Tony Tucker Knocks Out Washington

Heavyweight Tony Tucker, whose only defeat in an 11-year career was his 1987 decision loss to Mike Tyson, stopped veteran Lionel Washington in one round at the Forum Monday night before 5,310.

Tucker, 32 years old and 39-1, said he was prepared to fight anyone, but his new management team indicated his comeback will continue on its slow pace.

He has had only five fights since losing his International Boxing Federation heavyweight title to Tyson in Las Vegas in the summer of 1987, and he fell into a series of personal problems, including drug abuse and difficulties with his father/trainer, Bob Tucker.

His new manager is real estate investor Jack Cohen, and the new trainer is Stacy McKinley.

Tucker, who earned $20,000, began battering Washington (11-8) senseless in the opening seconds and had him down twice before referee Rudy Jordan stopped it after 71 seconds.

Tucker, 6 feet 5 and 243 pounds, hit Washington’s jaw with the first right hand he threw. Washington, a 6-6 1/2, 233-pounder from Bakersfield, was out on his feet 35 seconds into the fight from a succession of straight right hands.

He went down the first time at the 50-second mark and got up. Referee Jordan took a long look and let it continue. When Tucker rushed in again, Washington’s eyes seem focused elsewhere.