Erik Morales

Last updated

Erik Morales
Erik Morales.jpg
Morales in 2011
Born
Erik Isaac Morales Elvira

(1976-09-01) September 1, 1976 (age 47)
Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico
Other namesEl Terrible ("The Terrible")
Statistics
Weight(s)
Height5 ft 8 in (173 cm) [1]
Reach72 in (183 cm) [1]
Stance Orthodox
Boxing record
Total fights61
Wins52
Wins by KO36
Losses9

Erik Isaac Morales Elvira (born September 1, 1976) is a Mexican former professional boxer who competed from 1993 to 2012. He is the first Mexico-born boxer in history to win world championships in four weight classes, ranging from super bantamweight to light welterweight.

Contents

Morales defeated fifteen world champions during the course of his career, and is famous for his trilogies with fellow Mexican legend Marco Antonio Barrera, as well as Manny Pacquiao. ESPN ranked Morales at number 49 on their list of the 50 greatest boxers of all time. [2]

Morales was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in June 2018. [3]

Career history

Early career

Erik Morales was born in the Zona Norte section of Tijuana. Under the tutelage of his father, José Morales, a fighter himself, Erik started boxing at the age of five and amassed a very impressive amateur career that totaled 114 fights (108–6), winning 11 major titles in Mexico in the process. Morales made his professional debut at the age of 16 by knocking out Jose Orejel in two rounds. Between 1993 and 1997, he quickly climbed the ranks in the super bantamweight division, winning 26 fights, 20 by knockout, including wins against former champions Kenny Mitchell and Hector Acero Sánchez, before challenging for his first world title. It was during this time that he signed with promoter Bob Arum.

Super bantamweight

Morales vs. Zaragoza

On September 6, 1997, in El Paso, Texas, at the age of 21, he won his first world title by stopping WBC Super Bantamweight Champion and now member of the International Boxing Hall of Fame, Daniel Zaragoza, via knockout in eleven rounds.

In his first defense, Morales defeated John Lowey (24–2) by knockout in the seventh round. In his next fight, he defeated Remigio Molina (31–1) by knockout in the 6th round. On May 16, 1998, he defeated former champion Jose Luis Bueno via knockout in the second round.

Morales vs. Jones

In September 1998, in another landmark fight, Morales knocked out former two-weight world champion Junior Jones of the United States. Jones went into the battle with a daunting record against Mexican fighters of 35 victories and no losses, most notably including two victories over the previous champion, Marco Antonio Barrera, in 1996 and 1997. Also noteworthy was that Jones was entering México for the first time to fight, and the fight was held at Tijuana. The fight went on to three contested rounds, before Morales knocked out Jones with two consecutive overhead right crosses in the fourth round.

In October 1999, Morales fought and defeated former WBC Bantamweight Champion Wayne McCullough of Northern Ireland, saying that McCullough gave him one of the three toughest fights of his career.

Morales vs. Barrera I

In February 2000, Morales defeated Marco Antonio Barrera to win the WBO Super Bantamweight title, in a fight that is now considered one of boxing's classics. Morales won the fight by a controversial split decision. It was an intense battle in which both fighters were cut and battered. Many people thought Barrera had won the fight on a knockdown that he scored in the twelfth and final round. After the fight, Morales said, "He was a brave fighter, and we both gave it all we had. We were both hurt during the fight. He was the biggest puncher I ever faced in the ring." The Ring named it the Fight of the Year.

Featherweight

After nine successful title defenses, Morales chose to vacate his WBC Super Bantamweight title to move up to featherweight division. In his second fight at this weight, he fought 33-year-old former world champion Kevin Kelley, in September 2000. Kelley was knocked down in the fifth and seventh rounds, he was finally trapped in the latter round by a flurry of five consecutive uppercuts from Morales. Supported only by the ropes, a sixth uppercut landed, and the fight was stopped. Morales became the Interim WBC Featherweight Champion.

Morales vs. Espadas Jr.

Morales fought again in 2000, knocking out Rodney Jones in the first round. In February 2001, he fought Guty Espadas Jr., the WBC Featherweight title holder with a thirteen fight winning streak, and whose father, Guty Espadas, Sr., was also a world champion boxer. Morales won a close twelve-round decision to claim his third world title in his second weight division. Although Morales was highly rated in the featherweight division, Naseem Hamed was seen as the Lineal Champion of the division.

