Tommy Morrison

Tommy David Morrison (January 2, 1969 – September 1, 2013) was an American professional boxer who competed from 1988 to 1996, and held the WBO heavyweight title in 1993. He retired from boxing in 1996 when he tested positive for HIV. Morrison is also known for his acting career, having starred alongside Sylvester Stallone in the 1990 film Rocky V as Tommy Gunn.

Tommy Morrison
Morrison as WBO champion in 1993
Statistics
Nickname(s)The Duke
Weight(s)Heavyweight
Height6 ft 2 in (188 cm)
Reach76 in (193 cm)
Born(1969-01-02)January 2, 1969
Gravette, Arkansas
DiedSeptember 1, 2013(2013-09-01) (aged 44)
Omaha, Nebraska, U.S.
StanceOrthodox
Boxing record
Total fights52
Wins48
Wins by KO42
Losses3
Draws1

Morrison had previously attempted a comeback to boxing in 2007 when the Nevada commission lifted the indefinite worldwide suspension in July 2006. [1] In August 2013, Morrison's mother announced that her son was in the final stages of AIDS,[2] and he died on September 1, 2013 at the age of 44 from septicemia, septic shock, multi-system organ failure and, ultimately, cardiac arrest. According to his widow, he tested negative for HIV during his autopsy.[3]

Early life and amateur career

Morrison was born in Gravette, Arkansas. His mother, Diana, was Native American (half Ponca and half Otoe)[4][5] while his father Tim was of mostly Scottish ancestry.[6] Morrison was raised in Delaware County, Oklahoma, spending most of his teenage years in Jay.[7] Morrison's nickname, "The Duke", is based on the claim that he was an alleged grand-nephew, or otherwise distant relative of the Hollywood star John Wayne (né Marion Morrison).[8] and his father urged Tommy to take up the sport at the age of ten. At the age of 13, Morrison's mother used a fake ID and entered her son into fifteen "toughman" contests (the minimum age for contestants was 21). He later told The New York Times that he lost only one of these matches.[9]

After graduating from high school in 1988, Morrison received a football scholarship to Emporia State University, being invited to play for the university team. In the same year, age 19, Morrison won the Regional Heavyweight Title – Kansas City Golden Gloves from Donald Ellis and advanced to the National Golden Gloves in Omaha, Nebraska, where he decisioned Javier Alvarez in the preliminaries, decisioned Warren Williams in the quarterfinals, but lost a split decision to Derek Isaman in the semifinals. Two weeks later, Morrison took part in the Western Olympic trials in Houston, Texas, defeating Robert Hargrove by a 4–1 majority decision in the semifinals, and John Bray by a 5–0 unanimous decision in the finals, and qualifying for the nationals, and garnering the "Outstanding Fighter" award of the tournament. Two weeks after that, fighting out of Republic, Missouri, at the National Olympic Trials in Concord, California, July 6, 1988, Morrison lost a 0–5 unanimous decision to Ray Mercer,[10][11] who went on to win the gold medal at the Seoul Olympics.[12] (They also had a prior match-up scheduled to be held June 16, 1988, at the Felt Forum, New York City,[13] but no further information available on that one as to why it didn't happen.)

As an amateur, Morrison claimed 222 fights (most of which were local match-ups,) with the 1988 Olympic Trials being the top of his amateur career. His amateur record is 202 wins, 20 losses.[14]

Professional career
Further information: Ray Mercer vs. Tommy Morrison, George Foreman vs. Tommy Morrison, Tommy Morrison vs. Michael Bentt, Tommy Morrison vs. Donovan Ruddock, and Lennox Lewis vs. Tommy Morrison

Morrison started his professional boxing career on November 10, 1988,[12] with a first-round knockout of William Muhammad in New York City. Three weeks later, he scored another first-round knockout. In 1989, Morrison had 19 wins and no losses, 15 by knockout. In 1989, actor Sylvester Stallone observed one of Morrison's bouts. Stallone arranged a script reading and cast Morrison in the movie Rocky V as Tommy "The Machine" Gunn,[15] a young and talented protege of the retired Rocky Balboa. Morrison took a six-month break from boxing to work on the movie in 1990.[12]

