Erik 'El Terrible' Morales is a Mexican boxer remembered for his classic trilogy against Marco Antonio Barrera.
Erik Isaac Morales Elvira was born on 1 September 1976 in the Zona Norte district of Tijuana, Mexico, and began boxing at five, against his father's initial wishes, under the guidance of his father, José Morales, himself a professional fighter. He compiled an outstanding amateur record of 108 wins against six losses across 114 bouts, winning 11 major Mexican titles, before turning professional at 16 in 1993. Morales, nicknamed "El Terrible," became the first Mexican-born boxer in history to win world titles in four different weight divisions, from super bantamweight up to light welterweight, defeating 15 world champions across his career. He is renowned for his celebrated trilogy against fellow Mexican legend Marco Antonio Barrera, one of the finest rivalries in modern boxing history, and for his three fights against Manny Pacquiao, including a 2005 victory that remains one of the Filipino icon's rare career defeats. Morales added a fourth divisional title in 2011, defeating Pablo César Cano to become a four-weight champion, before retiring in 2012 with a career record of 52 wins and nine losses following back-to-back defeats to Danny García. Morales was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2018 and was ranked 49th on ESPN's list of the 50 greatest boxers of all time. He later entered Mexican politics, winning a seat in the Chamber of Deputies in 2018 representing Baja California, and previously managed his hometown's parks and recreation department, donating his salary back to the department he oversaw.
First Mexican-born boxer to win world titles in four weight divisions; Barrera trilogy
How They Played
Aggressive pressure fighter with exceptional heart and boxing IQ
Lasting Impact
Mexican boxing legend and first fighter to win titles in four weight divisions
Career Honours
- International Boxing Hall of Fame 2018
- two Ring Magazine Fight of the Year awards