(Canastota, NY – Sept. 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. 1) in Omaha, Neb. at age 44.
“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.”
Morrison turned professional in 1988 and with explosive knockout power, especially in his left hook, registered wins over James “Quick” Tillis (TKO 1), Pinklon Thomas (TKO 1), Joe Hipp (TKO 9), Carl Williams (TKO 8) and Razor Ruddock (TKO 6). In 1993 he defeated Hall of Famer George Foreman (W 12) for the WBO heavyweight title. His career record stands at 48-3-1 (42 KOs). Outside of the ring he gained additional fame starring opposite Sylvester Stallone as “Tommy Gunn” in Rocky V.
Morrison was a frequent visitor to Canastota for the annual Hall of Fame Weekend.
“’The Duke’ was extremely popular and whenever he came to the Hall fans loved the opportunity to be around him,” said Brophy. “And Tommy was very gracious with his fans, always happy to talk about his career, sign an autograph or pose for a photo.”