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.
Erik Morales | |
|---|---|
 Morales in 2011 | |
| Born | Erik Isaac Morales Elvira September 1, 1976 Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico |
| Other names | El Terrible ("The Terrible") |
| Statistics | |
| Weight(s) | |
| Height | 5 ft 8 in (173 cm)[1] |
| Reach | 72 in (183 cm)[1] |
| Stance | Orthodox |
| Boxing record | |
| Total fights | 61 |
| Wins | 52 |
| Wins by KO | 36 |
| Losses | 9 |
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
editEarly career
editErik 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
editMorales vs. Zaragoza
editOn 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
editIn 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
editIn 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
editAfter 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.
editMorales 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
editMorales 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
editMorales vs. Chávez
editMorales 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
editOn 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
editOn 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
editMorales vs. Raheem
editOn 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
editMorales vs. Pacquiao II & III
editOn 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
editMorales 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
editOn 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
edit
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
editMorales vs. Maidana
editOn 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
editMorales 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
edit
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
editPrior 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
editIn 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
editOn 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
editMorales 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
editIn 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
edit| 61 fights | 52 wins | 9 losses |
|---|---|---|
| By knockout | 36 | 3 |
| By decision | 16 | 6 |
| No. | Result | Record | Opponent | Type | Round, time | Date | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 61 | Loss | 52–9 | Danny García | KO | 4 (12), 1:23 | Oct 20, 2012 | Barclays Center, New York City, New York, U.S. | For WBA (Super), WBC, and The Ring light welterweight titles |
| 60 | Loss | 52–8 | Danny García | UD | 12 | Mar 24, 2012 | Reliant Arena, Houston, Texas, U.S. | |
| 59 | Win | 52–7 | Pablo César Cano | RTD | 10 (12), 3:00 | Sep 17, 2011 | MGM Grand Garden Arena, Paradise, Nevada, U.S. | Won vacant WBC light welterweight title |
| 58 | Loss | 51–7 | Marcos Maidana | MD | 12 | Apr 9, 2011 | MGM Grand Garden Arena, Paradise, Nevada, U.S. | For WBA interim light welterweight title |
| 57 | Win | 51–6 | Francisco Lorenzo | UD | 12 | Dec 18, 2010 | Agua Caliente Racetrack, Tijuana, Mexico | Retained WBC Silver light welterweight title |
| 56 | Win | 50–6 | Willie Limond | KO | 6 (12), 2:46 | Sep 11, 2010 | Plaza Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico | Won vacant WBC Silver light welterweight title |
| 55 | Win | 49–6 | José Alfaro | UD | 12 | Mar 27, 2010 | Arena Monterrey, Monterrey, Mexico | Won WBC International welterweight title |
| 54 | Loss | 48–6 | David Díaz | UD | 12 | Aug 4, 2007 | Allstate Arena, Rosemont, Illinois, U.S. | For WBC lightweight title |
