Which real boxer plays Tommy Gunn in Rocky V?

Tommy Morrison plays Tommy Gunn in Rocky V.

Morrison was a real professional heavyweight boxer, not simply an actor cast to look convincing in the ring. Sylvester Stallone saw him box, arranged a screen test, and cast him as Tommy “The Machine” Gunn, a talented young fighter whom Rocky Balboa trains after retiring.

The film, released in 1990, follows Gunn’s rise from underdog prospect to heavyweight champion—and his eventual break with Rocky after choosing promoter George Washington Duke. Morrison’s boxing background made the fight scenes unusually credible, although Gunn is a fictional character.

A common mix-up is confusing Morrison with the famous boxers listed as alternatives. Morrison later won the WBO heavyweight title in 1993, while Riddick Bowe, Evander Holyfield, and Mike Tyson did not play Tommy Gunn.