In July 2001, Morales defeated future champion In Jin Chi of South Korea and retained his title. Chi gave a strong effort, but Morales was the sharper, harder puncher and outworked him for much of the fight. Morales was cut and swollen over the left eye in the sixth round by an accidental clash of heads and Chi was penalized one point in the tenth round. [4]

Morales vs. Barrera II

Morales then tasted defeat for the first time in his 42nd professional fight when he lost (this time) a controversial majority decision and his WBC title against Lineal Champion, Marco Antonio Barrera in June 2002, in a re-match of their February 2000 fight. Morales constantly pressed forward and dominated much of the first half of the fight (clearly winning at least 4 of the first 6 rounds). He was cut on the bridge of the nose in the 2nd round, and cut and swollen over his right eye in the 8th. However, he punched Barrera to the canvas during the middle rounds but this was called a slip. Barrera fought cautiously in the early rounds, but rallied as the fight progressed, although Morales seemed to narrowly win rounds 10 and 11, which when including his dominance in the first half of the fight, seemed to seal him the close victory on the score-cards. HBO's unofficial ring-side scorer: Harold Lederman, scored the fight 115–113 (7 rounds to 5) for Morales.

Morales bounced back with a dominating twelve-round decision victory over former world champion, Paulie Ayala in November 2002 to regain the vacant WBC Featherweight title. The early rounds were close, but Morales started to dominate in the middle rounds, consistently landing the harder punches and Ayala's left eye began to swell. He slowed his pace in the late rounds and Ayala rallied, but Morales rocked him with a series of punches in the 12th round. [5]

Morales defeated Eddie Croft in March 2003. He scored three knockdowns and stopped Croft in the 3rd round. All the fighters on the card donated their purses to "Vamos Mexico," a children's charity headed by Marta Sahagun, wife of Mexican president Vicente Fox. [6]

Morales defeated Fernando Velardez later that year. He knocked down Velardez in the 1st, 4th and 5th rounds when the fight was stopped without a count. In October 2003, Morales defeated Guty Espadas Jr. in a rematch of their first close fight. This time Morales knocked him out in three rounds. [7]

Super featherweight

Morales vs. Chávez

Morales vacated his WBC Featherweight title and moved up to the super featherweight division. On February 28, 2004, Morales captured the WBC Super Featherweight title by unanimous decision over Jesús Chávez. Morales twice knocked down Chávez, which Floyd Mayweather Jr. had been unable to do. Morales was rocked midway through the 1st round, but he came back to score two knockdowns in the 2nd round and managed to cut Chavez over the left eye. Chavez injured his right shoulder early in the fight and threw very few right hands, but still fought aggressively for the rest of the fight with his jab and left hooks which cut Morales over the eye in the 4th round. With the victory he became the second Mexican boxer to win a title at three separate weight divisions, the first being the acclaimed Julio César Chávez.

On July 31, 2004, Morales unified his WBC Super Featherweight title with the IBF version by way of a twelve-round unanimous decision over Carlos Hernández. Hernández constantly pressed forward, but Morales boxed effectively consistently landing the harder, more accurate punches that rocked Hernández several times. [8]

Morales vs. Barrera III

On November 27, 2004, Morales fought Barrera for the third time in a bout for the WBC Super Featherweight title. Their highly anticipated third battle drew a capacity crowd of over 11,000. Barrera started fast and rocked Morales late in the first round and bloodied his nose in the second. Morales came back strongly in the second half of the fight and won four of the last six rounds on two judges' scorecards. However, the judges scored the bout 114–114, 114–115, 113–115 in favor of Barrera, in what was justifiably a very, very close, but non-controversial and justifiable win for Barrera. Their third meeting was once again named The Ring Fight of the Year.

Morales vs. Pacquiao I

On March 19, 2005, as a betting underdog, Morales defeated then three-division world champion Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao, by a unanimous decision. During the 12th round, Morales, comfortably ahead on the scorecards, decided to brawl with the Filipino slugger, even turning southpaw during the process. In a post fight interview, HBO broadcaster Larry Merchant, asked Morales, "Why?" Morales replied by asking a question of his own, "Did you enjoy it? That's why."

Later that night, at the post-fight press conference, Erik further explained his reasoning for brawling with the Filipino slugger; "It was a great pleasure to fight this way. I think I was controlling the fight with my distance. Sometimes I need to put a little flavor into the ring. My promoter always says that I make the fights very difficult, but they're not difficult, they're fun for the public. I decided to stop myself in front of him in the twelfth round because I wanted to give the public what they deserve. It was a great round. I'm very happy about it." [9]

Lightweight

Morales vs. Raheem

On September 10, 2005, Erik Morales moved up to the lightweight division and was defeated by unanimous decision by Zahir Raheem. Raheem frustrated Morales with constant lateral movement. Raheem rocked Morales in the 5th round and built a lead on the scorecards, but Morales rallied in the 11th round and staggered him with a right hand as Raheem's glove touched the canvas, but it was not scored a knockdown by referee Jon Schorle. [10] The final scores were 118–110, 116–112 and 115–112 in favor of Raheem.

