But there was never any word on Tommy Gunn and that bothered me. The former world heavyweight champion remains sorely missed nine years and more after his tragic passing at the age of 44. I witnessed it. Former WBO heavyweight champion Tommy Morrison has died at the age of 44 after a lengthy battle with illness. I know I can. Along the way, Morrison became such a recognizable face that he was cast in Rocky V alongside Sylvester Stallone. Discovery Company. He was a prodigious puncher whose bid to fight in the 1988 Seoul Olympics ended at the hands of Ray Mercer, who later dealt Morrison his first professional loss. Along with numerous legal issues, including a prison sentence that stemmed from weapons and drunk driving, Morrison's name became attached to headlines that would eventually overshadow his work in the ring. He will and should be remembered as a cautionary tale: the antiMagic Johnson of the sports world, someone who chose an awful death instead of a chance at a different life. All rights reserved. He was 44. Boxing pound-for-pound rankings: Bivol keeps winning and moving up; Haney earns top 10 spot, A megafight is set: Here's what's at stake when Gervonta Davis faces Ryan Garcia in April, Gervonta Davis' arrest history: Timeline of abuse and hit-and-run charges and denials, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Tommy Morrison also got a Feeding your curiosity of monsters, haunted houses, murder, death, UFOs, fear, history, society, and more. Well, I guess people will see for themselves when Rocky V comes out. Holden, who said he spoke with Morrison or his wife several times a week for the past year, would not comment on the cause of his death or the state of his health in recent months. Its the difference between an amateur and a professional: In basketball movie terms, its the difference between Ray Jesus Shuttlesworth Allen and Wesley Could that dribble be any higher? Snipes. But Tommy Morrison's lifestyle caused his star to tumble and a failed HIV test effectively ended his boxing career despite the fact that Morrison protested and denied having HIV or AIDS up to his death at age of 44 in 2013. The Duke was utterly believable as big-punching white hope who conquered the boxing world and called out his ex-trainer in Stallone. There are a million fighters out there who would kill to be in my position. Mr T asked for too much money apparently, so the role was scaled down and given to Tyson instead. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. Tommy Morrison died Sunday night of an undisclosed illness. But rewatching it today, theres one presence in the film who unites the high drama, low camp, and tragic undercurrent: boxer Tommy Morrison, making his debut as up-and-coming fighter Tommy Machine Gunn. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. 5:07 PM EDT, Mon September 2, 2013. Discussion in 'Boxing Discussion' started by Prestige Crane, Aug 1, 2007. Tommy Morrison could act and was not to blame for the failure of Rocky V. It was only surprising that he didn't work more before . 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. In 1993, Morrison beat Foreman to win the WBO heavyweight title, only to lose it to unheralded Michael Bentt in a defeat that scuttled a showdown with Lewis. . You see in Tommy Gunn all of the stubbornness, pride, anger, and poor choices that defined Tommy Morrison during the last years of his life. He finished with a record of 48-3-1 with 42 knockouts. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. Morrison won the WBO title by outpointing George Foreman in 1993. Wasn't it explained that Rocky was embarrassed by that street fight with Tommy? I think Ill do all right.. He also starred alongside Sylvester Stallone in the film Rocky V, playing Tommy 'The Machine' Gunn. It makes the crudeness of his life, his choices, and his death somewhat easier to take. Tommy "The Duke" Morrison was a rising boxing star in the late 1980s into the early 1990s who famously held a version of the World Boxing Championship, defeating George Foreman. In the years that followed, he denied having HIV and also challenged the existence of the virus. All Rights Reserved. Tommy Morrison made a name for himself in the ring, defeating the likes of George Foreman and Razor Ruddock. He gained notoriety outside of the ring in 1989 when he starred as Tommy "The Machine" Gunn in Rocky V. In 1996, Morrison made headlines around the world as the first boxer with HIV and was banned from the sport. Part of the When It Was Cool Podcast Network from WhenItWasCool.com and hosted by DragonKingKarl (Karl Stern). Did Deontay Wilder predict his capitulating Tyson Fury knockout? (CBSNewYork/AP) Tommy Morrison, the former heavyweight champion who stood toe-to-toe with Lennox Lewis and George Foreman and later tested positive for HIV, died Monday. "I zigged when I should have zagged," Morrison said afterward. "That's the way Tommy took off after he was told he was HIV-positive," Holden added. 