| 53 | Loss | 48–5 | Manny Pacquiao | KO | 3 (12), 2:57 | Nov 18, 2006 | Thomas & Mack Center, Paradise, Nevada, U.S. | For WBC International super featherweight title |
| 52 | Loss | 48–4 | Manny Pacquiao | TKO | 10 (12), 2:33 | Jan 21, 2006 | Thomas & Mack Center, Paradise, Nevada, U.S. | For WBC International super featherweight title |
| 51 | Loss | 48–3 | Zahir Raheem | UD | 12 | Sep 10, 2005 | Staples Center, Los Angeles, California, U.S. | For vacant WBC International lightweight title |
| 50 | Win | 48–2 | Manny Pacquiao | UD | 12 | Mar 19, 2005 | MGM Grand Garden Arena, Paradise, Nevada, U.S. | Won vacant IBA and WBC International super featherweight titles |
| 49 | Loss | 47–2 | Marco Antonio Barrera | MD | 12 | Nov 27, 2004 | MGM Grand Garden Arena, Paradise, Nevada, U.S. | Lost WBC super featherweight title |
| 48 | Win | 47–1 | Carlos Hernández | UD | 12 | Jul 31, 2004 | MGM Grand Garden Arena, Paradise, Nevada, U.S. | Retained WBC super featherweight title; Won IBF super featherweight title |
| 47 | Win | 46–1 | Jesús Chávez | UD | 12 | Feb 28, 2004 | MGM Grand Garden Arena, Paradise, Nevada, U.S. | Won WBC super featherweight title |
| 46 | Win | 45–1 | Guty Espadas Jr. | KO | 3 (12), 2:58 | Oct 4, 2003 | Staples Center, Los Angeles, California, U.S. | |
| 45 | Win | 44–1 | Fernando Velárdez | TKO | 5 (12), 1:02 | Jul 31, 2003 | Mandalay Bay Events Center, Paradise, Nevada, U.S. | Retained WBC featherweight title |
| 44 | Win | 43–1 | Eddie Croft | TKO | 3 (12), 2:16 | Feb 22, 2003 | Plaza de Toros, Mexico City, Mexico | Retained WBC featherweight title |
| 43 | Win | 42–1 | Paulie Ayala | UD | 12 | Nov 16, 2002 | Mandalay Bay Events Center, Paradise, Nevada, U.S. | Won vacant WBC featherweight title |
| 42 | Loss | 41–1 | Marco Antonio Barrera | UD | 12 | Jun 22, 2002 | MGM Grand Garden Arena, Paradise, Nevada, U.S. | Lost WBC featherweight title; For vacant The Ring featherweight title |
| 41 | Win | 41–0 | In-Jin Chi | UD | 12 | Jul 28, 2001 | Staples Center, Los Angeles, California, U.S. | Retained WBC featherweight title |
| 40 | Win | 40–0 | Guty Espadas Jr. | UD | 12 | Feb 17, 2001 | MGM Grand Garden Arena, Paradise, Nevada, U.S. | Won WBC featherweight title |
| 39 | Win | 39–0 | Rodney Jones | KO | 1 (10), 1:02 | Dec 9, 2000 | Auditorio Municipal, Tijuana, Mexico | |
| 38 | Win | 38–0 | Kevin Kelley | TKO | 7 (12), 2:30 | Sep 2, 2000 | Don Haskins Center, El Paso, Texas, U.S. | Won WBC interim featherweight title |
| 37 | Win | 37–0 | Mike Juárez | KO | 3 (10), 1:12 | Jun 17, 2000 | Staples Center, Los Angeles, California, U.S. | |
| 36 | Win | 36–0 | Marco Antonio Barrera | SD | 12 | Feb 19, 2000 | Mandalay Bay Events Center, Paradise, Nevada, U.S. | Retained WBC super bantamweight title; Won WBO super bantamweight title |
| 35 | Win | 35–0 | Wayne McCullough | UD | 12 | Oct 22, 1999 | Joe Louis Arena, Detroit, Michigan, U.S. | Retained WBC super bantamweight title |
| 34 | Win | 34–0 | Reynante Jamili | TKO | 6 (12), 0:11 | Jul 31, 1999 | Bullring by the Sea, Tijuana, Mexico | Retained WBC super bantamweight title |
| 33 | Win | 33–0 | Juan Carlos Ramírez | RTD | 9 (12), 3:00 | May 8, 1999 | Las Vegas Hilton, Winchester, Nevada, U.S. | Retained WBC super bantamweight title |
| 32 | Win | 32–0 | Ángel Chacón | KO | 2 (12), 1:50 | Feb 13, 1999 | Thomas & Mack Center, Paradise, Nevada, U.S. | Retained WBC super bantamweight title |
| 31 | Win | 31–0 | Junior Jones | KO | 4 (12), 2:55 | Sep 12, 1998 | Bullring by the Sea, Tijuana, Mexico | Retained WBC super bantamweight title |