Return to Super featherweight

Morales vs. Pacquiao II & III

On January 22, 2006, Morales fought Pacquiao in a rematch from their bout ten months before and was defeated in ten rounds. Pacquiao knocked down Morales twice in the final seconds of round ten and the fight was stopped.

He fought Pacquiao for the third time in a non-championship title bout, on November 18, 2006. Morales was defeated by a knockout in three rounds. After the fight, Morales said "Maybe it's time I should no longer be doing this." He sat speechless in his corner for five minutes afterward. "I did everything in camp necessary to win this fight. I didn't win it. It wasn't my night...it just wasn't meant to be." [11] Asked by Larry Merchant whether he would retire from boxing, Morales offered, "Maybe this is the way to end it. It's a beautiful night, and there's a lot of good people (here in the audience)...it was always a pleasure to give the public great fights."

Return to Lightweight

Morales moved up to the lightweight division in search of a possible fourth WBC title. During a holiday visit to the Philippines in January 2007, Morales told a local newspaper that he was fighting again but declined to name his next opponent. He stated that he had unfinished business in the boxing ring and was determined to regain recognition as a world champion. He also expressed his desire to become the first Mexican fighter to win four WBC titles in different divisions and surpass Julio César Chávez's record by campaigning at the lightweight class of 135 lb (61 kg). [12]

Morales vs. Díaz

On August 4, 2007, Morales fought David Díaz for the WBC Lightweight title and lost a close unanimous decision at the Allstate Arena. Judges Herminio, Cuevas Collazo and Robert Hecko both scored Round 1, 10–9 Morales, even though Morales knocked down Díaz in that round. Collazo then went on to score Round 2, 10–8 for Diaz, when not only did a knockdown not occur, but the two other judges saw it as a Morales round. The final scores read 114–113 (Collazo), 115–113 (Hecko) and 115–112 (Uratani), all in favor of Díaz. It was Morales' fifth loss in his last six bouts. During the post-fight press conference, Morales announced his retirement from boxing. [13]

Comeback

Morales vs. Lorenzo, 2010 Morales vs Lorenzo.jpg
Morales vs. Lorenzo, 2010

In various interviews conducted in 2009, Morales began to state that he would fight again in late 2009 to early 2010, after he gave his body enough time to rest. Morales also stated that he would continue to fight as a lightweight. [14]

His first comeback fight was then set for México in early 2010, against ranked Nicaraguan welterweight contender José Alfaro.

Light welterweight

Morales vs. Maidana

On April 9, 2011, the MGM Grand Garden Arena hosted HBO Pay Per View's "Action Heroes." The main event featured Erik Morales fighting against Marcos Rene Maidana.

Many boxing pundits felt that an aging Morales, fighting a couple of divisions above his best weight, stood little chance against the hard hitting Maidana. However, Morales turned back the clock and gave his best performance since beating Pacquiao. The opening bell saw Maidana jump on the older Morales. Morales' eye was badly swollen in the first round by a series of hard shots, especially a devastating uppercut, and it looked like the rout was on. However, Morales held his own through the next few rounds before rallying in the 8th–10th rounds. Although Maidana was using combos to hurt "El Terrible," Morales started turning the tide mid-fight, throwing very heavy counter-punches and almost knocking Maidana down. However, just when the fight seemed within Morales' grasp, Maidana took over by throwing combos, giving him the final rounds of the fight. Morales put up a valiant effort, performed better than anyone thought possible, won the crowd over and gave the boxing public another "Fight of the Year" candidate. However, it just wasn't enough. In the end, Maidana's youth and Morales' age and mileage were just too much to overcome, and Maidana eked out a majority decision victory with scores of 114–114 and 116–112 twice.

Morales vs. Cano

Morales was due to fight WBO Inter-Continental Light Welterweight Champion Lucas Matthysse as an undercard to the Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs. Victor Ortiz bout. Matthysse pulled out of the bout, citing a viral infection.

On September 17, 2011, Morales won the WBC Light Welterweight Championship with a win over un-rated Pablo César Cano. The title had been vacant after previous champion Timothy Bradley's status had contentiously been changed to Champ in Recess due to inactivity. Many including experts and commentators saw the title won by Morales as a paper championship. Following Morales' win, he would be rated No.7 on Ring Magazine's light welterweight ratings, with all other title holders and highly rated contenders ranked above him. Morales is the inaugural Mexico-born boxer to win world titles in four different weight classes.

