The Duke

Before succumbing to H.I.V. in 2013, heavyweight world champion Tommy ¿The Duke¿ Morrison was one of the most charismatic figures in modern boxing. His starring role in Rocky V was widely-heralded as a potential launching pad for a promising Hollywood career.Morrison denied having H.I.V. and fought to resume his boxing career, causing substantial press coverage. His bizarre behavior, including having soccer shin guards implanted in his chest, was widely covered. An Oklahoma legend, Morrison, characterized during his career as a ¿Great White Hope,¿ continues to have a large fan base across the Midwest.