Former World Boxing Champion Pinklon Thomas Assists Troubled Youth at University Boxing Gym

2019 SPACE COAST SPORTS HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE

SPACE COAST DAILY TV: Former World Heavy Weight Boxing Champion Pinklon Thomas has been a warrior, fighter and role model for disadvantaged and troubled youth at the University Boxing Gym in Melbourne. Thomas fought and defeated the very best heavyweight fighters the world could serve up, but his toughest fight has always been against the evils that plague our society through drugs and alcohol.

THE 2020 SPACE COAST SPORTS HALL OF FAME Banquet and Induction Ceremony will take place at the Cocoa Beach Country Club on Friday, May 8. 

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA (Space Coast Sports Hall of Fame) – Former World Heavy Weight Boxing Champion Pinklon Thomas has been a warrior, fighter and role model for disadvantaged and troubled youth at the University Boxing Gym in Melbourne.

Thomas fought and defeated the very best heavyweight fighters the world could serve up, but his toughest fight has always been against the evils that plague our society through drugs and alcohol.

Mentoring youth is now a mission for Thomas, and his invaluable assistance to now fellow Space Coast Sports Hall of Fame member Gary Gregory at the University Gym has advanced countless young lives.

Today, “Pink” as he is affectionately known, travels to schools, youth groups and any gatherings, where he can convey the dangers and traps of drug and alcohol addiction, as he himself was stricken with the disease at an early age.

“We have to keep our children away from getting started into drugs and alcohol and provide the support, guidance and love they need,” said Thomas.

Thanks to Thomas, young athletes can hear first-hand from the former champ that drugs and alcohol can take a vice-like grip on anyone, and it just may be the edge that they need to save their life.

Thomas turned professional after just three amateur fights. By 1984, with a record of 24–0–1, he would get his first world title shot against reigning WBC heavyweight champion “Terrible” Tim Witherspoon.

Thomas held the WBC heavyweight title from 1984 to 1986 and was the first IBO heavyweight champion, holding the title from 1992 to 1993. Thomas’ distinguishing characteristics were his pink boxing trunks and a powerful left jab.

Thomas won the WBC Heavyweight Championship with a hard-fought 12-round battle over Witherspoon, and 10 months later, he defended his title against ex-champion Mike Weaver, stopping him with a single punch in the eighth round.

Thomas then reeled off three KO wins before setting up a May 1987 challenge to WBC and WBA Heavyweight champion Mike Tyson.

Thomas enjoyed success out-jabbing Tyson. After a long break for a torn glove, action resumed in the 6th round where Tyson knocked Thomas out with a brutal 15 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.

Thomas went in and out of retirement over the following years, taking fights against top contenders.

In December 1988 he returned from a 19-month layoff to fight the number one heavyweight contender Evander Holyfield. Thomas lost the fight but returned in 1990 to outpoint Curtis Isaac over 10 rounds.

Thomas now has a foundation, Project P.I.N.K. (Pride in Neighborhood Kids), and is a motivational speaker.

THE 2020 SPACE COAST SPORTS HALL OF FAME Banquet and Induction Ceremony will take place at the Cocoa Beach Country Club on Friday, May 8. 

FOR INFORMATION ABOUT the 2020 SPACE COAST SPORTS HALL OF FAME, call 321-615-8111 or e-mail Contact@SpaceCoastDaily.com

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