Morales vs. Garcia I & II

Morales celebrating with the WBC Silver title, 2010 Erik Morales 2010.jpg
Morales celebrating with the WBC Silver title, 2010

On March 24, 2012, Morales faced 23-year-old Danny García (22–0 14 KO's) in another chapter of the storied "Puerto Rico vs. Mexico" boxing rivalry. García entered the contest following victories over former titleholders Nate Campbell and Kendall Holt. However, Morales attended the weigh-in over two pounds above the light welterweight limit. He remained champion until the fight, but only García could win the belt by defeating him, as a Morales win would vacate it. Morales lost by unanimous decision.

Morales fought on October 20, 2012, on a rematch with now The Ring, WBC & WBA (Super) Light Welterweight Champion Danny Garcia. He was knocked out by Danny Garcia in the 4th round, the fight was aired on Showtime Boxing. Here is how FOX Sports described how Danny Garcia knocked out Erik Morales:

"Morales is dancing in the opening seconds but is that because he's got a second wind or because he still doesn't know where he is. He did head to the wrong corner at the end of the last round.

This is a bad omen folks. Garcia is tapping Morales' guard with his left hand, literally telling Morales where the next shot is going to come. After four taps, Morales decides it's time to get aggressive. Bad move. Garcia blasts Morales with a left hook that launches Morales through the ropes. You can see it in Morales' eyes, he's not getting back up. KO for Garcia."

Doping allegations

Prior to Morales-Garcia rematch on October 20, 2012, United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) conducted two random drug tests (Oct 3 and 10, 2012). Morales was tested positive for use of the banned substance Clenbuterol, a weight-loss drug, it reduces fat deposits and is believed to increase muscle mass. Although the New York State Athletic Commission was notified 24 hours in advance of the Garcia-Morales bout regarding Morales’ positive drug test results, the legal process was still ongoing. The NYSAC allowed the fight to proceed. [15] [16]

Retirement

In March 2013, Morales revealed plans to fight at least once more. “The idea is to make a nice party for the farewell of my career,” he said. “I’ve had a 20-year career. “(The party is) not only for me, but for the people who stood by me – my father, my mother, my brothers, the fans, the press, especially the coaches, trainers, doctors, sparring partners and all of those who helped prepare me and demanded me to be better every day. But mostly, my children and my wife, who often had to endure my absence for long periods of time. This is not just for me, but for everyone involved in my career,” Morales said. [16] In June 2014, Morales officially announced his retirement forgoing a farewell fight. [17]

Rape allegations

On January 9, 2024, it was announced that a 54-year-old woman alleged that Morales sexually abused and harassed her in June 2013 at Morales' gym, "Box Platino" in Tijuana. [18]

Outside the ring

Morales was trained and managed by his father José Morales and was promoted by Bob Arum and Top Rank. His brothers are Iván Morales and former WBO Super Flyweight Champion Diego Morales. Erik has four children.

Erik Morales currently spends his time managing a $3.5 million budget running the parks and recreation department in Tijuana. Morales donates his salary back to the department to further help fund it. Morales was quoted as saying, "This is just a way for me to be able to thank the people who have been so good to me all my life." [19]

On May 30, 2015, Morales agreed to train former light welterweight champion Jessie Vargas for his then-upcoming fight with Timothy Bradley. Morales replaced world champion Roy Jones Jr. as the head trainer Vargas's corner. [20]

It was announced on December 1, 2021, that one of Morales' sons, 23-year-old Fernando, had died. Fernando's cause of death was not immediately known. [21]

Political career

In July 2018, Morales won a seat at the Chamber of Deputies (Mexican Congress) for Baja California. [22] He currently serves in the legislative body's committee on sports.

