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GBA NEWS
Trouble flared at the press conference for the Riddick Bowe - Tim Witherspoon World heavyweight title fight.
First of all, Bowe claimed Witherspoon doesn't belong in the same ring as him, and the next time a fight's made for his World title, it should be against a top ten contender. When Witherspoon tried to point out that he was in the top ten, Bowe pointed his finger in Witherspoon's face, and said:
"Hey, don't talk when your Big Daddy's speaking."
Bowe had a smile on his face, but the usually amiable Witherspoon didn't see the funny side, and slapped his hand away and stood up to face Bowe.
"Don't disrespect me, son," he hollered in Bowe's face, "cause I'm going to make you pay."
With that, Witherspoon and his team left, leaving Riddick Bowe standing speechless, [for once].
At the same press conference, James Toney and Bernard Hopkins also nearly came to blows when promoting their upcoming bout. Toney had been talking trash about Hopkins in various boxing publications and tabloids, during the week leading up to the press conference, and 'The Executioner' wasn't happy.
Things got a bit heated, and Hopkins stood up, and began staring down at Toney,who was still seated.
"Who do you think you are boy," Hopkins asked aggressively, "that you can talk trash about me? You think I'm going to let you get away with it, huh? This ain't the WWE you know, this is for real, this is my livelihood, and I'm going to make you pay."
At that, Toney done probably the worst thing possible. He sat there looking at Hopkins, then burst out laughing. Hopkins, who had by now lost it, kicked Toney's chair away. Toney fell to the floor, and Hopkins went to punch him. By now security had intervened and pulled Hopkins back. Toney then got to his feet and went for Hopkins and all hell broke lose. Order was finally restored, and both men were escorted back to there respective hotels, to await there grudge match.
Other news: The contracts have been signed for the Vito Antuofermo - Maurice Hope bout, which is for the vacant European middleweight title. The match will take place in September, probably in England.
Larry Holmes is to make the first defence of his North American heavyweight title against former World champion Mike Tyson in December. It will aslo be an eliminator for the World title. John Tate could scupper them plans though, as he faces Tyson this month [July]. Holmes is also talking about having a non title, ten round affair in August. His management haven't mentioned any possible opponents as yet.
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