In 1991, Morrison won fights against opponents James Tillis and former world champion Pinklon Thomas. He was given an opportunity to face fellow undefeated fighter Ray Mercer, the WBO title holder in a Pay Per View card held on October 18, 1991. Morrison suffered the first loss of his career, losing by 5th-round knockout.[12]

He had six wins in 1992, including fights with Art Tucker and Joe Hipp, who later became the first Native American to challenge for the world heavyweight title. In the Hipp fight, held June 19, 1992, Morrison was suffering from what was later discovered to be a broken hand and broken jaw, but rallied to score a knockout in the ninth round. After two wins in 1993, including one over two-time world title challenger Carl "The Truth" Williams, Morrison found himself fighting for the WBO title again, against heavyweight boxing legend George Foreman, who was himself making a comeback.

Morrison chose to avoid brawling with Foreman and spent the fight boxing from long range. He was able to hit and move effectively in this manner, and after a closely contested bout he won a unanimous 12-round decision and the WBO title.[16]

Morrison's first title defense was scheduled against Mike Williams, but when Williams withdrew on the night of the fight, Tim Tomashek stood in as a replacement. Although Tomashek had been prepared to fight as a backup plan, some news reports created the impression that he had just been pulled out of the crowd.[17] The WBO later rescinded their sanctioning of this fight due to Tomashek's lack of experience. Almost immediately, talks of a fight with WBC champion Lennox Lewis began, but were halted when virtually unknown Michael Bentt upset Morrison in his next bout. Bentt knocked Morrison down three times, and the fight was stopped in the first round in front of a live HBO Boxing audience.[18] Morrison recovered by winning three bouts in a row in 1994, but his last fight of the year, against Ross Puritty, ended with a draw.[19]

Morrison won three fights in 1995 before meeting former #1 contender Razor Ruddock. Ruddock dropped Morrison to his knees in the first round, but Morrison recovered to force a standing count in round two and compete on even terms for five rounds. In the sixth round, Ruddock hurt Morrison with a quick combination, but just as it seemed Morrison was in trouble, he countered with a tremendous hook that put Ruddock on the canvas. Ruddock regained his feet, but Morrison drove him to the ropes and showered him with an extended flurry of blows. Just as the bell was about to sound, the referee stepped in and declared Morrison the winner by TKO.[20]

The much-anticipated fight with Lewis, who had also lost his world championship, finally took place following the Ruddock match. Morrison was knocked out in the sixth round.[21]

Personal life

At one point in 1996, Morrison was married to two women at the same time: Dawn Freeman and Dawn Gilbert. Morrison had one child by age 19.[22] Tommy and Trisha Morrison were engaged in 2009 and married in 2011.

Health

In 1996, Morrison was scheduled to fight against Arthur Weathers. The Nevada Athletic Commission determined that Morrison had tested positive for HIV and immediately and indefinitely worldwide suspended him from boxing on February 10, 1996.

In 2006, the Nevada commission lifted the suspension.

Morrison tested negative for HIV four times in January 2007.[23] That year, he began fighting again.[24][25][26] After passing medical tests in Texas, West Virginia licensed Morrison to fight in that state. In February 2007 he fought and beat John Castle.[24][25] In June, Morrison's former agent, Randy Lang, alleged that Morrison had tested positive in January and that the boxer had tampered with blood samples. Morrison responded that he had fired Lang when he discovered that Lang was not a lawyer.[27]

On July 22, 2007, the New York Times reported that Morrison took two HIV tests in 2007 and a third specifically for the Times.[28] Ringside doctors, including Nevada's chief ringside physician, implied that the negative results were not in fact based on Morrison's blood.[28]

In 2009, Morrison also tested HIV negative in Wyoming, in a supervised test by the Colorado commission.