Professional boxing record

61 fights52 wins9 losses
By knockout363
By decision166
No.ResultRecordOpponentTypeRound, timeDateLocationNotes
61Loss52–9 Danny García KO4 (12), 1:23Oct 20, 2012 Barclays Center, New York City, New York, U.S.For WBA (Super), WBC, and The Ring light welterweight titles
60Loss52–8 Danny García UD12Mar 24, 2012 Reliant Arena, Houston, Texas, U.S.
59Win52–7 Pablo César Cano RTD10 (12), 3:00 Sep 17, 2011 MGM Grand Garden Arena, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.Won vacant WBC light welterweight title
58Loss51–7 Marcos Maidana MD12 Apr 9, 2011 MGM Grand Garden Arena, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.For WBA interim light welterweight title
57Win51–6 Francisco Lorenzo UD12Dec 18, 2010 Agua Caliente Racetrack, Tijuana, MexicoRetained WBC Silver light welterweight title
56Win50–6 Willie Limond KO6 (12), 2:46Sep 11, 2010 Plaza Mexico, Mexico City, MexicoWon vacant WBC Silver light welterweight title
55Win49–6 José Alfaro UD12Mar 27, 2010 Arena Monterrey, Monterrey, MexicoWon WBC International welterweight title
54Loss48–6 David Díaz UD12Aug 4, 2007 Allstate Arena, Rosemont, Illinois, U.S.For WBC lightweight title
53Loss48–5 Manny Pacquiao KO3 (12), 2:57 Nov 18, 2006 Thomas & Mack Center, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.For WBC International super featherweight title
52Loss48–4 Manny Pacquiao TKO10 (12), 2:33 Jan 21, 2006 Thomas & Mack Center, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.For WBC International super featherweight title
51Loss48–3 Zahir Raheem UD12Sep 10, 2005Staples Center, Los Angeles, California, U.S.For vacant WBC International lightweight title
50Win48–2 Manny Pacquiao UD12 Mar 19, 2005 MGM Grand Garden Arena, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.Won vacant IBA and WBC International super featherweight titles
49Loss47–2 Marco Antonio Barrera MD12 Nov 27, 2004 MGM Grand Garden Arena, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.Lost WBC super featherweight title
48Win47–1 Carlos Hernández UD12Jul 31, 2004MGM Grand Garden Arena, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.Retained WBC super featherweight title;
Won IBF super featherweight title
47Win46–1 Jesús Chávez UD12Feb 28, 2004MGM Grand Garden Arena, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.Won WBC super featherweight title
46Win45–1 Guty Espadas Jr. KO3 (12), 2:58Oct 4, 2003Staples Center, Los Angeles, California, U.S.
45Win44–1 Fernando Velárdez TKO5 (12), 1:02Jul 31, 2003Mandalay Bay Events Center, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.Retained WBC featherweight title
44Win43–1 Eddie Croft TKO3 (12), 2:16Feb 22, 2003 Plaza de Toros, Mexico City, MexicoRetained WBC featherweight title
43Win42–1 Paulie Ayala UD12Nov 16, 2002Mandalay Bay Events Center, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.Won vacant WBC featherweight title
42Loss41–1 Marco Antonio Barrera UD12 Jun 22, 2002 MGM Grand Garden Arena, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.Lost WBC featherweight title;
For vacant The Ring featherweight title
41Win41–0 In-Jin Chi UD12Jul 28, 2001Staples Center, Los Angeles, California, U.S.Retained WBC featherweight title
40Win40–0 Guty Espadas Jr. UD12Feb 17, 2001 MGM Grand Garden Arena, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.Won WBC featherweight title
39Win39–0Rodney JonesKO1 (10), 1:02Dec 9, 2000Auditorio Municipal, Tijuana, Mexico
38Win38–0 Kevin Kelley TKO7 (12), 2:30Sep 2, 2000 Don Haskins Center, El Paso, Texas, U.S.Won WBC interim featherweight title
37Win37–0Mike JuárezKO3 (10), 1:12 Jun 17, 2000 Staples Center, Los Angeles, California, U.S.
36Win36–0 Marco Antonio Barrera SD12 Feb 19, 2000 Mandalay Bay Events Center, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.Retained WBC super bantamweight title;