3 min read. Tommy "The Duke" Morrison was a rising boxing star in the late 1980s into the early 1990s who famously held a version of the World Boxing Organization (WBO) title by defeating George Foreman. tweet? He was soon cast as Tommy "The Machine" Gunn, Rocky Balboa's talented young protg. It was far removed from Rocky I, II, III, and IV, where Stallone played the hero and won battles inside the ropes. early 1990s who famously held a version of the World Boxing His lifestyle never changed, though, even when he stepped away from the ring. The collaboration with Sylvester Stallone in John G. Avildsen's Rocky V became the peak of his popularity. Embed from Getty Images Young Tommy Morrison / CBS New York. "When he first was told, I was taking him to seek treatment and to different doctors around the country. Tommy Morrison could act and was not to blame for the failure of Rocky V. It was only surprising that he didnt work more before his career was taken away. ), First published on September 2, 2013 / 12:19 PM. When he was released, Morrison said his HIV tests had resulted in false positives, and he wanted to resume his career. Stallone noticed the young undefeated boxer and invited him to a script reading. A 1996 TV appearance in Cybill was the last time Morrison would be seen in a thespian capacity. I believe he won a toughman championship though. Last updated on 2 September 20132 September 2013.From the section Boxing. Former WBO heavyweight champion Tommy Morrison died in an Omaha, Neb., hospital late Sunday night. That was 1990, so for almost 15 years, I was pretty well cooked.. Sage Stallone, the 36-year-old son of actor Sylvester Stallone, died of atherosclerosis, which brought on a heart attack, a spokesman for the Los Angeles County coroner said . So when he fights Tommy Morrison in the movie, Rocky says, I cant beat you in the ring, but Ill beat you in the street.. He was 44. . Sylvester Stallone is best known for the Rocky film series, which has become a classic. To the films credit, the climactic showdown between Rocky and Tommy Gunn isnt in a ring, but behind a bar. I'm sure if what Stallone is saying makes sense. After Tommy Gunn has been dispatched, Rocky walks up to the nefarious George Washington Duke, violence in his eyes. Gunn goes on to win the heavyweight title and then later fights and loses to his mentor. Morrison died Sunday night at a Nebraska hospital, said Tony Holden, his longtime promoter and close friend. Morrison tested positive for HIV in a test conducted by the Nevada State Athletic Commission in 1996, bringing an end to his top-level career. It seemed impossible. I saw Rocky V the day it came out, the last part of a Rocky quintuple-feature at Loews 84th St. Cinema, and half the crowd walked out jeering and half were literally standing on their seats. Follow experienced boxing writer Phil Jay on Twitter @PhilJWBN. Morrison won the WBO heavyweight title in 1993, He played Tommy "Machine" Gunn in "Rocky V", The fighter died in Omaha with his wife by his side. Can I act? Like Porgy, he has plenty of nothing and nothing is plenty for him. Its one of the series of the popular Rocky films starring Sylvester Stallone, who played boxer Rocky Balboa. He was sentenced to two years in prison in 2000, and another year was added to his sentence in 2002 for violating parole. He was 44. (Carl Weathers still kicks ass.) Interest-Based Ads. I don't see why Rocky would want to associate with him again after his treachery in 5. He went in that direction and never looked back. Tommy Morrison could act and was not to blame for the failure of Rocky V. It was only surprising that he didnt work more before his career was taken away. Morrison was born in Arkansas and grew up in Oklahoma. test effectively ended his boxing career despite the fact that Instead of fighting for the heavyweight title, he would now be in for the fight of his life. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Checking in at a Police Academy 2esque 27 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, I would defy someone to watch it two decades after its release and not feel the rush of high drama, low camp, and tragic realism that courses through the film. Morrison, who also starred with Sylvester Stallone as boxer Tommy Gunn in "Rocky V," lost immediately after beating Foreman, and was defeated again by Lennox Lewis in 1995. Morrison would fight Lewis in 1995, getting knocked out in the sixth round in Atlantic City, N.J. Morrison won his first 28 professional fights, beating faded champions such as Pinklon Thomas along the way. Morrison won the WBO title by outpointing George Foreman in 1993. Morrison played the character Tommy "Machine" Gunn in "Rocky V," made in 1990. The former world heavyweight champion remains sorely missed nine years and more after his tragic passing at the age of 44. The Associated Press contributed to this report. per week whilst filming. (AP) -- Tommy Morrison, the former heavyweight champion who stood toe-to-toe with Lennox Lewis and George Foreman and later tested positive for HIV, died Monday. All the Information You Need to Determine If Eddie Murphy's 'Red Light' Is a Joke or Not, Afternoon Links: Meditate on the Ephemerality of Internet Culture With This Iron Man Balloon Costume, The Andy Greenwald Podcast 'Fargo' Showrunner Noah Hawley. All Rights Reserved. In 1989, actor Sylvester Stallone observed one of Morrison's bouts. 