Casino news source: Arizona Republic - http://www.azcentral.com
Morrison wins MMA debut
Norm Frauenheim
The Arizona Republic
Jun. 10, 2007 12:00 AM
CAMP VERDE - Rumors swirled. Rules changed. But Tommy Morrison's promise was as good as one punch.
Morrison won a first-round technical knockout in his mixed martial arts debut over John Stover on Saturday night in a bizarre match at Cliff Castle Casino.
The night included some late negotiations that ensured Morrison of a victory, but no cheers.
There were mostly boos from the crowd of about 2,500, for the former heavyweight champion, who has been attempting to make a comeback after being diagnosed with the HIV virus eleven years ago.
"About an hour before the fight, the rules were all boxing," said Stover, who wound up with a broken nose from a Morrison right at 2:08 of the opening round in ring surrounded by a 6-foot-high cage.
No grappling was permitted. Not much of a chance for Stover was allowed, either.
"If I could have got him on the mat, I would have won easy," Stover said.
Morrison was allowed to wear shoes, which usually are prohibited in mixed martial arts. Stover was barefoot - no leverage in the ring or out of it.
But Morrison appeared to take most of the wear and tear. He looked exhausted after the two-plus minutes. He didn't stop to talk to the media. He jumped into a minivan and was driven toward the casino and presumably to his room.
Morrison kept Stover and the crowd waiting for at least 10 minutes before he entered the ring. Stover paced. The crowd booed.
There was nervous speculation that maybe Morrison had decided not to fight, especially after his former agent, Randy Lang of Glendale, told The Republic on Friday that Morrison has tested positive for the HIV virus in recent mandatory tests for a boxing license.
Morrison didn't need a license Saturday night because Cliff Castle Casino is Yavapai-Apache property and outside the jurisdiction of the Arizona State Boxing Commission.
Morrison, promoter Peter McKinn and manager Lisa Woodard have angrily denied the allegations made by Lang, who split with Morrison on Feb. 25.
Stover, of Pine Ridge S.D., said he was provided with "a pile" of documentation that he said satisfied him that Morrison had not tested positive for HIV.
"I don't know how many times I've heard from people that they were afraid to fight him because they don't want to risk the rumors," said the 340-pound Stover. "Well, the only thing they are risking are rumors.
"Some people would be terrified of the rumors, but I gave him a shot."
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