Career
A native of Pontiac, Michigan who also lived on military bases in South Carolina and Washington state, Thomas eventually settled in Orlando, Florida. Thomas lost the WBC title to Trevor Berbick in March 1986 by a decision. Although Thomas allegedly took the fight with a serious shoulder injury, he enjoyed success outjabbing Tyson.
After a long break for a torn glove, action resumed in the 6th round where Tyson knocked Thomas out with a brutal fifteen 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 official 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 #1 heavyweight contender Evander Holyfield. Thomas looked rusty as he was outmatched over 7 rounds, after which he was pulled out of his corner.
Long-time trainer Angelo Dundee advised Thomas to retire and stopped working with him.
Thomas returned in 1990 to outpoint Curtis Isaac over 10 rounds, before being outpointed himself by the erratic and unpredictable Mike "The Bounty" Hunter. A few months later he fought Riddick Bowe and pulled out after 8 rounds. In February 1991 he took on hard hitting heavyweight Tommy Morrison but was cut and shaken up in the opening round, and pulled out on his stool.
Thomas attempted one final comeback in 1992, winning twelve fights before outpointing Craig Payne.
In his final fight in January 1993 he was upset by journeyman "Poncho" Carter.