In January 2011, the RACJ, the boxing commission for the province of Quebec, required that Morrison take a supervised HIV test in advance of a scheduled 2011 fight. Morrison invited the Quebec commission to attend a public test, but the commission did not come. Morrison stated that if Quebec refused to license him, he would "take the dog and pony show somewhere else."[29]

In December 1993, Morrison was charged with assault and public intoxication when he allegedly punched a University of Iowa student. Morrison said that the student had been staring at him.[30] Morrison pleaded guilty and paid a $310 fine, but said he was innocent.[31] In October 1996, Morrison pleaded guilty to transporting a loaded firearm in Jay, Oklahoma; he received a 6-month suspended sentence and a $100 fine.[32] In 1997, an Oklahoma jury convicted him of DUI in an accident that left three people injured; the court ordered Morrison to spend time in treatment.[33]

In September 1999, an Oklahoma court gave a two-year suspended sentence for a DUI elevated to felony level by his previous DUI conviction. On September 16, 1999, the police stopped Morrison for driving erratically and found drugs and weapons in his car, which resulted in various drugs and firearms charges. While awaiting trial on the September 16 charges, Morrison was again arrested on charges of intoxication and possessing a weapon while a felon in November 1999.[33] On January 14, 2000, Morrison was sentenced to two years in prison on the September 16 charges.[34] On April 3, 2002, he was sentenced to another year in prison after violating parole in Tulsa, Oklahoma, but was given credit for time previously served.[35]

Death

In August 2013, Elizabeth Merrill of ESPN.com reported that Morrison's mother Diana said that Tommy had "full-blown AIDS" and was "in his final days." She also stated that Morrison had been bedridden for over a year. The same article also stated that Morrison's wife, Trisha, did not believe Morrison had AIDS.[36][37]

On September 2, 2013, Morrison died at the Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska at the age of 44.[38] According to the Nebraska Department of Health & Human Services, Morrison's cause of death was cardiac arrest, resulting from multiorgan failure due to septic shock caused by a Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection.[39]