Won WBO super bantamweight title
35Win35–0 Wayne McCullough UD12 Oct 22, 1999 Joe Louis Arena, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.Retained WBC super bantamweight title
34Win34–0 Reynante Jamili TKO6 (12), 0:11Jul 31, 1999Bullring by the Sea, Tijuana, MexicoRetained WBC super bantamweight title
33Win33–0 Juan Carlos Ramírez RTD9 (12), 3:00May 8, 1999 Las Vegas Hilton, Winchester, Nevada, U.S.Retained WBC super bantamweight title
32Win32–0 Ángel Chacón KO2 (12), 1:50Feb 13, 1999 Thomas & Mack Center, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.Retained WBC super bantamweight title
31Win31–0 Junior Jones KO4 (12), 2:55Sep 12, 1998Bullring by the Sea, Tijuana, MexicoRetained WBC super bantamweight title
30Win30–0 José Luis Bueno KO2 (12), 1:19May 16, 1998 Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, Indio, California, U.S.Retained WBC super bantamweight title
29Win29–0 Remigio Molina TKO6 (12), 0:14Apr 3, 1998Auditorio Municipal, Tijuana, MexicoRetained WBC super bantamweight title
28Win28–0 John Lowey RTD7 (12), 3:00Dec 12, 1997 Auditorio Municipal, Tijuana, MexicoRetained WBC super bantamweight title
27Win27–0 Daniel Zaragoza KO11 (12), 2:59Sep 6, 1997 County Coliseum, El Paso, Texas, U.S.Won WBC super bantamweight title
26Win26–0Concepcion VelásquezTKO8 (10), 1:11Apr 4, 1997 The Orleans, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.
25Win25–0Robbie LovatoPTS10Nov 29, 1996Tijuana, Mexico
24Win24–0Pedro Javier TorresKO2 (12), 1:50Oct 12, 1996 Arrowhead Pond, Anaheim, California, U.S.Retained NABF super bantamweight title
23Win23–0 Hector Acero Sánchez UD12 Jun 7, 1996 Caesars Palace, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.Retained NABF super bantamweight title
22Win22–0Lee CargleTKO2 (10), 0:11Apr 22, 1996Tijuana, MexicoRetained NABF super bantamweight title
21Win21–0Rudy BradleyTKO11 (12), 0:02Feb 25, 1996Arizona Charlie's Decatur, Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.Retained NABF super bantamweight title
20Win20–0Kenny MitchellTKO2 (12), 2:30Dec 18, 1995Tijuana, MexicoWon vacant NABF super bantamweight title
19Win19–0Enrique AngelesUD12Nov 10, 1995Tijuana, MexicoRetained Mexico super bantamweight title
18Win18–0Alberto MartínezTKO4 (12), 0:42Sep 9, 1995 Caesars Palace, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.Retained NABF and Mexico super bantamweight titles
17Win17–0Juan Luis TorresUD12Jul 14, 1995 Arizona Charlie's Decatur, Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.Won vacant NABF super bantamweight title
16Win16–0Armando CastroTKO10 (12), 1:04Jun 2, 1995Tijuana, MexicoRetained WBC Mundo Hispano super bantamweight title
15Win15–0Enrique JupiterTKO6 (12), 0:28Apr 21, 1995Tijuana, MexicoWon Mexico super bantamweight title
14Win14–0Ricky HernándezKO1 (12), 0:14Feb 3, 1995Tijuana, MexicoRetained WBC Mundo Hispano super bantamweight title
13Win13–0José ValdezTKO3 (12), 2:14Dec 19, 1994Tijuana, MexicoWon WBC Mundo Hispano super bantamweight title
12Win12–0Ramón MaganaTKO2 (10), 1:19Nov 28, 1994Tijuana, Mexico
11Win11–0Idelfonso BernalKO3 (10), 0:21Oct 17, 1994Tijuana, Mexico
10Win10–0Julio César CardonaKO2 (10), 1:01Aug 22, 1994Tijuana, Mexico
9Win9–0Isidro NolascoPTS8Mar 26, 1994 Mexico City, Mexico
8Win8–0Paul OlveraKO3 (6), 2:55Jan 21, 1994Tijuana, Mexico
7Win7–0Alfonso MotaKO2 (6), 1:19Dec 6, 1993Tijuana, Mexico
6Win6–0Jaime AbricaKO2 (6), 0:03Oct 22, 1993Tijuana, Mexico
5Win5–0José ÁlvarezUD6Jul 26, 1993Tijuana, Mexico
4Win4–0Marco TovarTKO1 (6), 0:59Jul 8, 1993 Bullring by the Sea, Tijuana, Mexico
3Win3–0Óscar MaldonadoKO3 (4), 0:32May 25, 1993Tijuana, Mexico
2Win2–0Jaime RodríguezKO2 (4), 1:11May 7, 1993Tijuana, Mexico
1Win1–0José OrejelKO2 (4), 0:19Mar 29, 1993 Tijuana, Mexico

