“Tommy” promises to be compulsive viewing

As part of the hugely enjoyable 30 for 30 series, ESPN will, on September 13, put out a show devoted to late heavyweight puncher and former WBO champ Tommy Morrison. The trailer is available now and going by the teaser this one should be excellent.

Morrison, who sadly passed away at the age of just 44 in 2013, sure crammed a lot into his short life – and not all of it was good. A true American tragedy, Morrison – at one point in time the quintessential blue eyed, blonde haired all American kid – suffered a most rapid fall from grace.

25 years on: Ray Mercer’s brutal KO of Tommy Morrison still disturbs

The fight was dubbed “Test of Courage” and the loser of the heavyweight battle that took place a quarter of a century ago today had to show real courage in even stepping back into a boxing ring after what happened to him in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

Tommy Morrison, unbeaten, heavily hyped and even a movie star, was challenging recently crowned WBO heavyweight champ Ray Mercer in a clash of unbeaten punchers. What followed was nothing short of gruesome.

New claims say Tommy Morrison boxed while HIV positive for seven years

Back in 1996, when heavyweight star and former WBO champion Tommy Morrison was announced to be HIV positive, it stunned the boxing world and fighters who had recently shared a ring with Morrison went out and got themselves tested, just in case. Well, according to a breaking news story from LawNewz, newly discovered court records say Morrison was actually HIV in 1989 – a full seven years earlier.

Remembering Tommy “The Duke” Morrison

CANASTOTA, NY – SEPTEMBER 3, 2013 – The International Boxing Hall of Fame joins the worldwide boxing community in mourning the loss of former WBO heavyweight champion Tommy “The Duke” Morrison, who passed away Sunday (Sept. 1st) in Omaha, Nebraska at age 44.

Tommy “The Duke” Morrison

“Tommy Morrison brought so much excitement and energy to the heavyweight division in the 1990s,” said Hall director Ed Brophy. “We were saddened to learn the news of his passing and we offer our condolences to the entire Morrison family.”

Tommy Morrison passes away

44-year-old former WBO heavyweight champion Tommy “The Duke” Morrison has passed away in Omaha, Nebraska. Morrison died last night with his wife at his side. The cause of death hasn’t been revealed yet. Morrison started in the movie “Rocky V” with actor Sylvester Stallone. One of the top boxers in the late 80s and 90s, Morrison was said to have Gullain-Barre Syndrome, according to his wife Trisha.

Morrison tested positive for HIV back in 1996, which halted his promising boxing career. Morrison would later fight two more times in stopping John Castle in the 2nd round in 2007, and Matt Weishaar in the 3rdnd round in 2008. Morrison didn’t look good in the Weishaar fight, as he was badly out of breath before finally halting him.