| 30 | Win | 30–0 | José Luis Bueno | KO | 2 (12), 1:19 | May 16, 1998 | Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, Indio, California, U.S. | Retained WBC super bantamweight title |
| 29 | Win | 29–0 | Remigio Molina | TKO | 6 (12), 0:14 | Apr 3, 1998 | Auditorio Municipal, Tijuana, Mexico | Retained WBC super bantamweight title |
| 28 | Win | 28–0 | John Lowey | RTD | 7 (12), 3:00 | Dec 12, 1997 | Auditorio Municipal, Tijuana, Mexico | Retained WBC super bantamweight title |
| 27 | Win | 27–0 | Daniel Zaragoza | KO | 11 (12), 2:59 | Sep 6, 1997 | County Coliseum, El Paso, Texas, U.S. | Won WBC super bantamweight title |
| 26 | Win | 26–0 | Concepcion Velásquez | TKO | 8 (10), 1:11 | Apr 4, 1997 | The Orleans, Paradise, Nevada, U.S. | |
| 25 | Win | 25–0 | Robbie Lovato | PTS | 10 | Nov 29, 1996 | Tijuana, Mexico | |
| 24 | Win | 24–0 | Pedro Javier Torres | KO | 2 (12), 1:50 | Oct 12, 1996 | Arrowhead Pond, Anaheim, California, U.S. | Retained NABF super bantamweight title |
| 23 | Win | 23–0 | Hector Acero Sánchez | UD | 12 | Jun 7, 1996 | Caesars Palace, Paradise, Nevada, U.S. | Retained NABF super bantamweight title |
| 22 | Win | 22–0 | Lee Cargle | TKO | 2 (10), 0:11 | Apr 22, 1996 | Tijuana, Mexico | Retained NABF super bantamweight title |
| 21 | Win | 21–0 | Rudy Bradley | TKO | 11 (12), 0:02 | Feb 25, 1996 | Arizona Charlie's Decatur, Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S. | Retained NABF super bantamweight title |
| 20 | Win | 20–0 | Kenny Mitchell | TKO | 2 (12), 2:30 | Dec 18, 1995 | Tijuana, Mexico | Won vacant NABF super bantamweight title |
| 19 | Win | 19–0 | Enrique Angeles | UD | 12 | Nov 10, 1995 | Tijuana, Mexico | Retained Mexico super bantamweight title |
| 18 | Win | 18–0 | Alberto Martínez | TKO | 4 (12), 0:42 | Sep 9, 1995 | Caesars Palace, Paradise, Nevada, U.S. | Retained NABF and Mexico super bantamweight titles |
| 17 | Win | 17–0 | Juan Luis Torres | UD | 12 | Jul 14, 1995 | Arizona Charlie's Decatur, Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S. | Won vacant NABF super bantamweight title |
| 16 | Win | 16–0 | Armando Castro | TKO | 10 (12), 1:04 | Jun 2, 1995 | Tijuana, Mexico | Retained WBC Mundo Hispano super bantamweight title |
| 15 | Win | 15–0 | Enrique Jupiter | TKO | 6 (12), 0:28 | Apr 21, 1995 | Tijuana, Mexico | Won Mexico super bantamweight title |
| 14 | Win | 14–0 | Ricky Hernández | KO | 1 (12), 0:14 | Feb 3, 1995 | Tijuana, Mexico | Retained WBC Mundo Hispano super bantamweight title |
| 13 | Win | 13–0 | José Valdez | TKO | 3 (12), 2:14 | Dec 19, 1994 | Tijuana, Mexico | Won WBC Mundo Hispano super bantamweight title |
| 12 | Win | 12–0 | Ramón Magana | TKO | 2 (10), 1:19 | Nov 28, 1994 | Tijuana, Mexico | |
| 11 | Win | 11–0 | Idelfonso Bernal | KO | 3 (10), 0:21 | Oct 17, 1994 | Tijuana, Mexico | |
| 10 | Win | 10–0 | Julio César Cardona | KO | 2 (10), 1:01 | Aug 22, 1994 | Tijuana, Mexico | |
| 9 | Win | 9–0 | Isidro Nolasco | PTS | 8 | Mar 26, 1994 | Mexico City, Mexico | |
| 8 | Win | 8–0 | Paul Olvera | KO | 3 (6), 2:55 | Jan 21, 1994 | Tijuana, Mexico | |
| 7 | Win | 7–0 | Alfonso Mota | KO | 2 (6), 1:19 | Dec 6, 1993 | Tijuana, Mexico | |
| 6 | Win | 6–0 | Jaime Abrica | KO | 2 (6), 0:03 | Oct 22, 1993 | Tijuana, Mexico | |
| 5 | Win | 5–0 | José Álvarez | UD | 6 | Jul 26, 1993 | Tijuana, Mexico | |
| 4 | Win | 4–0 | Marco Tovar | TKO | 1 (6), 0:59 | Jul 8, 1993 | Bullring by the Sea, Tijuana, Mexico | |
