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Boxing is a sport with the power to divide nations, conquer hearts, and capture the imaginations of anyone who has ever felt the adrenaline rush before witnessing a big fight. There have been many participants of the sport, some have been able to shine in the spotlight while others have been mere shooting stars, but every once in a while there's a special individual who earns the respect of fans, as well as the admiration and worship of his countrymen. When a boxer is able to transcend the boundaries of the sport and become a national icon in the process, that boxer is a superstar; a modern day saviour who will bring excitement and hope to everyone who still struggles to make his/her dreams come true.
Erik Morales is that kind of special star. Born in 1976 in Tijuana, Morales was destined to walk the same path to glory walked before by legendary fighters Julio Cesar Chavez and Salvador Sanchez. Morales' first big test came in 1997 when he faced veteran champion, Daniel Zaragoza, for the WBC Super Bantamweight championship. In a grueling, tough fight, Morales stopped Zaragoza with a thunderous right to the body, which gave him his first world championship at age 21. The young champion had arrived to stay.
After that, Morales made eight succesful defenses of his title against some noteworthy opponents like Junior Jones, Juan Carlos Ramirez, and Wayne McCullough. Then came a unification bout with WBO Super Bantamweight champion and nemesis, Marco Antonio Barrera. In a classic, unforgettable bout for the ages, Morales took a controversial split decision to ignite a rivalry that remains one of the hottest in the history of the sport. On February 17, 2001, Morales became a two division champion after capturing the WBC Featherweight title with a decision over tough champion, Guty Espadas Jr. After that, a tough defense against relentless Injin Chi and a close decision loss to Marco Antonio Barrera followed.
In 2004, Morales became a 3 division champion with a points win over former WBC Super Featherweight champion, Jesus Chavez. In that same year, he also captured the IBF belt in a unification bout against Carlos Hernandez. A third bout with Barrera followed and, in a fight of the year war, Morales suffered a close decision loss which cost him his championships. Never one to shy away from challenges, he signed to fight Filipino superstar Manny Pacquiao, who had demolished Barrera and gave Featherweight champion, Juan Manuel Marquez all he could handle and more before escaping with a disputed draw. In a classic that will surely stand the test of time, Morales earned a decision over heavy favorite Pacquiao. Morales had revived his career after his loss to Barrera.
Then, Morales decided to try his luck at 135 and signed to fight slick boxer, Zahir Raheem, in what was perceived as a preparation fight before a rematch with Pacquiao. In a shocking surprise, Raheem easily outpointed Morales, who looked slow and lost as a lightweight. Still, the Pacquiao rematch went on and Pacquiao managed to redeem himself with a 10th round TKO victory over Morales. In a much anticipated rubber match, Pacquiao stopped Morales again and came out on top with a 3rd round TKO. This was the 3rd consecutive loss for Morales.
Losing to a younger, hungrier fighter is not a shame after you have given your everything to the sport you love. Erik Morales has nothing to be ashamed of, as his spot in boxing's Hall of Fame is secured by his undeniable accomplishments. He does not need to worry about his place in history because he made sure he was something special and not just another paper champion. He has carved his name on the wall of those champions who gave every ounce of strenght in their bodies to be great and have the satisfaction of knowing how glory tastes like. Thanks, Erik!
Erik Morales is that kind of special star. Born in 1976 in Tijuana, Morales was destined to walk the same path to glory walked before by legendary fighters Julio Cesar Chavez and Salvador Sanchez. Morales' first big test came in 1997 when he faced veteran champion, Daniel Zaragoza, for the WBC Super Bantamweight championship. In a grueling, tough fight, Morales stopped Zaragoza with a thunderous right to the body, which gave him his first world championship at age 21. The young champion had arrived to stay.
After that, Morales made eight succesful defenses of his title against some noteworthy opponents like Junior Jones, Juan Carlos Ramirez, and Wayne McCullough. Then came a unification bout with WBO Super Bantamweight champion and nemesis, Marco Antonio Barrera. In a classic, unforgettable bout for the ages, Morales took a controversial split decision to ignite a rivalry that remains one of the hottest in the history of the sport. On February 17, 2001, Morales became a two division champion after capturing the WBC Featherweight title with a decision over tough champion, Guty Espadas Jr. After that, a tough defense against relentless Injin Chi and a close decision loss to Marco Antonio Barrera followed.
In 2004, Morales became a 3 division champion with a points win over former WBC Super Featherweight champion, Jesus Chavez. In that same year, he also captured the IBF belt in a unification bout against Carlos Hernandez. A third bout with Barrera followed and, in a fight of the year war, Morales suffered a close decision loss which cost him his championships. Never one to shy away from challenges, he signed to fight Filipino superstar Manny Pacquiao, who had demolished Barrera and gave Featherweight champion, Juan Manuel Marquez all he could handle and more before escaping with a disputed draw. In a classic that will surely stand the test of time, Morales earned a decision over heavy favorite Pacquiao. Morales had revived his career after his loss to Barrera.
Then, Morales decided to try his luck at 135 and signed to fight slick boxer, Zahir Raheem, in what was perceived as a preparation fight before a rematch with Pacquiao. In a shocking surprise, Raheem easily outpointed Morales, who looked slow and lost as a lightweight. Still, the Pacquiao rematch went on and Pacquiao managed to redeem himself with a 10th round TKO victory over Morales. In a much anticipated rubber match, Pacquiao stopped Morales again and came out on top with a 3rd round TKO. This was the 3rd consecutive loss for Morales.
Losing to a younger, hungrier fighter is not a shame after you have given your everything to the sport you love. Erik Morales has nothing to be ashamed of, as his spot in boxing's Hall of Fame is secured by his undeniable accomplishments. He does not need to worry about his place in history because he made sure he was something special and not just another paper champion. He has carved his name on the wall of those champions who gave every ounce of strenght in their bodies to be great and have the satisfaction of knowing how glory tastes like. Thanks, Erik!
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