Connect with us

Articles of 2005

Erik Morales Loses Big

Published

on

Collecting title belts, apparently, is a lot like sex. The more you get, the more you want.

Excess can lead to trouble, though.

In both cases.

Erik Morales, a champion in three divisions, wanted a fourth championship. So he invaded the lightweight division Saturday, in hopes of one day challenging the winner of the Oct. 8 rematch between Diego Corrales and Jose Luis Castillo.

He took on Zahir Raheem, a light-punching boxer with good skills. Raheem seemed like a safe choice as Morales’ first lightweight opponent. Then the first round bell rang.

Raheem was bigger, stronger and faster than the suddenly-plodding Morales, who appeared heavy and without the fire that marked his amazing career. In fact, if it wasn’t “El Terrible” in there, you’d have thought that Raheem was using Morales as a tune-up for someone else.

It was that lopsided.

In the biggest upset so far of 2005, Raheem beat Morales by unanimous decision Saturday in a Los Angeles shocker. Morales can forget the winner of Corrales-Castillo. And his proposed winter rematch with Manny Pacquiao likely went out of the window as well.

All because Morales, who won world titles at 122, 126 and 130 pounds, wanted to conquer another weight class.

Fighters biting off more than they can chew is certainly nothing new to boxing. It’s been happening for years.

Here are four examples of respected champions whose careers were altered by an ill-advised jump in weight.

* Renaldo Snipes W 10 Eddie Mustafa Muhammad (1981): Mustafa Muhammad was the reigning WBA light heavyweight champion when he moved up to heavyweight and fought Snipes. Mustafa was a huge puncher as a light heavyweight, and a feared champion. The dream fight of the division was a unification showdown with WBC titlist Matthew Saad Muhammad. That fight, and Mustafa’s career, went kaput when Snipes toyed with him for 10 rounds. The power that marked Mustafa’s 175-pound dominance was nonexistent, and the bigger Snipes walked right through Eddie’s power punches. The fight was dreadful, and the decision was unanimous and predictable. A few months later, Mustafa struggled to get back down to 175 pounds, and lost a wide decision to Michael Spinks. He was never the same after that.

* Terry Norris KO 4 Meldrick Taylor (1992): Taylor had been one of the best fighters on the planet two years prior at junior welterweight, but his classic 1990 loss to Julio Cesar Chavez sent his career into a tailspin. Initially, the 140-pound weight class seemed perfect for Taylor. He was only 5-foot-7, wasn’t much of a puncher, but was strong and bulky enough to stand in there with anyone in the division. And his ungodly speed made him spectacular there. However, he moved up to welterweight in 1991 and picked up a title. He was still effective enough, though quickly losing his edge. Then, in one of the more head-scratching moves in recent boxing history, Taylor moved up in weight yet again and challenged the strong and powerful Norris – the best fighter in the division. Taylor had no chance, and was helpless as Norris marched right through him and bombed away. The massacre was finally stopped in the fourth, and Taylor was never the same. He dropped back down to 154 pounds later in ’92, but, by then, the damage had been done. Underdog Crisanto Espana destroyed him, and Taylor quickly became one of boxing’s sad stories.

* Pernell Whitaker D 12 Julio Cesar Chavez (1993): Officially, this fight was a draw. Unofficially, it was the first loss of Chavez’s incredible career. The reason? Whitaker was naturally bigger and stronger, and the Chavez punches that had so much of an effect on opponents at 130, 135 and 140 pounds didn’t faze “Sweet Pea.” Of course, welterweight was not Whitaker’s original weight class, either. But he had grown into the division naturally. He started at lightweight, whereas Chavez started at junior lightweight – and forced on the extra pounds to compete at 147. The difference was obvious in the ring, as Whitaker not only dominated from the outside as expected, but on the inside – where Chavez was supposedly so much more superior. Whitaker’s awkward, left-handed stance and underrated strength surprised and frustrated Chavez. And though it wasn’t a total runaway, Whitaker deserved the victory. Chavez lost officially four months later, when Frankie Randall dropped him and went on to capture a 12-round decision.

* Erik Morales W 12 Paulie Ayala (2002): Like Taylor, Ayala was an effective fighter in his natural weight class, which was 118 pounds. That’s where he upset Johnny Tapia in 1999, did it again a year later, and made four defenses of his title. Also like Taylor, Ayala was anything but a big puncher, and made up for his lack of power by a feverish work rate. All four of his title defense victories were decisions – most of them controversial. So it was strange to see Ayala move up and try for another world title at junior featherweight. He did it, beating Bones Adams by, yes, controversial decision in 2000. He repeated the victory again in 2001, which convinced him he was ready for another jump in weight. He hopped to 126 pounds in 2002, and faced the taller, bigger, stronger, better Morales. And while Morales won every round and issued a brutal beating, Ayala never wavered. Still, the Fort Worth, Texas, fighter would’ve been better off staying at either 122 or 118 – and likely wouldn’t have suffered the violent beatings at the hands of Morales and Marco Antonio Barrera.

