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The downfall of Rocky's most vilified opponent: Tommy Morrison shot to fame in Stallone's Rocky V but shock HIV diagnosis aged 27 sparked downward spiral - before boxer's tragic death 'from AIDS' at just 44
Tommy Morrison is forever immortalized as voracious young boxer Tommy 'The Machine' Gunn - who turned on his mentor Rocky Balboa for a shot at the title in 1990 flop, Rocky V.
But, seduced by a heady mix of fame, partying, women and money, the former heavyweight champion of the world began a downward spiral - beginning with his shock diagnosis with HIV at age 27 which brought the curtain down on his bright boxing career. Fighting in a boxing era littered with history's greatest, including Mike Tyson, Lennox Lewis and George Foreman - Tommy - nicknamed 'The Duke' - became known for his punching power and - like Rocky - being a 'South Paw' with his strong left hook. In February 1996 a tearful Morrison called a press conference to announce his retirement from boxing after his positive HIV diagnosis - following a near eight-year professional career boasting many highs and stinging lows
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