Just before Morrison’s death, writer Dave Zirin defended Rocky V on Grantland’s BS Report, arguing it was the second best Rocky film and that the final fight was the ultimate of the series. Better than Rocky losing in the ring but winning Adrian’s heart, better than the rematch, that time Rocky punched out racism, or when he ended the Cold War against Drago in Moscow.
I’m not sure I’d go that far, but it’s better and more visceral than I remember. The night he lost to Balboa was still more important to Morrion’s legacy than his 1993 Title win against George Foreman. No one remembers that fight, nor who took the title from Morrisson a few months later, and few people probably know who holds the belt now. That loss against the fictitious Balboa is what cemented Morrison forever.
Rest in peace, Tommy Gunn.
Read more: Rest in Peace, Heavyweight Champion Tommy “Machine Gunn” Morrison – Esquire