Tommy Morrison should have a book written about his life. I don’t know if I’d read it, but it should probably be written. His nickname in the boxing ring is The Duke. And even this aspect of his life isn’t without controversy. The name comes from the disputed claims that he is the grandnephew of cowboy star John Wayne. I haven’t researched it so I couldn’t say. Then there’s the HIV issue. Morrison, who has an impressive record as a heavyweight boxer with 49 wins, 3 losses, was suspended from boxing when it was revealed that he tested positive for HIV. Whereas, some dispute his connection to John Wayne, Morrison disputes that he has HIV.
And we’ll discount the numerous arrests for assault, weapon, intoxication, and drug offenses and just stick with what he know. Tommy Morrison was a mean badass in Rocky V. This was really my only interest in the guy. He started off as a nice boxer and soon became the one you love to hate as he went up against Rocky Balboa. Apparently Morrison also broke the jaw and eye socket of a couple of stunt men on the set as well, but we’ll not talk about that either.
When I met him at the April 30, 2011, Chiller Theature show in Parsippany, New Jersey, he was the perfect gentleman. He didn’t look outstanding and I’m not sure if he was still a heavyweight, but he was very quite friendly for sure, offering up a free photo with him after I paid the $20 for the signed photo from, you guessed it, Rocky V.
Celebrities of the Spring 2011 Chiller Theatre Show will continue…
interesting cat, that Tommy Mo.
Eric Hubble
September 4th, 2011