Heavyweight Riddick Bowe remained undefeated, stopping former...

Heavyweight Riddick Bowe remained undefeated, stopping former World Boxing Council champion Pinklon Thomas on an eighth-round technical knockout at Washington.

It was the 17th knockout for Bowe (19-0), who battered Thomas through most of the scheduled 10-rounder until the 32-year-old fighter could not answer the bell for the ninth round.

The victory is expected to earn Bowe a bout against Bert Cooper on the undercard of the Buster Douglas-Evander Holyfield title fight Oct. 25.

“It was a learning experience and Pinklon brought the best out in me,” Bowe said. “Some say he’s washed up, a has-been. But he brought out the best in me. I don’t care what any of you guys say.”

In the sixth round, Thomas was staggered but wouldn’t fall as Bowe weakened him with a series of quick combinations. Bowe swung freely for Thomas’ head in the last three rounds as many in the crowd shouted for referee Sylvester Stevens to stop the fight.

Thomas shook his head at Stevens after stumbling back to his corner after the eighth, finally ending the fight.