Exhibition boxing record

2 fights0 wins0 losses
Non-scored2
No.ResultRecordOpponentTypeRound, timeDateLocationNotes
2—0–0 (2) Orlando Salido —4Mar 26, 2022Mesquite Championship Rodeo, Mesquite, Texas, U.S.Non-scored bout
1—0–0 (1) Mikey Garcia —4Jun 23, 2019E Club Center, San Bernardino, California, U.S.Non-scored bout

Pay-per-view bouts

United States
No.DateFightBillingBuysNetworkRevenue
1March 19, 2005Morales vs. Pacquiao Coming With Everything 350,000 [23] HBO $15,700,000
2January 21, 2006Morales vs. Pacquiao II The Battle 360,000 [23] HBO$16,200,000

See also

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Junior Jones is an American former professional boxer who competed from 1989 to 2002. He held world championships in two weight classes, including the World Boxing Association (WBA) bantamweight title from 1993 to 1994 and the World Boxing Organization (WBO) super bantamweight title from 1996 to 1997. He also held the International Boxing Organization (IBO) featherweight title from 1999 to 2000.

Jorge Iván Solís Pérez is a Mexican former professional boxer. He is a former holder of various minor and regional titles including, the Jalisco State Featherweight title, WBC Latin America title, Mexican Super Bantamweight and Featherweight divisions and WBA Fedecentro titles. He's also the brother of former IBF Champion Ulises Solís.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nonito Donaire</span> Filipino professional boxer

Nonito Gonzales Donaire Jr. is a Filipino American professional boxer. He has held multiple world championships in four weight classes from flyweight to featherweight, and is the oldest boxer in history to win a bantamweight world title, as well as being the first three-time champion in that weight class. Donaire has also held world championships in three consecutive decades: the 2000s, 2010s and 2020s, being the sixth boxer to do so after Evander Holyfield, Manny Pacquiao, Bernard Hopkins, Erik Morales, and Floyd Mayweather Jr.

Reynaldo "Rey" Bautista, more commonly known as Boom Boom Bautista, is a retired Filipino professional boxer who once fought for the WBO junior featherweight title. He currently resides in Tagbilaran City, Bohol.

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Adrien Broner</span> American professional boxer

Adrien Jerome Broner is an American professional boxer. He has held multiple world championships in four weight classes, including the WBO super featherweight title from 2011 to 2012, the WBC lightweight title from 2012 to 2013, the WBA welterweight title in 2013, and the WBA light welterweight title from 2015 to 2016. He is known for his over the top behavior both in and out of the ring.

Boxing in the 2010s includes notable events about boxing which occurred between 2010 and 2019. The decade saw high intensity action in the welterweight division. The match between veterans Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao broke PPV records. The broadcast of the fight in the Philippines was watched by nearly half the country's households. Mayweather retired at a record 50-0-0 while Pacquiao became the first eight division champion. The middleweight division saw immense action in the later years of the decade. After a draw in 2017, Canelo Alvarez ended Gennady Golovkin's long reign in 2018. The heavyweight division was dominated by Klitschko brothers before Wladimir's loss to Tyson Fury in 2015. Other talents that emerged were Anthony Joshua, Deontay Wilder and undisputed cruiserweight champion Oleksander Usyk.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Erik Morales vs. Marcos Maidana</span> Boxing competition

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Erik Morales vs. Marco Antonio Barrera III</span> Boxing competition

Erik Morales vs. Marco Antonio Barrera III, billed as Once and For All, was a professional boxing match between the then 2-division world champion Marco Antonio Barrera and reigning WBC super featherweight world champion Erik Morales. It took place on November 27, 2004, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. Barrera won the contest by majority decision, with two judges scoring it 115-113 and 115-114 for Barrera and the other 114-114. The fight was named the 2004 Ring Magazine Fight of the Year.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Marco Antonio Barrera vs. Erik Morales II</span> Boxing competition

Marco Antonio Barrera vs. Erik Morales II, billed as For Honor and Pride, was a professional boxing match between then three-time super bantamweight and reigning lineal featherweight world champion Marco Antonio Barrera and WBC featherweight world champion Erik Morales. It took place on June 22, 2002, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. Barrera won the contest by unanimous decision, with two judges scoring it 115-113 and the other scoring it 116-112 for Barrera.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Boxing career of Manny Pacquiao</span> Boxing career of Manny Pacquiao

Manny Pacquiao competed in professional boxing from 1995 to 2021. Regarded by boxing historians as one of the greatest professional boxers of all time, Pacquiao is the only boxer in history to win twelve major world titles in eight different weight divisions. He is also the first boxer in history to win the lineal championship in five different weight divisions, as well as being the first boxer in history to win major world titles in four of the original eight weight divisions of boxing, also known as the "glamour divisions": flyweight, featherweight, lightweight and welterweight.

