The Erik Morales vs. Juan Manuel Marquez Debate

[JaguaresMx]

some underrating Morales' skills

Morales was actually too naturally skilled for his own good (didn't bother to work on the little things like Marquez). Bloated Morales nearly beat Maidana and Garcia. His feigns are legendary, but so are JMM combos

I love both of them to death. JMM has had a longer career. However, on their best night, there is NO WAY IN HELL Terrible doesn't drop JMM a couple of times. I don't see JMM dropping Erik. His length, chin, feigns, heart were something to behold.

Two of my favorite ever. In their prime, Morales beats JMM. I want to make clear they are both my children, however.

[-Hyperion-]

Marquez has defense, what he doesn't have is a lot of head movement or rather, he leaves his head and body squred up and centered 90% of the time, that's why his face/chin suffers a lot of damage....he relies on his hands to parry a bit, his counterpunches to stop the opponent on his tracks or misdirect the punch and when he is more defensive, he moves his waist and body up and down very well to avoid shots, but he leaves his head centered and forward and if you avoid his defenses, his head eats the full shot. It's a price he's willing to pay too, because he's always focused on throwing back after. But yeah stylistically that doesn't play right with a skilled fighter looking to touch him and get out...Pacquiao overcommited even when boxing and usually just throws 1-2's, that's why their third fight is one of JMM's best defensive displays.

[Redd Foxx]

With legends like these I don't really think in terms of one being "better". Yea, maybe Marquez was technically better but Morales was more entertaining. They both fall under the category of "Badass Mexican Legends".

[fanofslug]

At their prime Morales beats the snot out of JMM. He'd have trouble though against the later Hulkquez, but it wouldn't be easy.

[-Antonio-]

Barrera fought in even terms with JMM for 80% of the fight. If Nady calls the KD and MAB doesn't get so reckless we are talking about a 1 pt. Fight most likely for JMM but could be either way. That was a Barrwra who was less game at that stage than Marquez. That considered I think Morales could definitely win.

[b00g13man]

Marquez
Morales
Can't decide

[LetOutTheCage]

1.Morales
2.Morales
3.I think Morales just edges it.

Man this would be one of my dream fights, my two favorite Mexican fighters in back and forth war. I wish this fight and the Morales vs Hamed fight had happened.

[NUCLEAR]

I'd choose morales over marquez prime for prime.

[Dr Rumack]

It's been a long time since this once repetitive topic has been discussed. Basically, this is a 3 part question:


1. Who is the more complete well rounded fighter and why?

2. Who has the better resume and accomplishments and why?

3. Who would have won the head to head match-up at or near their primes and why?


I'll think about it and give my thoughts later.

1. Certainly Morales. On several occasions JMM looked poor and ineffective in fights where his opponent didn't initiate all the action. Morales could do it all, he could lead or counterpunch, box or brawl, fight slow or fight fast. Fat and bloated he still made Maidana and Garcia look foolish a lot of the time. His body was failing but his mind was levels above.

2. Harder to call. But Morales achieved a lot before JMM or Pac even arrived on the scene. That was his peak and it tends to be forgotten. JMM, outside of Pac, has a very good record but not a great one. Starching Pac balances the scales I guess.

3. Morales I think. Barrera was well over the hill and gave JMM a hell of a fight in 2007. With Erik's boxing ability, length, chin, and power I reckon he has an answer for most of the questions JMM will ask him. Fundamentally, I don't see Marquez outfighting him, and I don't believe he would outbox him either.

[ramses07]

marquez is the better fighter head to head

most people only know marquez from 130 lbs + where he looked mad slow

look at how he fast and explosive he was at 127, dude was a freak of nature at that weight

morales never really impressed me tbh, but ppl just like his style of fighting

barrera is better than morales