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Last-Minute Boxer Fights for Title on 90 Mins' Notice
27 Jan
Summary
- Boxer Tim Tomashek received a world title fight with less than two hours' notice.
- He was watching undercards from the stands, drinking beer, when called.
- Tomashek earned cult hero status despite losing in four rounds.
In August 1993, boxer Tim Tomashek found himself in an extraordinary situation, agreeing to challenge Tommy Morrison for the WBO heavyweight title with only 90 minutes' notice. Tomashek, a 35-10 gatekeeper, was attending the event as a potential replacement. The original opponent, Mike Williams, withdrew less than two hours before the fight.
Tomashek recalled being in the stands, drinking a beer, when his manager informed him of the opportunity. He accepted the fight, earning $2,500 just to show up, and entered the ring using trunks from a previous bout that still bore bloodstains.
Though Tomashek used his experience to extend the fight for four rounds, he was eventually dropped and his corner wisely stopped the bout. Despite the defeat, Tomashek was paid $40,000 and achieved cult hero status. He later appeared on The Late Show with David Letterman before retiring in 1996 with a 53-12 record.
