendar project that will benefit the community. Emily needs gym and boxer photos ASAP! Submit photos and information through her email: emily@athlete-evolution.com by October 15. No charge to gyms..... Congratulations to brothers Talon, Saxon and Dakota Vaughan for their kick boxing victories in Prescott on September 8. The three amateur athletes are quite impressive young men. They represent the Golden Cobra Fitness Center.....Jose Benavidez Jr. is slated to fight Raul Tovar on the Home Depot Center Show, October 13 in Carson,CA. Fellow Arizona boxer Javier Loya is also an under card feature. His opponent is yet to be determined.... The Arizona Sports Hall of Fame was created by the Phoenix Press Box Association in 1957 and during the 90's, the Phoenix Regional Sports Commission assumed control. A quick scan of inducted athletes to the "Hall" reveals that there no boxers or boxing associates included on the list of celebrated inductees. If boxing fans are stunned by this incredulous omission and would like to lodge a protest, please call John or Nathan at 602-258-6272. Despite a valiant effort by the Phoenix Community (2005) to save their beloved Phoenix Madison Square Garden from being demolished; the die had already been cast. By a vote of 4-3, the Phoenix City Council (June 22, 2005) decided to approve a zoning change which would allow the property to be be razed and readied to rebuild an office complex.However; the council was moved by impassioned pleas from retired wrestler Tito Montez, retired wrestling/boxing promoter and others to the point that stipulations to the motion were entered and approved. When it was all said and done an agreement (with an asist from then Phoenix Vice Mayor Johnson) to dedicate exhibit space (in the new building) honoring the the Phoenix version of the Garden was adopted. Built in 1929 the facility hosted some of the biggest names in the wrestling,boxing and entertainment industry. Artists like Rock N Roll Hall of Fame Guitarist, Duane Eddy (debut), Singer Wayne Newton. During the 60,'s, the Garden tried to lure Elvis Presley but his management team opted for the Arizona State Fair, instead. During that same time frame, the arena became a very popular venue for wrestling and boxing. Perennial wrestling champion performed there many times as did contending heavyweight boxer Zora Foley who fought out of Chandler, Arizona. Garden Promoter Al Fenn tried to arrange a bout for Foley with boxing champ Floyd Patterson at the Garden. He even solicited help from friend and influential Arizona Politician Stewart Udall;but, to no avail. Phoenix Madison Square Garden closed in 1979 several year after the Comancheros, a wrestling tag team, decide to burn an American Flag as a publicity stunt to promote their appearance at the Garden. Car dealer and event sponsor Tex Earnhardt was furious over the incident and he immediately pulled his sponsorship which included television coverage. Financial havoc ensued and maintaining the facility became a losing proposition. Arizona Jobber Supply occupied the building from 1979 to 2005, when it was torn down, according to Vince Murray, a historian with Arizona Historical Research. The Phoenix Madison Square Garden Museum is part of the Grace Court Project and it is located at 800 West Adams Street in Phoenix, Arizona. The facility is available for viewing on Wednesdays during the hours of 11AM-2PM and visitors must call property management at 602-265-5500 to arrange a museum tour. Hopefully, boxing and wrestling fans will show enough interest to merit the continuation of the museum.... UNTIL NEXT TIME! Click here to view a list of other articles written by Don Smith.  |
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