Erik “El Terrible” Morales: The Very Definition of a Champion.

Translated from Spanish to English by Sergio Martinez.

“There will be no easy fights or inferior opponents for me. I will fight the best available lightweights when I move up. The public can be assured that they will always be entertained and that I will always give them great fights.”–Erik “El Terrible” Morales intends to dominate the lightweight division.

On September 10, 2005, live from the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California Zahir Raheem will step into the ring to face “El Terrible” (English translation: “The Terrible”). The Riversides Webster’s II Dictionary defines the word terrible as “1. Causing great

fear or dread; 2. Extreme and/or intense; 3. Difficult or distressing.” I guess Erik “El Terrible” Morales knew exactly what he was doing when choosing his ring moniker. That very definition brings to mind a conversation that “Jimmy the Gent,” our editor, and I had about Morales. “The Gent” recalled living in England and feeling the buzz for “Prince” Naseem Hamed, when the flamboyant fighter was in his heyday. Jim remembers how he would gather with groups of friends to discuss the “Prince” and his world domination of the 126-pound division. These conversations would quickly dissipate once someone would utter the name Erik “El Terrible” Morales. Jim recalls feeling fear just by hearing the Mexican warrior’s name. That, my friends, is RESPECT!

SaddoBoxing is proud to bring you this exclusive interview with one of boxing’s greatest ever warriors: Erik “El Terrible” Morales discussing the Raheem fight, a fourth Barrera fight and his chances in the lightweight division. Don’t miss it!

Since exploding onto the scene in 1997 with an eleventh round knockout of the respected champion Daniel “The Mouse” Zaragoza to win the WBC super bantamweight title, Erik has faced nothing but top-tier pugilists, winning titles in three different weight divisions. One must ask, with so much already accomplished what keeps “El Terrible” motivated to continue fighting and taking on the best the boxing world has to offer? “That’s easy. My family and the fans of our sport is my motivation. I always strive to do things the right way because I never, ever want to disrespect the fans of this sport. I feel that they pay good money, and deserve us (fighters) to take the best fights possible. I think I have always respected them and, in turn, have earned their respect by giving great, entertaining battles every time I step into the ring. The day I can no longer do that, is the day you will no longer see me in a boxing ring. That I promise you because I will never cheat the fans or my family,” said Erik “Terrible” Morales to this writer via cell phone from Southern California.

Morales’ opponent list contains the top super bantamweights to the top junior lightweights of the past eight years. He has faced and beaten all except one fighter, a legend himself: Marco Antonio Barrera. Barrera owns two wins over Erik in one of boxing’s most brutal trilogies. If you have ever seen the first and third wars, it is unbelievable that both of these fighters are still competing at the highest levels of the sport. The Barrera vs. Morales fights were so entertaining that most fans and media alike want to see one more. “Terrible” had this to say about a possible fourth bout against his archrival, “That I’m aware of; I would have to say no. I have not heard of any negotiations nor do I care at this point. That theme has never really been discussed except by the media. We have just moved on and focused on making the best fights out there for the boxing public. There are still a lot of great fighters out there and many wars that I can make. I will focus on bringing the best fights to the fans. Once I beat Raheem in September, we will see if Pacquiao wants a rematch. If he doesn’t, I will just move on.”

And by “move on,” “El Terrible” is referring to a possible move up to the 135-pound division. I, like probably those of you reading this, felt a sense of joy in hearing that, as with possible fights against Jose Luis Castillo, Diego Corrales, Juan Lazcano, Joel Casamayor, “Kid Diamond,” and Juan Diaz, Morales’ addition to the lightweight division can only be great news for boxing. “I am still weighing my options and am going to make my decision. Once I beat Raheem, I will decide what is next. I know that I do want to go up to 135-pounds to try to capture my fourth world title. I also know that 135-pounds will be the last weight class for me. I think my body can carry it well and I will still be very strong at that weight. I fear no one and want to fight as many great fighters out there as I possible can. I want to offer the boxing fans the best fights and you can count on that I will take on the best lightweights available, should I move up. There will be no easy fights or inferior opponents for me. I will fight the best available lightweights when I move up. The public can be assured that they will always be entertained and that I will always give them great fights.”

In closing, “El Terrible” had this to say, “I have fought the best and will continue to fight the best until my career ends. I want fans to respect me as I respect them. I think I have earned that. When my career is done, all I want is for people to say that I always gave them great fights. Thanks to all of the fans for their love and support and I send them my love and respect. I appreciate everything and hope to continue to excite them.”

So fight fans, on September 10, 2005, Zahir Raheem will witness first hand the fury, passion, and intensity that is known as “El Terrible.” We can rest assured that the fight will be entertaining, and a war. Hey, if you were born in a boxing gym (literally), grew up in the Zona Norte de Tijuana (the cities’ worst area), and bred to fight like Erik was, you would not be able to help yourself either.

Contact Sergio Martinez at srg_mrtnz@yahoo.com