Tommy “The Duke” Morrison. Photo: MMA News
Former heavyweight boxing champion Tommy Morrison has died at the age of 44. The news has been confirmed by his wife Trisha following “The Duke’s” declining health over the past year due to a courageous battle with Miller Fisher Syndrome/Guillain Barre Syndrome.
According to “The Duchess”, Morrison passed away at 11:50 pm on September 1. The cause of death was respiratory and metabolic acidosis and multiple organ failure. Funeral arrangements have not yet been made.
Born on January 2, 1969, Morrison began fighting in- and winning- Tough Man contests at the age of 13 and would become the Kansas City Golden Gloves Boxing Champion before turning professional in 1988.
In a whirlwind career, he awed crowds with astonishing knockouts and in 1989, he went 19-0 with 15 KO’s.
His career defining moments included outpointing George Foreman for the WBO title on July 6th, 1993, knocking out Razor Ruddock for the IBA title on October 6th, 1995, and notable victories over Joe Hipp, Carl Williams, Art Tucker, Pinklon Thomas, and James Tillis. He finished with a career mark of 48-3-1 with 42 knockouts.
He is well known for his role as Tommy Gunn in Rocky 5, but also made appearances on the TV show Cybill and in John Carpenter’s They Live, as well as numerous documentaries and sport productions.
Heaven added another angel through its gates tonight, a reflection of the charitable work and good-will that Morrison displayed throughout his life. A hard hitter with a sinister left hook in the ring, Morrison was just as much of a warrior in his everyday life and struggles. – MMA News
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