ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Sunday, November 3, 1996 TAG: 9611050050
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C-11 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: FROM ASSOCIATED PRESS REPORTS
HIV-infected boxer Tommy Morrison made quick and easy work of last-minute opponent Marcus Rhode with a knockout a mere one minute, 38 seconds into the first round of a bloodless fight today in Urayasu, Japan.
The bout marked former heavyweight champion Morrison's first time back in the ring since announcing in February he had contracted the AIDS-causing virus.
``I'm trying to get the message out as a boxer, trying to erase the fear of AIDS,'' Morrison said at ringside moments after beating Rhode (15-1) of St. Joseph, Mo.
The Jay, Oklahoma, native barely had time to break to a sweat, keeping Rhode off-balance from the moment he stepped out of his corner.
The match was an undercard to an IBU heavyweight championship match scheduled later today between George Foreman and Crawford Grimsley.
Nine months ago, when Morrison (46-3-1) left boxing after testing positive for the HIV virus, he had said he believed he may have contracted it from blood in the ring.
But he soon changed his mind, saying that transmitting the AIDS-causing virus in a boxing match was unlikely despite possible blood contact, and announced he would return to the ring to raise money for charity.
Today's fight was held on the condition it be stopped at the first sight of blood.
It was expected to raise as much as $500,000 for Morrison's Knockout AIDS Foundation, which helps children with AIDS.
LENGTH: Short : 37 linesby CNB