| 3 | Win | 3–0 | Óscar Maldonado | KO | 3 (4), 0:32 | May 25, 1993 | Tijuana, Mexico | |
| 2 | Win | 2–0 | Jaime Rodríguez | KO | 2 (4), 1:11 | May 7, 1993 | Tijuana, Mexico | |
| 1 | Win | 1–0 | José Orejel | KO | 2 (4), 0:19 | Mar 29, 1993 | Tijuana, Mexico |
Exhibition boxing record
edit| 2 fights | 0 wins | 0 losses |
|---|---|---|
| Non-scored | 2 | |
| No. | Result | Record | Opponent | Type | Round, time | Date | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | — | 0–0 (2) | Orlando Salido | — | 4 | Mar 26, 2022 | Mesquite Championship Rodeo, Mesquite, Texas, U.S. | Non-scored bout |
| 1 | — | 0–0 (1) | Mikey Garcia | — | 4 | Jun 23, 2019 | E Club Center, San Bernardino, California, U.S. | Non-scored bout |
Pay-per-view bouts
edit| No. | Date | Fight | Billing | Buys | Network | Revenue |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | March 19, 2005 | Morales vs. Pacquiao | Coming With Everything | 350,000[23] | HBO | $15,700,000 |
| 2 | January 21, 2006 | Morales vs. Pacquiao II | The Battle | 360,000[23] | HBO | $16,200,000 |
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ a b HBO Sports tale of the tape prior to the second Marco Antonio Barrera fight.
- ^ Espn.Com: All-Time Greatest Boxers. Sports.espn.go.com. Retrieved on August 24, 2012.
- ^ "Erik Morales". www.ibhof.com. Retrieved December 2, 2021.
- ^ Erik Morales Vs. In Jin Chi. Dogs Of Chaos (May 26, 2008). Retrieved on August 24, 2012.
- ^ Gonzalez, Frank, Jr Erik Morales vs Paulie Ayala: Morales too strong for gallant Ayala!. Eastsideboxing.com. Retrieved on August 24, 2012.
- ^ World Boxing Council News. Eastsideboxing.com. Retrieved on August 24, 2012.
- ^ Peters, Ken (May 10, 2003). Morales stops Espadas in third round. Associated Press
- ^ Erik Morales outpoints Carlos "Famoso" Hernandez. Eastsideboxing.com (July 31, 2004). Retrieved on August 24, 2012.
- ^ ERIK MORALES PROFILE AND BIO. canadastarboxing.com
- ^ Salazar, Francisco and Gonzales, Ralph (September 2005). Raheem outslicks Morales! Pac-man brutalizes Velazquez! Archived February 7, 2009, at the Wayback Machine. Newmexicoboxing.com. Retrieved on August 24, 2012.
- ^ "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.
- ^ Henson, Joaquin (January 26, 2007). Retirement not on Morales' Mind. The Philippine Star Sports.
- ^ Gottlieb, Nat (August 4, 2007). Morales loses fight, but goes out in style. hbo.com
- ^ Iole, Kevin. (March 17, 2008) Morales hits new gig out of the park – Boxing – Yahoo! Sports. Sports.yahoo.com. Retrieved on August 24, 2012.
- ^ 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).
- ^ a b Erik Morales shrugs off USADA ban. ABS-CBNnews.com. (March 22, 2013).
- ^ "Erik Morales Retires Again, No Farewell Fight". boxingscene.com. June 5, 2014.
- ^ Coello, Por Luz (January 10, 2024). "Denuncian a Erick "Terrible" Morales por presunto abuso sexual". infobae.
- ^ Iole, Kevin. (March 17, 2008) Morales hits new gig out of the park – Boxing – Yahoo! Sports. Sports.yahoo.com. Retrieved on August 24, 2012.
- ^ "Jesse Vargas names new trainer: Erik Morales - Boxing News". Fightnews.com. Retrieved May 31, 2015.
- ^ "Muere hijo de Erik Morales". Los Angeles Times. December 1, 2021. Retrieved December 2, 2021.
- ^ "Former titleholder Orlando Salido wins state legislature seat in Mexico". Espn.com. July 6, 2018.
- ^ a b Rafael, Dan (November 29, 2006). "Pacquiao-Morales trilogy combines for $49.5 million". ESPN.
External links
edit| 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
| ||