Professional boxing record
Professional record summary
52 fights 48 wins 3 losses
By knockout 42 3
By decision 6 0
Draws 1
No. Result Record Opponent Type Round, time Date Location Notes
52 Win 48–3–1 Matt Weishaar TKO 3 (6), 1:40 Feb 9, 2008 Domo de la Feria, León, Mexico
51 Win 47–3–1 John Castle TKO 2 (6), 1:49 Feb 22, 2007 Mountaineer Casino Racetrack and Resort, Chester, West Virginia, U.S.
50 Win 46–3–1 Marcus Rhode TKO 1 (10), 1:38 Nov 3, 1996 Tokyo Bay NK Hall, Urayasu, Japan
49 Loss 45–3–1 Lennox Lewis TKO 6 (12), 1:22 Oct 7, 1995 Convention Hall, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S. Lost IBC heavyweight title
48 Win 45–2–1 Donovan Ruddock TKO 6 (12), 2:55 Jun 10, 1995 Municipal Auditorium, Kansas City, Missouri, U.S. Won vacant IBC heavyweight title
47 Win 44–2–1 Terry Anderson KO 7 (10), 1:34 May 1, 1995 Brady Theater, Tulsa, Oklahoma, U.S.
46 Win 43–2–1 Marselles Brown KO 3 (10), 2:18 Mar 5, 1995 Civic Assembly Center, Muskogee, Oklahoma, U.S.
45 Win 42–2–1 Ken Merritt TKO 1 (10), 2:41 Feb 7, 1995 State Fair Arena, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, U.S.
44 Draw 41–2–1 Ross Puritty SD 10 Jul 28, 1994 Convention Hall, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
43 Win 41–2 Sherman Griffin UD 10 May 24, 1994 Brady Theater, Tulsa, Oklahoma, U.S.
42 Win 40–2 Brian Scott TKO 2 (10), 1:37 Mar 27, 1994 Expo Square Pavilion, Tulsa, Oklahoma, U.S.
41 Win 39–2 Tui Toia KO 3 (10), 2:13 Feb 20, 1994 Belle Casino, Biloxi, Mississippi, U.S.
40 Loss 38–2 Michael Bentt TKO 1 (12), 1:33 Oct 29, 1993 Convention Center, Tulsa, Oklahoma, U.S. Lost WBO heavyweight title
39 Win 38–1 Tim Tomashek RTD 4 (12), 3:00 Aug 30, 1993 Kemper Arena, Kansas City, Missouri, U.S. Retained WBO heavyweight title
38 Win 37–1 George Foreman UD 12 Jun 7, 1993 Thomas & Mack Center, Paradise, Nevada, U.S. Won vacant WBO heavyweight title
37 Win 36–1 Dan Murphy TKO 3 (10), 1:10 Mar 30, 1993 Kemper Arena, Kansas City, Missouri, U.S.
36 Win 35–1 Carl Williams TKO 8 (10), 2:10 Jan 16, 1993 Convention Center, Reno, Nevada, U.S.
35 Win 34–1 Marshall Tillman TKO 1 (10), 2:23 Dec 12, 1992 America West Arena, Phoenix, Arizona, U.S.
34 Win 33–1 Joe Hipp TKO 9 (10), 2:47 Jun 27, 1992 Bally's, Reno, Nevada, U.S.
33 Win 32–1 Art Tucker TKO 2 (10), 1:12 May 14, 1992 Broadway by the Bay Theater, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
32 Win 31–1 Kimmuel Odum TKO 3 (10), 1:50 Apr 23, 1992 Foxwoods Resort Casino, Ledyard, Connecticut, U.S.
31 Win 30–1 Jerry Halstead TKO 5 (10), 0:30 Mar 20, 1992 Caesars Palace, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.
30 Win 29–1 Bobby Quarry TKO 2 (10), 1:29 Feb 16, 1992 Las Vegas Hilton, Winchester, Nevada, U.S.
29 Loss 28–1 Ray Mercer KO 5 (12), 0:28 Oct 18, 1991 Convention Hall, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S. For WBO heavyweight title
28 Win 28–0 Ladislao Mijangos TKO 1 (10), 1:40 Jun 27, 1991 Bally's Las Vegas, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.
