THE SIDELINES : Heavyweights on Rare D.C. Card
Riddick Bowe will meet Pinklon Thomas in the first heavyweight boxing bout held in Washington in 40 years, it was announced today.
The fight was originally scheduled to be held in Atlantic City, N.J., but was brought to the District of Columbia at the urging of Mayor Marion Barry, said promoter Rock Newman.
“We want to make Washington a viable boxing center. The nation’s capital is a sports-oriented community and we support more sports than just the (Washington) Redskins,” Barry said.
Bowe, winner of a silver medal at the 1988 Seoul Olympics, brings a record of 18-0 into the Sept. 7 match to be held at the University of the District of Columbia.
He has knocked out 16 opponents.
Thomas, a former world heavyweight champion, has compiled a record of 30-4-2.
Three of his losses were to World Champions Mike Tyson and Trevor Berbick along with current No. 1 heavyweight contender Evander Holyfield.
Thomas has been promised a $1-million fight with George Foreman should he defeat Bowe, Newman said.
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