Érik Morales


Érik Isaac Morales Elvira is a Mexican former professional boxer who competed from 1993 to 2012. He is the first Mexico-born boxer in history to win world titles in four different weight classes, having held the WBC super bantamweight title from 1997 to 2000, the WBC featherweight twice between 2001 and 2003, the unified WBC and IBF super featherweight titles in 2004, and the WBC super lightweight title from 2011 to 2012.
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.

Career history

Early career

Érik Morales was born in the Zona Norte section of Tijuana. Under the tutelage of his father, José Morales, a fighter himself, Érik started boxing at the age of 5 and amassed a very impressive amateur career that saw him fight 114 times and win 11 major titles in Mexico. 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 by 7th-round knockout. In his next fight, he defeated Remigio Molina by 6th-round knockout. On May 16, 1998, he defeated former champion Jose Luis Bueno via a second-round knockout.

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 toughest three 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 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 and his newly won WBO title in order to move up to the 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 that 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 6th round by an accidental clash of heads and Chi was penalized one point in the 10th round.

Morales vs. Barrera II

Morales then tasted defeat for the first time in his 42nd professional fight when he lost 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. 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 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.
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.
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.

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.

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, Érik 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."

Lightweight

Morales vs. Raheem

On September 10, 2005, Érik 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. 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." 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...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.

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, 115–113 and 115–112, 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.

Comeback

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.
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 Érik 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 Cesar 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

On March 24, 2012, Morales faced 23-year-old Danny García 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 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 Érik 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 conducted two random drug tests. 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.

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. “ 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. In June 2014, Morales officially announced his retirement forgoing a farewell fight.

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. Érik and his wife Andrea have three children.
Érik 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."
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.