References

  1. 1 2 HBO Sports tale of the tape prior to the second Marco Antonio Barrera fight.
  2. ↑ Espn.Com: All-Time Greatest Boxers. Sports.espn.go.com. Retrieved on August 24, 2012.
  3. ↑ "Erik Morales". www.ibhof.com. Retrieved December 2, 2021.
  4. ↑ Erik Morales Vs. In Jin Chi. Dogs Of Chaos (May 26, 2008). Retrieved on August 24, 2012.
  5. ↑ Gonzalez, Frank, Jr Erik Morales vs Paulie Ayala: Morales too strong for gallant Ayala!. Eastsideboxing.com. Retrieved on August 24, 2012.
  6. ↑ World Boxing Council News. Eastsideboxing.com. Retrieved on August 24, 2012.
  7. ↑ Peters, Ken (May 10, 2003). Morales stops Espadas in third round. Associated Press
  8. ↑ Erik Morales outpoints Carlos "Famoso" Hernandez. Eastsideboxing.com (July 31, 2004). Retrieved on August 24, 2012.
  9. ↑ ERIK MORALES PROFILE AND BIO. canadastarboxing.com
  10. ↑ Salazar, Francisco and Gonzales, Ralph (September 2005). Raheem outslicks Morales! Pac-man brutalizes Velazquez!. Newmexicoboxing.com. Retrieved on August 24, 2012.
  11. ↑ "Third time's the charm: Pacquiao finishes Morales trilogy with electric KO". Associated Press. November 19, 2006. Archived from the original on December 1, 2006.
  12. ↑ Henson, Joaquin (January 26, 2007). Retirement not on Morales' Mind. The Philippine Star Sports.
  13. ↑ Gottlieb, Nat (August 4, 2007). Morales loses fight, but goes out in style. hbo.com
  14. ↑ Iole, Kevin. (March 17, 2008) Morales hits new gig out of the park – Boxing – Yahoo! Sports. Sports.yahoo.com. Retrieved on August 24, 2012.
  15. ↑ Erik Morales gets two-year doping ban stemming from positive drug tests before Danny Garcia fight at Barclays Center. ABS-CBNnews.com. (March 22, 2013).
  16. 1 2 Erik Morales shrugs off USADA ban. ABS-CBNnews.com. (March 22, 2013).
  17. ↑ "Erik Morales Retires Again, No Farewell Fight". boxingscene.com. June 5, 2014.
  18. ↑ Coello, Por Luz (January 10, 2024). "Denuncian a Erick "Terrible" Morales por presunto abuso sexual". infobae.
  19. ↑ Iole, Kevin. (March 17, 2008) Morales hits new gig out of the park – Boxing – Yahoo! Sports. Sports.yahoo.com. Retrieved on August 24, 2012.
  20. ↑ "Jesse Vargas names new trainer: Erik Morales - Boxing News". Fightnews.com. Retrieved May 31, 2015.
  21. ↑ "Muere hijo de Erik Morales". Los Angeles Times . December 1, 2021. Retrieved December 2, 2021.
  22. ↑ "Former titleholder Orlando Salido wins state legislature seat in Mexico". Espn.com. July 6, 2018.
  23. 1 2 Rafael, Dan (November 29, 2006). "Pacquiao-Morales trilogy combines for $49.5 million". ESPN.
Sporting positions
Regional boxing titles
Preceded by
Jose Valdez
 WBC Mundo Hispano
super bantamweight champion
December 19, 1994 – July 1995
Vacated		Vacant
Title next held by
Jorge Munoz Jr.
Preceded by
Enrique Jupiter
 Mexico super bantamweight champion
April 21, 1995 – December 1995
Vacated		Vacant
Title next held by
Néstor Garza
Vacant
Title last held by
Jesus Salud 		NABF super bantamweight champion
July 14, 1995 – October 1995
Vacated		Vacant
Title next held by
Darryl Pinckney
Vacant
Title last held by
Darryl Pinckney 		NABF super bantamweight champion
December 18, 1995 – November 1996
Vacated		Vacant
Title next held by
Enrique Sánchez
Vacant
Title last held by
Mzonke Fana 		WBC International
super featherweight champion
March 19, 2005 – September 2005
Vacated		Vacant
Title next held by
Manny Pacquiao
Vacant
Title last held by
Selçuk Aydın 		WBC International
welterweight champion
March 27, 2010 – June 2010
Vacated		Vacant
Title next held by
Phil Lo Greco
New title WBC Silver
super lightweight champion
September 11, 2010 – April 2011
Vacated		Vacant
Title next held by
Roberto Ortiz
Minor world boxing titles
Vacant
Title last held by
Diego Corrales 		IBA super featherweight champion
March 19, 2005 – August 2005
Vacated		Vacant
Title next held by
Antonio Davis
Major world boxing titles
Preceded by WBC super bantamweight champion
September 6, 1997 – July 20, 2000
Vacated		Vacant
Title next held by
Willie Jorrín
Preceded by WBO super bantamweight champion
February 19, 2000 – February 24, 2000
Stripped		Succeeded by
Marco Antonio Barrera
Reinstated
New title WBC featherweight champion
Interim title
September 2, 2000 – February 17, 2001
Won full title		Vacant
Title next held by
Humberto Soto
Preceded by WBC featherweight champion
February 17, 2001 – June 22, 2002 		Succeeded by
Vacant
Title last held by
Marco Antonio Barrera 		WBC featherweight champion
November 16, 2002 – October 5, 2003
Vacated		Vacant
Title next held by
Chi In-jin
Preceded by WBC super featherweight champion
February 28, 2004 – November 27, 2004 		Succeeded by
Preceded by IBF super featherweight champion
July 31, 2004 – September 21, 2004
Stripped		Vacant
Title next held by
Robbie Peden
Vacant
Title last held by
Timothy Bradley 		WBC super lightweight champion
September 17, 2011 – March 23, 2012
Stripped		Vacant
Title next held by
Danny Garcia
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