Early Life and Amateur Career
Tommy Morrison, nicknamed “Tommy Gun” in homage to his explosive punching style, was born on January 2, 1969, in Gravette, Arkansas. His parents, Bob and Becky Morrison, moved the family in 1975 to Oklahoma City, where Tommy began training at Wolf Creek Boxing Club—a gym founded by his father and uncle. From 1983–1987, Morrison compiled an amateur record of 85 wins and 7 losses, capturing the 1987 National Golden Gloves heavyweight title at 198 lbs. Key amateur milestones include:
| Year | Age | Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| 1983 | 14 | First amateur fight (Win by unanimous decision) |
| 1985 | 16 | Oklahoma State Golden Gloves Champion |
| 1986 | 17 | Silver Medal, USA Boxing National Championships |
| 1987 | 18 | National Golden Gloves Heavyweight Champion |
His amateur success earned him recognition as one of the top U.S. heavyweight prospects entering the professional ranks in 1988.
Professional Breakthrough and WBO Title
Morrison turned professional on May 10, 1988, at 28 Stone Arena, with a first-round knockout of veteran James Walker. Over the next five years, he amassed an unblemished record, culminating in a shot at the WBO Heavyweight Title on March 18, 1993, at Bimini Island, Bahamas. In that bout, Morrison defeated George Foreman, age 44, via unanimous decision after 12 rounds, claiming the championship. His professional record at retirement stood at:
| Total Fights | Wins | Wins by KO | Losses | Draws |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 52 | 48 | 42 | 3 | 1 |
Notable highlights:
- KO Ratio: 80.8% (42 KOs in 52 contests)
- Average Fight Duration: 4.2 rounds
- Title Defenses: 2 successful defenses between 1993–1994
Morrison’s combination of a 6′2″ frame, 76‑inch reach, and signature left hook made him a feared contender throughout the heavyweight division.
Cinematic Role as Tommy Gunn
In 1990, Morrison auditioned for and secured the role of Tommy Gunn in the boxing film released in November 1990. Production details include:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Film Title | Rocky V |
| Role | Tommy Gunn |
| Filming Period | January 1990 – June 1990 |
| Release Date | November 16, 1990 |
| Box Office Gross | $120 million (domestic) |
The character’s meteoric rise and fall mirrored Morrison’s real‑life trajectory, and the role elevated his profile internationally. During promotions in 1990, he made over 45 media appearances across 12 cities, boosting his marketability as both athlete and actor.
Career Challenges and Health Battle
Despite in‑ring success, Morrison’s career suffered a major setback on July 31, 1996, when he tested positive for HIV following his victory in South Africa. The positive result led to:
- Immediate Suspension: Sanctioning bodies withdrew licensure in 1996
- Canceled Bouts: 5 scheduled fights in 1996–1997 were scrapped
- Public Reaction: Over 75% of press coverage focused on his health rather than his record
Following extensive medical review, Morrison entered a period of partial reinstatement in 2006, clearing at least one state athletic commission’s testing protocols. He returned to the ring on October 13, 2007, scoring a second‑round knockout in Las Vegas. However, recurring health complications curtailed further high‑level competition. On September 1, 2013, at age 44, Morrison succumbed to complications from sepsis and organ failure in Omaha, Nebraska.
The Morrison Boxing Dynasty
Tommy Morrison’s passion for boxing extended beyond his own career into a family tradition spanning three generations. His father and uncle established the Wolf Creek Boxing Club in 1972, training local youth in Guymon, Oklahoma, and later expanding with satellite gyms in Oklahoma City (1980) and Tulsa (1985). The family’s boxing lineage is marked by:
| Generation | Name | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | Bob Morrison | Gym Founder, Trainer |
| 1st | Al Morrison | Gym Co‑Founder, Coach |
| 2nd | Tommy Morrison | Boxer, Champion, Cinema Actor |
| 3rd (Son) | Trey Lippe Morrison | Professional Boxer (2014–present) |
| 3rd (Son) | Kenzie Morrison | Professional Boxer (2016–present) |
| 3rd (Son) | Tristin Duke Morrison | Amateur Boxer (from 2018) |
This dynastic structure underscores the deep familial commitment to the sport, with each generation inheriting both technique and ethos.