2. Morrison (also no stranger to real-life brawling) and Avildsen give us a scene so far removed from the slick polish of Rocky defeats Communism or Rocky defeats Scary Mohawked Black Man that it is bracing. Upon rewatching, its impossible to not look at Morrison and wish he had gotten that message. Early life. 2. Morrison died on Sunday evening in a Nebraska hospital and was reported to TMZ by . In recent years, he claimed that the HIV test produced a false positive. He was 44. BrooklynBomber, Aug 1, 2007. September 2, 2013 / 12:19 PM He also got his break in acting by appearing as the character Tommy "The Machine" Gunn in Sylvester Stallone's 1990 Rocky V. But, Morrison's lifestyle caused his star to tumble and a failed HIV . TommyMorrison, the former heavyweight champion who stood toe-to-toe with Lennox Lewis and George Foreman and later tested positive for HIV, died Monday. Morrison was interviewed by Larry King from Holdens living room on February 1996 the night he announced he had tested positive for HIV. OMAHA, Neb. Please enter valid email address to continue. In 1993, Morrison beat George Foreman to win the WBO heavyweight title, only to lose it to unheralded Michael Bentt in a defeat that scuttled a showdown with Lennox Lewis. A Nebraska hospital and was reported to TMZ by and given to Tyson.... In 5 for too much money apparently, so the role was scaled down and given to Tyson.... Sunday night at a Nebraska hospital, said Tony Holden, his promoter... Last updated on 2 September 20132 September 2013.From the section boxing 1996 TV appearance in Cybill was the time... At the age of 44 after a lengthy battle with illness different doctors around the country wanted to his... A Nebraska hospital, said Tony Holden, his longtime promoter and close friend isnt a. To a script reading existence of the popular Rocky films starring Sylvester Stallone is best known for the film. Resulted in false positives, and another year was added to his mentor told he was told I... Hiv-Positive, '' Morrison said his HIV tests had resulted in false positives, he!, and another year was added to his mentor title and then later and! Lengthy battle with illness ' Gunn tests had resulted in false positives, and wanted! Morrison has died at the age of 44 said Tony Holden, his,! Getty Images Young Tommy Morrison died in an Omaha, Neb., hospital late Sunday at... He went in that direction and never looked back Aug 1, 2007 ensure... Died in an Omaha, Neb., hospital late Sunday night at a hospital! May still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform starring! Neb., hospital late Sunday night at a Nebraska hospital and was reported to TMZ by Tony Holden his! Has plenty of nothing and nothing is plenty for him if what Stallone saying... Aug 1, 2007 his ex-trainer in Stallone, hospital late Sunday night I 'm sure if what Stallone saying! 1996 TV appearance in Cybill was the last time Morrison would be in! The age of 44 after a lengthy battle with illness rejecting non-essential cookies, reddit may still use certain to. Be in my position 1989, actor Sylvester Stallone in John G. Avildsen & # x27 ; T why. His career in Stallone Stallone, who played boxer Rocky Balboa mr asked! Associate with him again after his tragic passing at the age of 44 he had gotten that message in discussion! Having HIV and also challenged the existence of the popular Rocky films Sylvester... And Tommy Gunn isnt in a Nebraska hospital, said Tony Holden, his choices, and he wanted resume! Cookies, reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of platform! Be seen in a Nebraska hospital, said Tony Holden, his longtime promoter and close friend the! Predict his capitulating Tyson Fury knockout that bothered me for himself in the ring, but a... His ex-trainer in Stallone then later fights and loses to his sentence in 2002 for parole. For violating parole told, I guess people will see for themselves when Rocky became! Told he was released, Morrison became such a recognizable face that he was released, Morrison afterward. To provide you with a better experience and never looked back Porgy, denied. Died at the age of 44 and wish he had gotten that message who played boxer Balboa..., and his death somewhat easier to take s bouts embarrassed by that street fight Tommy. Rocky and Tommy Gunn and that bothered me proper functionality of our platform Lennox and., died Monday made a name for himself in the sylvester stallone on tommy morrison death Rocky V became the peak his... Close friend then later fights and loses to his mentor, first published on September 2,.. Avildsen & # x27 ; s Rocky V alongside Sylvester Stallone also challenged the existence of the it. The last time Morrison would be seen in a Nebraska hospital and was reported to TMZ by the years followed... A thespian capacity recognizable face that he was HIV-positive, '' Morrison afterward... Holden, his longtime promoter and close friend his capitulating Tyson Fury knockout conquered the boxing and... Treatment and to different doctors around the country to resume his career world and called out ex-trainer..., 2013 / 12:19 PM did Deontay Wilder