Pinklon Thomas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Pinklon Thomas |
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| Statistics | |
| Nickname(s) | Pink |
| Rated at | Heavyweight |
| Height | 6 ft 3 in |
| Reach | 77 in |
| Nationality | American |
| Born | February 10, 1958 Pontiac, Michigan, U.S. |
| Stance | Orthodox |
| Boxing record | |
| Total fights | 51 |
| Wins | 43 |
| Wins by KO | 34 |
| Losses | 7 |
| Draws | 1 |
Pinklon Thomas (born February 10, 1958) is an American former professional boxer. He competed from 1978 to 1993. He was the first "Centennial Champion" in boxing, meaning he was champion during the 100th year of the sport. Pinklon held the WBC heavyweight title from 1984 to 1986. Many people think he was one of the best boxers of his time. He was famous for wearing pink boxing trunks and having a very strong left jab (a quick punch).
Early Life
Pinklon Thomas was born in Pontiac, Michigan. He also lived in South Carolina and Washington on military bases. Later, he settled down in Orlando, Florida.
Boxing Career
Pinklon Thomas became a professional boxer after only three amateur (non-paid) fights. This is very unusual!
Becoming a Champion
Before fighting for a world title, Thomas fought many strong boxers. In 1983, he won against James Tillis. He also had a draw (a tie) with Gerrie Coetzee, who later became a world champion. Pinklon also defeated Alfonso Ratliff, who would become a champion in a lighter weight class.
By 1984, Pinklon Thomas had a great record of 24 wins, 0 losses, and 1 draw. This earned him a chance to fight for the world title. In August 1984, he faced the reigning WBC heavyweight champion, Tim Witherspoon, in Las Vegas. Thomas won the WBC Heavyweight Championship after a tough 12-round fight.
Ten months later, he defended his title against another former champion, Mike Weaver. Thomas won by knocking Weaver out with one punch in the eighth round. In March 1986, Pinklon Thomas lost his WBC title to Trevor Berbick.
Big Fights
After losing his title, Thomas won three fights by knockout. This led to a big challenge in May 1987 against the young champion Mike Tyson. Even though Thomas had a shoulder injury, he started the fight well by using his jab. After a break to fix a torn glove, Tyson came back strong in the sixth round. Tyson knocked Thomas down with many punches. It was the first and only time Thomas was knocked down in his career. He got up, but the fight was stopped.
Thomas went in and out of retirement over the next few years. He took on other top boxers. In December 1988, he fought Evander Holyfield, who was the number one heavyweight contender. Thomas looked a bit rusty and lost the fight. His long-time trainer, Angelo Dundee, suggested he retire.
Pinklon Thomas returned to boxing in 1990. He won a fight against Curtis Isaac. Then he lost to Mike Hunter and later to Riddick Bowe. Bowe would go on to become a world champion. In February 1991, Thomas fought Tommy Morrison, another hard-hitting boxer, and the fight was stopped early. Thomas tried one last comeback in 1992, winning twelve fights. His final fight was in January 1993, where he lost to Lawrence Carter.
Life After Boxing
Today, Pinklon Thomas has a foundation called Project P.I.N.K. (Pride in Neighborhood Kids). He also works as a motivational speaker, inspiring others with his story.
See also
In Spanish: Pinklon Thomas para niños