Five years later, it was Morales who discovered what Ayala knew too well: Collecting title belts is great – until you go one weight class too many.

Then, it’s not so great. And, often times, it’s career-threatening. We’ll see if “El Terrible” is ever the same after the upset loss to Raheem.

Share The Sweet Science experience!
Continue Reading
Advertisement
Boxing-Notes-and-Nuggets-from-Thomas-Hauser
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Boxing Notes and Nuggets from Thomas Hauser

Ekow-Essuman-Upsets-Josh-Taylor-and-Moses-Itauma-Blasts-Out-Mike-Balogun-in-Glasgow
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Ekow Essuman Upsets Josh Taylor and Moses Itauma Blasts Out Mike Balogun in Glasgow

Newspaperman-Playwright-Author-Bobby-Cassidy-Jr-Commemorates-his-Fighting-Father
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Newspaperman/Playwright/Author Bobby Cassidy Jr Commemorates His Fighting Father

A-Night-of-Mismatches-Turns-Topsy-Turvy-at-Mandalay-Bay-Resendiz-Shocks-Plant
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

A Night of Mismatches Turns Topsy-Turvy at Mandalay Bay; Resendiz Shocks Plant

Avila-Perspective-Chap-326-A-Hectic-Boxing-Week-in-LA
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 326: A Hectic Boxing Week in L.A.

Hiruta-Bohachuk-and-Trinidad-Win-at-the-Commerce-Casino
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Hiruta, Bohachuk, and Trinidad Win at the Commerce Casino

David-Allen-Bursts-Johnny-Fisher's-Bubble-at-the-Copper-Box
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

David Allen Bursts Johnny Fisher’s Bubble at the Copper Box

Italy-Mourns-the-Death-of-Legendary-Boxer-Nino-Benvenuti
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Italy Mourns the Death of Legendary Boxer Nino Benvenuti

in-A-Trubute-Wedded-to-Memorial-Day-Boxing-Writer-David-Avila-Pays-Homage-to-Absent-Friends
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

In a Tribute Wedded to Memorial Day, Boxing Writer David Avila Pays Homage to Absent Friends

Vinny-Paz-is-Going-into-the-Boxing-Hall-of-Fame-Hey-why-Not-Roger-Mayweather?
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Vinny Paz is Going into the Boxing Hall of Fame; Hey, Why Not Roger Mayweather?

Remembering-the-Under-Appreciated-Body-Snatcher-Mike-McCallum,-a-Conusmmate-Pro
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Remembering the Under-Appreciated “Body Snatcher” Mike McCallum, a Consummate Pro    

Avila-Perspective-Chap-228-Viva-Las-Vegas-Back-in-the-Boxing-Spotlight
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 228: Viva Las Vegas, Back in the Boxing Spotlight

Results-and-Recaps-from-Las-Vegas-Where-Melikuziev-Nipped-Fulghum-in-a-Fierce-Fight
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Results and Recaps from Las Vegas Where Melikuziev Nipped Fulghum in a Fierce Battle

Pacquiao-is-Back,-Fabio-in-England-and-More.jpg
Featured Articles1 week ago

Avila Perspective, Chap 329: Pacquiao is Back, Fabio in England and More

Opetaia-and-Nakatani-Crush-Overmatched-Foes-Capping-Off-a-Wild-Boxing-Weekend
Featured Articles6 days ago

Opetaia and Nakatani Crush Overmatched Foes, Capping Off a Wild Boxing Weekend

Angelo-Leo-Retains-His-Featherweight-Title-Before-a-Hostile-Crowd-in-Osaka
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Angelo Leo Retains His Featherweight Title Before a Hostile Crowd in Osaka

Fabio-Wardley-Comes-from-Behind-to-KO-Justis-Huni
Featured Articles7 days ago

Fabio Wardley Comes from Behind to KO Justis Huni  

Delving-Into-'Hoopa'-With-Notes-on-Books-by-George-Plimpton-and-Joyce-Carol-Oates
Featured Articles1 week ago

Delving into ‘Hoopla’ with Notes on Books by George Plimpton and Joyce Carol Oates

Local-Fan-Favorites-Terri-Harpet-and-Maxi-Hughes-Victorious-in-Doncaster
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Local Fan Favorites Terri Harper and Maxi Hughes Victorious in Doncaster

