13 WTHR - Indianapolis News |Tonya Harding laced up her boxing gloves at the Pepsi Coliseum

Tonya Harding laced up her boxing gloves at the Pepsi Coliseum

Eyewitness News/Rhori Johnston

Indianapolis - March 12, 2004 - Hockey headlines this week centered around violence on the ice. But the fight at Friday nights Indianapolis Ice game had nothing to do with hockey. Former figure skater Tonya Harding laced up her boxing gloves for an exhibition fight.

When fans at Pepsi Coliseum Friday night weren't watching the rink, they watched the ring, a boxing ring, with a star attraction. Over 10 years ago, we watched Tonya Harding lace up ice skates, but now, she laces up boxing gloves.

Tonya Harding said, "I get to actually show the crowd and show the people that I have developed actual skills as a boxer and not a brawler."

Indianapolis Ice manager Larry Linde said, "People don't traditionally stand around the water cooler and talk about the Ice on Monday morning, but y'know what? This week, people have been talking about the Ice, and Tonya Harding."

Her appearance is another marketing stunt for the Indianapolis Ice. A few years ago, NBA star Manute Bol donned a uniform to draw a crowd. Friday night's promotion is called "Guaranteed Fight Night" in the wake of the NHL incident, where a player's neck was broken, management defends the gimmick. They say they're not promoting violence.

Larry Linde said, "Our twist on it was that the fights we're guaranteeing will take place off the ice, in a boxing ring."

Does Tonya Harding like being involved in these kind of fun, promotional events? Tonya Harding said, "I do enjoy bringing in crowds to help out other things like, y'know, the Ice."

And as for the gimmick it worked, a near full house showed up to watch two sports.