Boxer With HIV Approved To Fight

CHESTER, W.Va. (AP) Former World Boxing Organization heavyweight champion and Oklahoman Tommy Morrison will attempt a comeback in West Virginia. <br/><br/>Morrison left boxing a decade ago after announcing

Tuesday, February 20th 2007, 6:02 pm

By: News On 6

CHESTER, W.Va. (AP) Former World Boxing Organization heavyweight champion and Oklahoman Tommy Morrison will attempt a comeback in West Virginia.

Morrison left boxing a decade ago after announcing he was HIV positive, but says that test was inaccurate.

State Athletic Commissioner Steve Allred says he approved the bout after reviewing Morrison's medical records and checking with the Association of Boxing Commissions' medical review committee.

Allred says Morrison is healthy to step into the ring Thursday.

The 38-year-old Jay, Oklahoma, native won the WBO title in 1993 after beating George Foreman on points. He lost it later that year.

He tested positive for HIV in February 1996. He fought one more fight later that year.

Morrison says he never had HIV and decided to stage a comeback because of unfinished business. He says he was exiled from the sport because of a misdiagnosis.

Morrison was featured in the movie, ``Rocky Five,'' and has served time in Arkansas on drug and weapons charges.

He'll face John Castle of Indianapolis in a four-round match.