Avila-Perspective-Chap-330-Matchroom-in-New-York-plus-the-latest-on-Canelo-Crawford
Featured Articles1 day ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 330: Matchroom in New York plus the Latest on Canelo-Crawford

Avila-Perspective-Chap-330-Matchroom-in-New-York-plus-the-latest-on-Canelo-Crawford
Featured Articles1 day ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 330: Matchroom in New York plus the Latest on Canelo-Crawford

The-Shafting-of-Blair-the-Flair-Cobbs-a-Familar-Thread-in-the-Cruelest-Sport
Featured Articles3 days ago

The Shafting of Blair “The Flair” Cobbs, a Familiar Thread in the Cruelest Sport

Opetaia-and-Nakatani-Crush-Overmatched-Foes-Capping-Off-a-Wild-Boxing-Weekend
Featured Articles6 days ago

Opetaia and Nakatani Crush Overmatched Foes, Capping Off a Wild Boxing Weekend

Fabio-Wardley-Comes-from-Behind-to-KO-Justis-Huni
Featured Articles7 days ago

Fabio Wardley Comes from Behind to KO Justis Huni  

Pacquiao-is-Back,-Fabio-in-England-and-More.jpg
Featured Articles1 week ago

Avila Perspective, Chap 329: Pacquiao is Back, Fabio in England and More

Delving-Into-'Hoopa'-With-Notes-on-Books-by-George-Plimpton-and-Joyce-Carol-Oates
Featured Articles1 week ago

Delving into ‘Hoopla’ with Notes on Books by George Plimpton and Joyce Carol Oates

Remembering-the-Under-Appreciated-Body-Snatcher-Mike-McCallum,-a-Conusmmate-Pro
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Remembering the Under-Appreciated “Body Snatcher” Mike McCallum, a Consummate Pro    

A-Night-of-Mismatches-Turns-Topsy-Turvy-at-Mandalay-Bay-Resendiz-Shocks-Plant
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

A Night of Mismatches Turns Topsy-Turvy at Mandalay Bay; Resendiz Shocks Plant

Results-and-Recaps-from-Las-Vegas-Where-Melikuziev-Nipped-Fulghum-in-a-Fierce-Fight
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Results and Recaps from Las Vegas Where Melikuziev Nipped Fulghum in a Fierce Battle

Avila-Perspective-Chap-228-Viva-Las-Vegas-Back-in-the-Boxing-Spotlight
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 228: Viva Las Vegas, Back in the Boxing Spotlight

Vinny-Paz-is-Going-into-the-Boxing-Hall-of-Fame-Hey-why-Not-Roger-Mayweather?
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Vinny Paz is Going into the Boxing Hall of Fame; Hey, Why Not Roger Mayweather?

Newspaperman-Playwright-Author-Bobby-Cassidy-Jr-Commemorates-his-Fighting-Father
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Newspaperman/Playwright/Author Bobby Cassidy Jr Commemorates His Fighting Father

Ekow-Essuman-Upsets-Josh-Taylor-and-Moses-Itauma-Blasts-Out-Mike-Balogun-in-Glasgow
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Ekow Essuman Upsets Josh Taylor and Moses Itauma Blasts Out Mike Balogun in Glasgow

Angelo-Leo-Retains-His-Featherweight-Title-Before-a-Hostile-Crowd-in-Osaka
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Angelo Leo Retains His Featherweight Title Before a Hostile Crowd in Osaka

in-A-Trubute-Wedded-to-Memorial-Day-Boxing-Writer-David-Avila-Pays-Homage-to-Absent-Friends
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

In a Tribute Wedded to Memorial Day, Boxing Writer David Avila Pays Homage to Absent Friends

Local-Fan-Favorites-Terri-Harpet-and-Maxi-Hughes-Victorious-in-Doncaster
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Local Fan Favorites Terri Harper and Maxi Hughes Victorious in Doncaster

Italy-Mourns-the-Death-of-Legendary-Boxer-Nino-Benvenuti
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Italy Mourns the Death of Legendary Boxer Nino Benvenuti

Boxing-Notes-and-Nuggets-from-Thomas-Hauser
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Boxing Notes and Nuggets from Thomas Hauser

Hiruta-Bohachuk-and-Trinidad-Win-at-the-Commerce-Casino
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Hiruta, Bohachuk, and Trinidad Win at the Commerce Casino

David-Allen-Bursts-Johnny-Fisher's-Bubble-at-the-Copper-Box
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

David Allen Bursts Johnny Fisher’s Bubble at the Copper Box

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

Trending