27 Win 27–0 Yuri Vaulin TKO 5 (10), 2:06 Apr 19, 1991 Convention Hall, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
26 Win 26–0 Pinklon Thomas RTD 1 (10), 3:00 Feb 19, 1991 Kemper Arena, Kansas City, Missouri, U.S.
25 Win 25–0 James Tillis TKO 1 (8), 1:51 Jan 11, 1991 Etess Arena, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
24 Win 24–0 Mike Acey TKO 1 (6), 1:35 Nov 8, 1990 Bally's Las Vegas, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.
23 Win 23–0 John Morton TKO 5 (6), 1:49 Oct 4, 1990 Etess Arena, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
22 Win 22–0 Charles Woolard KO 2 Jun 9, 1990 Memorial Hall, Kansas City, Kansas, U.S.
21 Win 21–0 Ken Lakusta UD 6 Dec 7, 1989 The Mirage, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.
20 Win 20–0 Lorenzo Canady UD 6 Nov 3, 1989 South Mountain Arena, West Orange, New Jersey, U.S.
19 Win 19–0 Charles Hostetter KO 1 Oct 26, 1989 Kemper Arena, Kansas City, Missouri, U.S. Sylvester Stallone accompanied Morrison to the ring with a camera crew as part of the Rocky V movie production.
18 Win 18–0 Harry Terrell KO 1 (6), 2:59 Oct 17, 1989 State Fair, Phoenix, Arizona, U.S.
17 Win 17–0 David Jaco KO 1 (6), 0:37 Sep 19, 1989 Veterans Memorial Coliseum, Jacksonville, Florida, U.S.
16 Win 16–0 Rick Enis TKO 1 (6), 2:45 Sep 5, 1989 Harrah's Lake Tahoe, Stateline, Nevada, U.S.
15 Win 15–0 Jesse Shelby TKO 2 (6), 1:55 Aug 22, 1989 Showboat, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
14 Win 14–0 Mike Robinson TKO 2 (6) Aug 8, 1989 Bally's Park Place, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
13 Win 13–0 Aaron Brown UD 6 Jul 3, 1989 Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
12 Win 12–0 Steve Zouski UD 4 Jun 25, 1989 Convention Hall, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
11 Win 11–0 Ricky Nelson TKO 2 (6) Jun 11, 1989 Trump Plaza Hotel and Casino, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
10 Win 10–0 Mike McGrady TKO 1, 1:19 May 14, 1989 Trump Plaza Hotel and Casino, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
9 Win 9–0 Lorenzo Boyd TKO 2 Apr 22, 1989 Kansas City, Kansas, U.S.
8 Win 8–0 Alan Jamison KO 1 Mar 29, 1989 Wichita, Kansas, U.S.
7 Win 7–0 Lee Moore KO 2 Feb 24, 1989 Convention Hall, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
6 Win 6–0 Traore Ali TKO 4 (6), 0:53 Feb 9, 1989 Felt Forum, New York City, New York, U.S.
5 Win 5–0 Mike Foley KO 1 Jan 24, 1989 Four Seasons Arena, Great Falls, Montana, U.S.
4 Win 4–0 Elvin Evans KO 1 Jan 17, 1989 Premier Center, Sterling Heights, Michigan, U.S.
3 Win 3–0 Joe Adams KO 1 Jan 12, 1989 Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, U.S.
2 Win 2–0 Tony Dewar KO 1, 0:41 Nov 30, 1988 Cobo Hall, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
1 Win 1–0 William Muhammad TKO 1 (4) Nov 10, 1988 Felt Forum, New York City, New York, U.S.

