Legend has it that Erik Morales was born in a boxing gym. His father Jose was a professional fighter himself. Morales started his love for boxing early in his life. He quickly excelled in the amateur ranks and soon after turned pro. After only four years of fighting professionally he earned a title shot against Daniel Zaragoza for the WBC Super Bantamweight World Championship Title and claimed victory, stopping the champion in 11 rounds. Morales went on to beat Junior Jones and former Olympic Games Medalist Wayne McCullough. On February 19th, 2000, Morales would begin one of boxing's most brutal and exciting rivalries against Marco Antonio Barrera. The fight proved to be a great one with Morales winning a 12 round split decision. The Barrera-Morales rematch was set for June 2002. Morales would suffer his first defeat in 42 fights, however there was a controversial ending with many fans believing Morales was the victor. Morales went on to win titles against Jesus Chavez and Carlos Alberto Hernandez before facing Barrera in a rubber match. Erik’s next big fight was considered a fan's dream, as both Morales and Manny Pacquiao were crowd pleasers with their "all-out" styles and both coming off a potential 2004 "Fight of the Year." Morales beat the Pac-Man by scores of 115-113. Morales would go on to fight Manny Pacquiao two more times. Erik “El Terrible” Morales, with his great skill and furious heart, will always be a WBC Legend of Boxing.
