Tommy Morrison’s struggling sons are at a crossroads after setbacks

As 2021 comes to an end and 2022 comes to a close, Tommy Morrison’s hard-hitting sons have had a year to forget.

World Boxing News has purposefully tracked the progress of 33-year-old Trey Lippe Morrison and 32-year-old Kenzie Witt Morrison over the past eight years.

Both decided to take up professional boxing after the tragic death of their father in September 2013.

At the time of his death, WBN was in constant contact with Tommy as he tried to clear his name of allegations about his HIV status.

Since then, WBN has helped his widow, Trish, continue to fight and get the word out.

It was only recently that Trish filed a legal appeal to have new samples of Tommy’s DNA tested to prove the wrongdoing of many that brought his career to an untimely end.

But this is a completely different story.

Tommy Morrison’s Sons of Boxing

Trey and Kenzi’s path seemed to open at the same time as the pair of step-siblings began knocking out all their opponents since their debuts in 2014.

They fought for the same card several times and had the right to put bums on the spot, just like their father.

Trey went 18-0 with 17 KOs. Kenzie was 20-0-2 with 18 knockouts, many of which came in the first two rounds. They were wrecking machines – who brought up the right way – could go far with the Morrison name.

But between 2021 and 2022, their trajectory changed. Trey was defeated by a shocking knockout against Mike Balogan in 161 seconds.

For his part, Kenzie lost a decision on the Lineage of Greatness II Thriller card last week at Memorial Hall in Kansas City.

Robert Simms won by decision in eight rounds. It was a severe blow to the brothers and their ambitions to follow their father to the top of the division.

Tommy Morrison – The Duke

Tommy won the WBO title, becoming the first Caucasian to do so in a long time. In some parts of the country, it was called “Great White Hope”.

Morrison, who called himself “The Duke,” had the tools to knock anyone out. However, his fearless nature often got him into trouble.

Maybe unlike Trey and Kenzie, Tommy had that extra level that made him special. His sons may need a rethink to compete with the top names in the sport.

Bridgerweight option

There may be a path to the title in the future, but perhaps it should come in bridgeweight. Trey and Kenzie hover around the same 225 to 245 markers and could easily hit the 224 limit for the lower division.

With a significant lack of depth at Bridgeway, a title run cannot be ruled out for either.

Speaking previously to WBN about their career hopes, they had a realistic mindset in the face of setbacks.

“There’s always a little bit of pressure because he’s my father because he was a great boxer,” Lippe Morrison told WBN.

“You know I’m trying to live up to what he was. I know there will always be a little pressure with it. But I have to try to focus on myself in boxing.

“I am different whether I am his son or not. But I will also be a different boxer.

“I’m sure there are things I do that are the same as he does, but they’re also different.

“So I have to focus on myself and create my own style and hopefully through that I will live up to his legacy.”

No regrets

Kenzie said WBN: “Dad was always in our ears about doing sports as a child. But Trey was watching football and I was a basketball player.

“From the age of five or six, I always had a heavy bag. I remember watching my dad fight in person and on TV. You know, it’s kind of who I am.

“I know if I don’t give it my all and at least try, I’ll regret it for the rest of my life. That’s what drives me to go every day,” he added.

Let’s hope they both can bounce back whether they cut the weight or not.

WBN editor Phil Jay has over a decade of experience in boxing news. Follow WBN on Facebook @officialworldboxingnews, Instagram and Twitter @world boxing news.