Filmography
Year Title Role Notes
1988 They Live Dave - Resistance Fighter Uncredited
1990 Rocky V Tommy Gunn
gollark: I agree, arresting idiots who go around randomly setting important infrastructure on fire is a good idea.
gollark: Is this in response to something or just in general?
gollark: Yeeees, their whole thing with making GM crops not produce seeds or whatever it is isn't very good.
gollark: Plants have genetic variation naturally.
gollark: Even if that were true, GMOs aren't *that* different to non-genetically-modified versions.

References
  1. "Morrison's blood tests negative for second time – boxing". ESPN. 2007-04-27. Retrieved 2014-07-30.
  2. "Tommy Morrison: Ex-World Champion Dies At 44". Sky News. 3 September 2013. Retrieved 2014-07-30.
  3. https://www.worldboxingnews.net/2019/11/16/tommy-morrison-widow-false-hiv-diagnosis/
  4. Putnam, Pat. "Tommy Morrison". Vault.
  5. Clinkscales, Jason (September 3, 2013). "Tommy Morrison, Tommy 'The Machine' Gun, AIDS And The Death Of A Complicated Champion". The Sportsfan Journal.
  6. "Tommy Morrison obituary". The Guardian. 11 September 2013. Retrieved 4 January 2015.
  7. Retrieved 2014-12-02.
  8. Ziegel, Vic (February 14, 1996). "Doom Comes Whipping Down Plain". New York Daily News.
  9. Berger, Phil (May 3, 1989). "Cayton's Corner Attracts Rising Heavyweight Puncher". New York Times.
  10. Olympic Trials Quarterfinals results by Associated Press, July 6, 1988.
  11. U.S. Olympic Boxing Trials Tuesday's Results, Pacific Stars And Stripes, Jul 8, 1988, p. 22.
  12. Pat Putnam (1993-06-21). "Tommy Morrison – 06.21.93". Sportsillustrated.cnn.com. Retrieved 2013-09-04.
  13. "Syracuse Post Standard Newspaper Archives | Jun 14, 1988, p. 18". newspaperarchive.com.
  14. Tommy Morrison Amateur Record from BoxingRecords.
  15. Klein, Gary (November 16, 1990). "Rocky V' Has Drama Coaches in Its Corner : Film: Acting teachers are traditionally barred from movie sets. But for Stallone's latest boxing epic, a Studio City couple was allowed to show newcomer Tommy Morrison the ropes, scene by scene and blow by blow". The Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2010-10-29.
  16. TOM FRIEND (1993-06-08). "BOXING; Morrison Defeats Foreman By Decision". Nytimes.com. Retrieved 2013-09-04.
  17. Doghouse Boxing (2004-02-04) Archived 2009-12-31 at the Wayback Machine; retrieved December 3, 2011.
  18. Staff (1993-10-30). "BOXING; Morrison Loses Fight, $7.5 Million". Nytimes.com. Retrieved 2013-09-04.
  19. GERALD ESKENAZI (1994-07-29). "BOXING;Morrison and Mercer: It's 2 Fights, 2 Draws". Nytimes.com. Retrieved 2013-09-04.
  20. "MORRISON'S WIN OVER RUDDOCK A CAREER BOOST". Palm Beach Post. June 12, 1995. p. 2C. Retrieved 2013-09-04 – via Nl.newsbank.com.
  21. CLIFTON BROWN (1995-10-08). "BOXING;Lewis Back in Picture With Morrison T.K.O." Nytimes.com. Retrieved 2013-09-04.
  22. ESPN, That Was Then, July 10, 2012
  23. Vester, Mark (January 15, 2007). "Morrison tests negative for HIV, fight delayed". BoxingScene. Retrieved June 9, 2012.
  24. Irish, Oliver (February 23, 2007). "The Great White Hope climbs back between the ropes". London: The Guardian. Retrieved 2009-07-01.
  25. Rafael, Dan (February 20, 2007). "Morrison medically cleared to fight Thursday". ESPN Boxing. Retrieved June 9, 2012.
  26. Rafael, Dan (February 23, 2007). "Morrison begins comeback bid with KO". ESPN Boxing. Retrieved June 9, 2012.
  27. Merrill, Elizabeth (2007-06-10). "Morrison faces new allegations from former associate". ESPN. Retrieved January 27, 2014.
  28. Eligon, John; Wilson, Duff (July 22, 2007). "Morrison Says Error in H.I.V. Test Hurt Career". New York Times. Retrieved June 9, 2012.
  29. Spencer, Dave (January 19, 2011). "Morrison says no to testing". Fightnews.com. Archived from the original on January 23, 2011. Retrieved June 9, 2012.
  30. "Morrison KOs student in restaurant". Baltimore Sun. Associated Press. December 8, 1993.
  31. "Morrison pleads guilty to assault". Tulsa World. January 28, 1994.
  32. "More Boxing". Orlando Sentinel. October 29, 1996.
  33. "T. Morrison In Trouble Again". CBS News. Associated Press. February 11, 2009. Retrieved June 10, 2012.
  34. Nelson, Melissa (January 19, 2001). "Morrison's release delayed because of discipline problem". AP Online.
  35. "Events in Tommy Morrison's boxing career". Kansas City Star. February 13, 2011.
  36. "Tommy Morrison's latest big fight". Espn.go.com. 2013-08-23. Retrieved 2013-09-04.
  37. "Tommy Morrison dies at 44". Espn.go.com. 2008-01-01. Retrieved 2013-09-04.
  38. Skretta, Dave (September 2, 2013). "Ex-heavyweight champion Tommy Morrison dies at 44". USA Today.
  39. "Morrison death certificate: No Mention Of AIDS". TMZ. Retrieved September 6, 2013.
Rocky role
Previous:
Dolph Lundgren		 Main opponent actor
1990		 Next:
Antonio Tarver
Sporting positions
Minor world boxing titles
Vacant
Title last held by
Tim Puller		 IBC heavyweight champion
June 10, 1995 – October 7, 1995		 Succeeded by
Lennox Lewis
Major world boxing titles
Vacant
Title last held by
Michael Moorer		 WBO heavyweight champion
June 7, 1993 – October 29, 1993		 Succeeded by
Michael Bentt
Heavyweight status
Previous:
Corrie Sanders		 Latest born world champion to die
September 1, 2013 – present		 Incumbent
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.