Professional boxing record

No.ResultRecordOpponentTypeRound, timeDateLocationNotes
61Loss52–9 Danny GarcíaKO4, 1:23Oct 20, 2012 Barclays Center, New York City, New York, U.S.For WBA, WBC, and The Ring light welterweight titles
60Loss52–8 Danny GarcíaUD12Mar 24, 2012 Reliant Arena, Houston, Texas
59Win52–7 Pablo César CanoRTD10, 3:00Sep 17, 2011 MGM Grand Garden Arena, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.Won vacant WBC light welterweight title
58Loss51–7 Marcos MaidanaMD12Apr 9, 2011 MGM Grand Garden Arena, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.For WBA interim light welterweight title
57Win51–6 Francisco LorenzoUD12Dec 18, 2010 Agua Caliente Racetrack, Tijuana, MexicoRetained WBC Silver light welterweight title
56Win50–6 Willie LimondKO6, 2:46Sep 11, 2010 Plaza Mexico, Mexico City, MexicoWon vacant WBC Silver light welterweight title
55Win49–6 José AlfaroUD12Mar 27, 2010 Monterrey Arena, Monterrey, MexicoWon WBC International welterweight title
54Loss48–6 David DíazUD12Aug 4, 2007 Allstate Arena, Rosemont, Illinois, U.S.For WBC lightweight title
53Loss48–5 Manny PacquiaoKO3, 2:57Nov 18, 2006 Thomas & Mack Center, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.For WBC International super featherweight title
52Loss48–4 Manny PacquiaoTKO10, 2:33Jan 21, 2006 Thomas & Mack Center, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.For WBC International super featherweight title
51Loss48–3 Zahir RaheemUD12Sep 10, 2005 Staples Center, Los Angeles, California, U.S.For vacant WBC International lightweight title
50Win48–2 Manny PacquiaoUD12Mar 19, 2005 MGM Grand Garden Arena, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.Won vacant IBA and WBC International super featherweight titles
49Loss47–2 Marco Antonio Barrera12Nov 27, 2004 MGM Grand Garden Arena, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.Lost WBC super featherweight title
48Win47–1 Carlos HernándezUD12Jul 31, 2004 MGM Grand Garden Arena, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.Retained WBC super featherweight title;
Won IBF super featherweight title
47Win46–1 Jesús ChávezUD12Feb 28, 2004 MGM Grand Garden Arena, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.Won WBC super featherweight title
46Win45–1 Guty Espadas Jr.KO3, 2:58Oct 4, 2003 Staples Center, Los Angeles, California, U.S.
45Win44–1 Fernando VelárdezTKO5, 1:02Jul 31, 2003 Mandalay Bay Events Center, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.Retained WBC featherweight title
44Win43–1 Eddie CroftTKO3, 2:16Feb 22, 2003 Plaza de Toros, Mexico City, MexicoRetained WBC featherweight title
43Win42–1 Paulie AyalaUD12Nov 16, 2002 Mandalay Bay Events Center, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.Won vacant WBC featherweight title
42Loss41–1 Marco Antonio BarreraUD12Jun 22, 2002 MGM Grand Garden Arena, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.Lost WBC featherweight title;
For lineal and vacant The Ring featherweight titles
41Win41–0 In-Jin ChiUD12Jul 28, 2001 Staples 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
39Win39–0 Rodney JonesKO1, 1:02Dec 9, 2000 Auditorio Municipal, Tijuana, Mexico
38Win38–0 Kevin KelleyTKO7, 2:30Sep 2, 2000 Don Haskins Center, El Paso, Texas, U.S.Won WBC interim featherweight title
37Win37–0 Mike JuárezKO3, 1:12Jun 17, 2000 Staples Center, Los Angeles, California, U.S.
36Win36–0 Marco Antonio Barrera12Feb 19, 2000 Mandalay Bay Events Center, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.Retained WBC super bantamweight title
35Win35–0 Wayne McCulloughUD12Oct 22, 1999 Joe Louis Arena, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.Retained WBC super bantamweight title
34Win34–0 Reynante JamiliTKO6, 0:11Jul 31, 1999 Bullring by the Sea, Tijuana, MexicoRetained WBC super bantamweight title
33Win33–0 Juan Carlos RamírezRTD9, 3:00May 8, 1999 Las Vegas Hilton, Winchester, Nevada, U.S.Retained WBC super bantamweight title
32Win32–0 Ángel ChacónKO2, 1:50Feb 13, 1999 Thomas & Mack Center, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.Retained WBC super bantamweight title
31Win31–0 Junior JonesKO4, 2:55Sep 12, 1998 Bullring by the Sea, Tijuana, MexicoRetained WBC super bantamweight title
30Win30–0 José Luis BuenoKO2, 1:19May 16, 1998 Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, Indio, California, U.S.Retained WBC super bantamweight title
29Win29–0 Remigio MolinaTKO6, 0:14Apr 3, 1998 Auditorio Municipal, Tijuana, MexicoRetained WBC super bantamweight title
28Win28–0 John Lowey7, 3:00Dec 12, 1997 Auditorio Municipal, Tijuana, MexicoRetained WBC super bantamweight title
27Win27–0 Daniel ZaragozaKO11, 2:59Sep 6, 1997 County Coliseum, El Paso, Texas, U.S.Won WBC super bantamweight title
26Win26–0 Concepcion VelásquezTKO8, 1:11Apr 4, 1997 The Orleans, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.
25Win25–0 Robbie LovatoPTS10Nov 29, 1996 Tijuana, Mexico
24Win24–0 Pedro Javier TorresKO2, 1:50Oct 12, 1996 Arrowhead Pond, Anaheim, California, U.S.Retained NABF super bantamweight title
23Win23–0 Hector Acero SánchezUD12Jun 7, 1996 Caesars Palace, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.Retained NABF super bantamweight title
22Win22–0 Lee CargleTKO2, 0:11Apr 22, 1996 Tijuana, MexicoRetained NABF super bantamweight title
21Win21–0 Rudy BradleyTKO11, 0:02Feb 25, 1996 Arizona Charlie's Decatur, Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.Retained NABF super bantamweight title
20Win20–0 Kenny MitchellTKO2, 2:30Dec 18, 1995 Tijuana, MexicoWon vacant NABF super bantamweight title
19Win19–0 Enrique AngelesUD12Nov 10, 1995 Tijuana, MexicoRetained Mexico super bantamweight title
18Win18–0 Alberto MartínezTKO4, 0:42Sep 9, 1995 Caesars Palace, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.Retained NABF and Mexico super bantamweight titles
17Win17–0 Juan Luis TorresUD12Jul 14, 1995 Arizona Charlie's Decatur, Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.Won vacant NABF super bantamweight title
16Win16–0 Armando CastroTKO10, 1:04Jun 2, 1995 Tijuana, MexicoRetained WBC Mundo Hispano super bantamweight title
15Win15–0 Enrique JupiterTKO6, 0:28Apr 21, 1995 Tijuana, MexicoWon Mexico super bantamweight title
14Win14–0 Ricky HernándezKO1, 0:14Feb 3, 1995 Tijuana, MexicoRetained WBC Mundo Hispano super bantamweight title
13Win13–0 José ValdezTKO3, 2:14Dec 19, 1994 Tijuana, MexicoWon WBC Mundo Hispano super bantamweight title
12Win12–0 Ramón MaganaTKO2, 1:19Nov 28, 1994 Tijuana, Mexico
11Win11–0 Idelfonso BernalKO3, 0:21Oct 17, 1994 Tijuana, Mexico
10Win10–0 Julio César CardonaKO2, 1:01Aug 22, 1994 Tijuana, Mexico
9Win9–0 Isidro Nolasco8Mar 26, 1994 Mexico City, Mexico
8Win8–0 Paul OlveraKO3, 2:55Jan 21, 1994 Tijuana, Mexico
7Win7–0 Alfonso MotaKO2, 1:19Dec 6, 1993 Tijuana, Mexico
6Win6–0 Jaime AbricaKO2, 0:03Oct 22, 1993 Tijuana, Mexico
5Win5–0 José Álvarez6Jul 26, 1993 Tijuana, Mexico
4Win4–0 Marco Tovar1, 0:59Jul 8, 1993 Bullring by the Sea, Tijuana, Mexico
3Win3–0 Óscar MaldonadoKO3, 0:32May 25, 1993 Tijuana, Mexico
2Win2–0 Jaime RodríguezKO2, 1:11May 7, 1993 Tijuana, Mexico
1Win1–0 José Orejel2, 0:19Mar 29, 1993 Tijuana, Mexico