Marco Antonio Barrera, the former three-weight world champion, has picked Erik Morales as the best fighter he faced in his career. Barrera shared this insight in a recent feature with The Ring Magazine, highlighting Morales' toughness and relentless style.
Barrera, known as "The Baby Faced Assassin," had a storied career from 1989 to 2011. He won world titles in three weight classes and faced off against some of boxing's biggest names, including Manny Pacquiao, Juan Manuel Márquez, and Prince Naseem Hamed.
But it's Morales who stands out in Barrera's mind. The two Mexican stars clashed in one of boxing's greatest trilogies, with each fight more thrilling than the last. Their first bout in 2000 saw Morales claim the WBO super-bantamweight title. Barrera evened the score in 2002, winning the WBC featherweight title by unanimous decision. The final chapter came in November 2004, with Barrera emerging victorious and capturing the WBC super-featherweight title.
Barrera explained his choice to The Ring Magazine:
"Morales is definitely the toughest opponent I have faced, because it almost seemed whenever I hit him it wouldn't hurt him. And he's a guy who would constantly give me pressure, and he hit really, really hard."
Morales, nicknamed "El Terrible," was indeed a formidable opponent. He made history as the first Mexican fighter to win world titles in four weight classes and defeated 15 world champions during his career, which ended in 2012.
The Barrera-Morales trilogy has been immortalized in boxing lore, showcasing the intense rivalry between two of Mexico's greatest fighters. Their battles epitomize the grit and determination that have come to define Mexican boxing, cementing both men's places in the sport's rich history.
Barrera's acknowledgment of Morales as his toughest opponent speaks volumes about the respect between these two warriors. Their rivalry pushed each to new heights, creating unforgettable moments for boxing fans around the world.
