Source: Wikimedia

Sad news hit boxing enthusiasts and movie fans on Monday upon the report that former heavyweight champion boxer as well as actor Tommy Morrison died on Sunday night. He was only 44.

According to TMZ, Morrison spent months on the hospital because of an illness. He died in a hospital in Nebraska. His wife was with him all throughout the ordeal.

Morrison achieved 48-3-1 in his professional boxing career. His career peaked prior to 1996 but came to a halt when he tested positive for HIV. Because of this condition, he was suspended by the Nevada Athletic Commission for all boxing events. His fighting career came to a grounding halt with no possible chance of recurring. But that was only until 2007.

On 2007, he asked for his career back, claiming he was now free of all traces of HIV. He also denied the existence of previous reports. He underwent various tests in the same year, and all the tests proved him a clean man. On to the ring he went again.

Two fights showed he has not lost his passion and luster. He was given the chance to fight two bouts and he won both. He did not became known as the knockout artist for nothing. In 49 of his victories in the duration of his boxing career, he won 44 of these in knockout.

Morrison is best noted as a pro in 1993, when he won over Geerge Foreman and achieved the WBO heavyweight title. His records were improved to 37-1 at that time. His professional loss was recorded in 1991, losing over Ray Mercer. In 1996, he also lost to Lennox Lewis, who was considered the best in his division during that decade.

Aside from his colourful boxing career, Morrison also played Tommy Gunn in Rocky V. He was casted alongside Sylvester Stallone, which gained him legions of fans outside the boxing arena as well.

.According to MMA Dirt, the cause of Morrison's death was the Miller Fisher Syndrome or Guillian Barre Syndrome. His death was triggered by respiratory and metabolic acidosis and multiple organ failure.

This is indeed sad news. Our prayers for his family and friends in this trying period.