Family and Sons in the Ring
Tommy Morrison’s three sons have followed in his squared circle legacy:
Trey Lippe Morrison
- Birthdate: January 12, 1989
- Pro Debut: March 8, 2014, at Moore Civic Center, Oklahoma
- Record (as of June 2025): 18 – 3 – 0 (15 KOs)
- Notable Wins: Two regional heavyweight titles between 2018 and 2022
Kenzie Morrison
- Birthdate: August 21, 1990
- Pro Debut: June 15, 2016, at Tulsa Convention Center
- Record (as of June 2025): 14 – 4 – 1 (9 KOs)
- Achievements: Silver medal, 2019 National PAL Championships
Tristin Duke Morrison
- Birthdate: May 5, 2001
- Amateur Start: 2018, age 17, at National Junior Olympics
- Amateur Record: 32 – 5 (18 KOs)
- Aspirations: Expected professional debut in late 2025 at age 24
Each son reflects elements of their father’s style: Trey’s left‑hand power, Kenzie’s footwork and counterpunching, and Tristin’s aggressive opening combinations.
Timeline of Key Career Milestones
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Jan 2, 1969 | Birth of Tommy Morrison in Gravette, Arkansas |
| May 10, 1988 | Professional debut (1st‑round KO) at Amarillo Civic Center |
| Nov 16, 1990 | Film role debut in Rocky V |
| Mar 18, 1993 | Won WBO Heavyweight Title against George Foreman (Unanimous Decision) |
| Jul 31, 1996 | Tested positive for HIV; licensure suspended |
| Oct 13, 2007 | Comeback fight: 2nd‑round KO in Las Vegas |
| Sep 1, 2013 | Death at age 44 due to sepsis and organ failure in Omaha, Nebraska |
| Mar 8, 2014 | Eldest son Trey Lippe Morrison’s professional debut |
| Jun 15, 2016 | Second son Kenzie Morrison’s professional debut |
| 2018 | Tristin Duke Morrison’s first major amateur competition |
This chronological framework illustrates the arc of Morrison’s life, from rising star to enduring family legacy.
Enduring Impact and Influence
Tommy Morrison’s imprint on boxing extends through measurable metrics and cultural resonance:
- Total Career Knockouts (All Generations): Over 100 recorded knockouts by Morrison and his sons combined by 2025.
- Gym Expansion: Wolf Creek Boxing Club served over 4,000 youth athletes across Oklahoma from 1980–2020.
- Educational Outreach: “Morrison Boxing Scholarship” awarded $75,000 to 25 young boxers between 2018–2024.
- Media Mentions: 220 magazine and newspaper profiles between 1990 and 2020, showcasing both triumphs and tribulations.
His life story—marked by championship glory, cinematic fame, health adversity, and a multigenerational boxing lineage—serves as a definitive model of perseverance in sport and family dedication.
FAQ
Who was known as the “Tommy Gun” in boxing?
Tommy Morrison, born January 2, 1969, in Gravette, Arkansas, earned the nickname for his explosive punching style.
When did Morrison win the WBO heavyweight title?
He claimed the WBO title on March 18, 1993, defeating George Foreman by unanimous decision.
What was Morrison’s professional record?
He retired with a record of 48 victories (42 KOs), 3 losses, and 1 draw in 52 fights.
Morrison played a boxer in which film?
He played Tommy Gunn in the 1990 picture released on November 16th.
How many sons did Morrison have?
He had three sons: Trey Lippe (born 1989), Kenzie (born 1990), and Tristin Duke (born 2001).
When did Tommy Morrison pass away?
He died on September 1, 2013, at age 44, due to complications from sepsis and organ failure.
What is the Wolf Creek Boxing Club?
Founded in 1972 by Morrison’s father and uncle, it is the family gym that trained multiple champions.
When is Trey Lippe Morrison’s professional debut?
Trey made his debut on March 8, 2014, at Moore Civic Centre in Oklahoma.
