Pinklon Thomas
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Pinklon Thomas | |
| Statistics | |
|---|---|
| Real name | Pinklon Thomas |
| Nickname | Pink |
| Weight | Heavyweight |
| Nationality | American |
| Birth date | February 10, 1958 |
| Birth place | Michigan, USA |
| Style | Orthodox |
| Boxing record | |
| Total fights | 51 |
| Wins | 43 |
| Wins by KO | 34 |
| Losses | 7 |
| Draws | 1 |
| No contests | 0 |
Pinklon Thomas (born February 10, 1958) is a former boxer whose trademark pink boxing trunks and a left jab were key distinguishing characteristics.
A native of Pontiac, Michigan who also lived on military bases in South Carolina and Washington state, Thomas eventually settled in Wyncote, Pennsylvania.
Contents |
[edit] Contender
After a short amateur career Thomas turned pro in August 1978 by outpointing Ken Arlt over 6 rounds. He would accumulate a 19-0 record on a low key basis over the next few years.
Thomas received his first national coverage and rankings in July 1982 when scoring a big upset over James Quick Tillis, beating the top contender via an 8-round TKO, and in 1983 he fought former two-time title challenger Gerrie Coetzee, the hard hitting South African who would later win the WBA title. After a strong start, Coetzee faded and Thomas took over, the two fighting to a draw.
One of the few top 10 heavyweights not signed to Don King, Thomas struggled to get fights. Later in 1983 he would knockout future Cruiserweight World champion Alfonso Ratliff, and reel off three more wins.
[edit] World champion
Thomas, with a record of 24-0-1, would finally get his World title shot against reigning WBC champion Tim Witherspoon in August 1984, in Las Vegas, NV.
Witherspoon was said to be in constant turmoil with promoter Don King, and Thomas boxed his way to a clear cut (although scored majority) decision.
As Witherspoon had lost controversially via a razor-thin split decison to IBF champ Larry Holmes the previous year (and Holmes had vacated the WBC title rather than fight Witherspoon again or Greg Page), many saw Thomas as #1 in the world.
In June 1985 Thomas underlined his credentials, fighting an exciting war with ex-champ Mike Weaver, and scoring a dramatic one-punch knockout in the 8th round.
By March 1986 when he signed to defend via wily veteran Trevor Berbick, many wondered whether Thomas was taking the challenge seriously, concentrating as he was on managing other fights and a record career. The powerfully-built Jamaican relieved Thomas of his WBC title, clubbing him to a 12 round unanimous defeat.
It has been rumoured, but never verified or confirmed even by the very frank and open Thomas, that he was back on drugs during this period of his life.
Thomas came back and reeled off three kayo wins over journeymen, generally deemed unimpressive by the boxing press, before setting up a May 1987 challenge to WBC and WBA Heavweight champion Mike Tyson. Although Thomas took the fight with a serious shoulder injury, he enjoyed success outjabbing Tyson. After a long break for a torn glove, action resumed in the 6th round where Tyson knocked Thomas out with a brutal fifteen punch salvo, knocking the extremely durable Thomas down for the first and last time in his lengthy career. Although he got up inside the count, the fight was waved off.
[edit] Decline
Thomas would never be in contention for the world title again, taking dangerous fights against top contenders.
In December 1988 he returned from a 19 month layoff to fight #1 Heavyweight contender Evander Holyfield. Thomas looked rusty and past his best as he was outclassed over 7 rounds, after which he was pulled out by his corner. Long time trainer Angelo Dundee advised Thomas to retire and stopped working with him. Holyfield would go on to win the World Heavyweight title three times and be named one of the all-time greats.
Thomas returned in 1990 to outpoint journeyman Curtis Isaac over 10 dull rounds, before being outpointed himself by the erratic and extremely awkward Mike "The Bounty" Hunter. A few months later he was beaten up by Riddick Bowe and pulled out after 8 rounds. Bowe would go on to defeat Holyfield and become Undisputed Heavyweight champion of the World.
In February 1991 he took on hard hitting white heavyweight Tommy Morrison but was cut and shaken up in the opening round, and pulled out on his stool. Morrison went to win the WBO belt.
Thomas attempted one final comeback in 1992, beating 12 journeymen before outpointing former outstanding amateur turned rotund (280 ib) pro Craig Payne for the obscure IBO belt. In his final fight in January 1993 he was upset by journeyman "Poncho" Carter.
He tried comeback in 1999 for a fight with old foe Tim Witherspoon, but could not confirm a fight with Larry Holmes for the winner so chose not to participate.
[edit] Retired
While Pinklon is still involved in the sport, he has 'changed gears' to a more trainer/counselor standpoint, assisting those pugilists in the 'next generation.'
As of 2004 he was working as a drug counselor at the "Centre for Drug Free Living" in Orlando Florida with young offenders. Journalists have noted his gaunt appearance these days and speculation is abound to the state of the ex-champs health.
| Preceded by Tim Witherspoon |
Heavyweight boxing champion (WBC) 1984–1986 |
Succeeded by Trevor Berbick |
| Preceded by (none) |
Heavyweight boxing champion (IBO) 1992–1993 |
Succeeded by Danell Nicholson |
