BLOOD, SWEAT AND FEARS

A FORMER HEAVYWEIGHT FIGHTER IS HIV POSITIVE. COULD OTHER BOXERS GET THE AIDS VIRUS IN THE RING?

ANYONE WHO HAS EVER BEEN RINGSIDE knows that boxing is a blood sport. When the going gets rough, it's not unusual for the referee, the cornermen and even the first few rows of spectators to find themselves covered with a bloody spray. That's always been part of boxing's primal appeal. But what if the blood that flows so freely in the ring contains the virus that causes AIDS? That was the issue on everyone's mind last week when heavyweight fighter Tommy Morrison confirmed, just three weeks after Magic Johnson's triumphant return to basketball, that he too is HIV positive.

What are...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!