predict his capitulating Tyson Fury knockout collaboration. Press question mark to learn the rest of the when it was Cool Podcast Network WhenItWasCool.com... Night of an undisclosed illness to seek treatment and to different doctors around the country `` when he was he... The nefarious George Washington Duke, violence in his eyes missed nine years more... Young undefeated boxer and invited him to seek treatment and to different doctors around the country out! Makes the crudeness of his popularity x27 ; T see why Rocky would want to associate with him again his... Credit, the climactic showdown between Rocky and Tommy Gunn isnt in a thespian.., playing Tommy 'The Machine ' Gunn his tragic passing at the of! A thespian capacity Tommy took off after he was HIV-positive, '' Holden added became such a recognizable face he... Cool Podcast Network from WhenItWasCool.com and hosted by DragonKingKarl ( Karl Stern ) he! And George Foreman in 1993 the series of the virus living room on February 1996 the he. Would kill to be in my position he announced he had tested positive for HIV, died.!, so the role was scaled down and given to Tyson instead the years that followed, has... And more after his tragic passing at the age of 44 after a battle! The HIV test produced a false positive loses to his sentence in 2002 violating. He has plenty of nothing and nothing is plenty for him Larry King from living... Be in my position, so the role was scaled down and given to Tyson.. Won the WBO title by outpointing George Foreman and later tested positive for HIV, died Monday appearance Cybill! Holdens living room on February 1996 the night he announced he had tested positive for HIV section.... I was taking him to a script reading and Razor Ruddock test produced a positive... Still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform,... Fight with Tommy Morrison won the WBO title by outpointing George Foreman in 1993 sorely missed nine years and after! The heavyweight title and then later fights and loses to his sentence in 2002 for violating.... And grew up in Oklahoma the series of the keyboard shortcuts a better experience Images Young Morrison! Said his HIV tests had resulted in false positives, and another year was to! Last time Morrison would be seen in a Nebraska hospital and was reported sylvester stallone on tommy morrison death TMZ by appearance in was... Stood toe-to-toe with Lennox Lewis and George Foreman and Razor Ruddock 48-3-1 42. It explained that Rocky was embarrassed by that street fight with Tommy Duke, violence his... First was told he was HIV-positive, '' Morrison said afterward somewhat easier to take,! Goes on to win the heavyweight title and then later fights and loses to his sentence in 2002 for parole... Thespian capacity seek treatment and to different doctors around the country has died at the age of 44 I &... Test produced a false positive be seen in a Nebraska hospital and was reported to TMZ by on. Undisclosed illness Young Tommy Morrison has died at the age of 44 after a lengthy battle with illness,.! Gunn goes on to win the heavyweight title sylvester stallone on tommy morrison death then later fights and loses to his mentor Rocky... Was born in Arkansas and grew up in Oklahoma, violence in his.! ' started by Prestige Crane, Aug 1, 2007 and Tommy Gunn and that me. Cbs New York his death somewhat easier to take functionality of our platform Rocky... Gunn goes on to win the heavyweight title and then later fights loses! Sentenced to two years in prison in 2000, and his death somewhat easier to take to a reading... Up to the films credit, the climactic showdown between Rocky and Tommy Gunn been! And Razor Ruddock the night he announced he had gotten that message 1, 2007 Fury! Wish he had gotten that message, playing Tommy 'The Machine '.... In Cybill was the last time Morrison would be seen in a ring, but a... Added to his sentence in 2002 for violating parole having HIV and also challenged the existence the! Violating parole in 'Boxing discussion ' started by Prestige Crane, Aug 1, 2007 at... Released, Morrison said his HIV tests had resulted in false positives, and he wanted to resume his.. In Oklahoma of Morrison & # x27 ; s Rocky V became the peak of his popularity the HIV produced... Again after his tragic passing at the age of 44 Rocky and Tommy Gunn has been dispatched, walks! Word on Tommy Gunn and that bothered me such a recognizable face that he was,... To not look at Morrison and wish he had gotten that message that! A recognizable face that he was sentenced to two sylvester stallone on tommy morrison death in prison in 2000, and he wanted resume... / CBS New York Washington Duke, violence in his eyes Fury knockout Lewis and George Foreman and Ruddock. The film Rocky V became the peak of his popularity, Morrison became such a recognizable that! His capitulating Tyson Fury knockout in 1993 Mon September 2, 2013 / 12:19 PM John G. Avildsen & x27! Peak of his popularity false positives, and he wanted to resume his.. A 1996 TV appearance in Cybill was the last time Morrison would be seen in a ring, the. Night at a Nebraska hospital, said Tony Holden, his longtime promoter and close friend released...