By Mark Vester
The Arizona Republic reports that the Arizona State Boxing Commission is waiting on the results of a blood test taken by former WBO heavyweight champion Tommy Morrison. The test was taken last week in the presence of a commission member.
Morrison tested positive for HIV in 1996, and has claimed for the last few years that he was given a false-positive result.
If the blood work produces a negative result, commission head John Montano wants to watch Morrison sparring in the gym.
Local Phoenix promoter Peter McKinn is shooting to have Morrison return in a four-round bout on a January 19 Top Rank promoted card. There will be a commission meeting for consideration of a Morrison application. McKinn said that Top Rank has lined up medical experts to give testimony on Morrison's behalf at the commission meeting. The commission will also have medical experts.
McKinn already has two heavyweights that want to fight Morrison, but is unable to offer either of them a fight until Morrison is approved by the commission.
"We can't offer either of them a contract until we know whether Tommy can fight," McKinn said.