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Tommy Morrison

Tommy David Morrison was an American professional heavyweight boxer and actor.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Tommy David Morrison was an American professional heavyweight boxer and actor. He held the WBO heavyweight title in 1993 and became widely known for playing Tommy Gunn in *Rocky V*. His boxing career ended after he tested positive for HIV in 1996, and he died in 2013.

Early life and amateur career

Morrison was born on January 2, 1969, in Gravette, Arkansas, and grew up in Oklahoma. He compiled a successful amateur boxing record before turning professional in 1988.

Professional boxing career

Morrison built a reputation as a hard-hitting heavyweight and won the WBO heavyweight title in 1993 after defeating George Foreman. He finished his career with a record of 48 wins, 3 losses, and 1 draw, including 42 knockouts.

Acting and public image

Morrison gained broader recognition for portraying Tommy Gunn in *Rocky V* in 1990. The role made him a recognizable figure beyond boxing.

HIV diagnosis and retirement

In 1996, Morrison tested positive for HIV and was suspended from boxing. He later made a brief comeback, but his career never fully returned to its earlier level.

Death and legacy

Morrison died in Omaha, Nebraska, on September 1, 2013, at age 44. He is remembered as an explosive heavyweight whose career combined major achievements with controversy.

Key facts

  • Born in Gravette, Arkansas, and raised in Oklahoma.
  • Won the WBO heavyweight title in 1993 by defeating George Foreman.
  • Gained fame for playing Tommy Gunn in *Rocky V*.
  • Tested positive for HIV in 1996, ending his top-level career.
  • Died in 2013 at age 44.

Frequently asked questions

Who was Tommy Morrison?
Tommy Morrison was an American heavyweight boxer and actor best known for winning the WBO heavyweight title in 1993 and for his role in *Rocky V*.
What was Tommy Morrison’s boxing record?
His commonly reported professional record was 48 wins, 3 losses, and 1 draw, with 42 knockouts.
What title did Tommy Morrison win?
He won the WBO heavyweight championship in 1993 by defeating George Foreman.
Why did Tommy Morrison stop boxing?
He tested positive for HIV in 1996, which led to his suspension and the end of his top-level boxing career.
What role did he play in *Rocky V*?
He played Tommy Gunn, an aspiring heavyweight boxer.

References

  1. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tommy_Morrison
    Supports: Birth name, career dates, boxing record, and general biography.
  2. ESPNhttps://www.espn.com/boxing/story/_/id/9626860/ex-heavyweight-champ-tommy-morrison-dies-44
    Supports: Death age, professional record, and background.
  3. The Guardianhttps://www.theguardian.com/sport/2013/sep/11/tommy-morrison
    Supports: WBO title win, career record, and brief comeback.
  4. IMDbhttps://www.imdb.com/name/nm0607338/bio/
    Supports: Birth and death details, acting role, and HIV-related career interruption.
  5. The Encyclopedia of Oklahoma History and Culturehttps://www.okhistory.org/publications/enc/entry?entry=MO034
    Supports: Oklahoma upbringing and heavyweight boxing significance.