Erik Morales Fires Back: “I Didn’t Need Four Fights to Beat Manny Pacquiao”

A Bold Statement From “El Terrible”

Erik “El Terrible” Morales has never been known for holding back his words, and once again, the Mexican legend made headlines with a fiery remark directed at fellow countryman Juan Manuel Marquez. Speaking about their shared history with Filipino icon Manny Pacquiao, Morales drew a sharp comparison:

“I didn’t need FOUR fights to beat Pacquiao. I did it the FIRST time.”

With that statement, Morales reminded boxing fans of his landmark victory in 2005, when he defeated Pacquiao in their first meeting by unanimous decision. For Morales, it wasn’t just a win—it was a definitive proof of his ability to solve Pacquiao’s puzzle without the need for multiple rematches.

Morales vs. Pacquiao: The 2005 Classic

The first clash between Morales and Pacquiao on March 19, 2005, at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, remains one of the great battles of that era. Pacquiao was already a rising force, having scored memorable wins over Marco Antonio Barrera and drawn with Marquez the year before. Yet it was Morales who imposed his will, outboxing Pacquiao with precision, toughness, and relentless combinations over 12 grueling rounds.

Morales handed Pacquiao a rare defeat—his last loss before going on an incredible run that would make him a global superstar. That victory is often highlighted as one of Morales’ greatest achievements, solidifying his legacy as one of Mexico’s most accomplished champions.

Marquez’s Four-Fight Saga

Juan Manuel Marquez, another Mexican great, faced Pacquiao four times between 2004 and 2012 in what became one of boxing’s most heated rivalries. Their first fight ended in a controversial draw, followed by narrow defeats for Marquez in 2008 and 2011. It wasn’t until their fourth meeting in 2012 that Marquez finally had his breakthrough—delivering one of the most iconic knockouts in boxing history with a perfectly timed right hand that left Pacquiao unconscious on the canvas.

While Marquez’s perseverance eventually paid off with that spectacular KO, Morales highlighted the contrast: where Marquez needed four battles to solve the Pacquiao riddle, Morales needed only one.

A Matter of Legacy and Pride

The Morales-Marquez comparison has long been debated among boxing fans. Morales was the first to defeat Pacquiao in a full 12-round contest, a feat that added to his already impressive résumé of world titles across multiple divisions. Marquez, on the other hand, secured the most dramatic victory over Pacquiao, a knockout that is replayed endlessly and etched into boxing folklore.

For Morales, however, the number of attempts matters. His argument suggests that beating Pacquiao decisively on the first try carries more weight than Marquez’s eventual triumph after years of trying.

Respect Among Rivals

Despite Morales’ bold statement, it’s worth noting that he and Marquez never fought each other in the ring—a fact that left fans wondering for years what might have happened had the two Mexican legends shared the stage. Both men fought Pacquiao, Barrera, and other greats of their time, but their paths never crossed directly.

Still, both Morales and Marquez share a place in boxing history as part of a golden era for Mexican fighters. Their legacies are unique: Morales as the fearless warrior who beat Pacquiao first, and Marquez as the patient tactician who found the perfect shot years later.

Fans React to Morales’ Words

Boxing fans are divided by Morales’ comments. Some agree that his win over Pacquiao in 2005 was more impressive because it came when Pacquiao was entering his prime and before he became the dominant superstar of the late 2000s. Others argue that Marquez’s stunning knockout in 2012 was the ultimate statement, erasing the sting of his earlier losses.

On social media, Morales’ quote sparked debates about which victory truly holds more historical significance. Was it Morales’ tactical brilliance in the first fight—or Marquez’s dramatic ending in the fourth?

Conclusion: Two Legends, One Rivalry With Pacquiao

Erik Morales’ fiery reminder highlights the pride and competitiveness that defined an era of Mexican boxing. While Juan Manuel Marquez needed four fights to secure his defining victory, Morales is quick to point out that he only needed one.

Ultimately, both men carved their own chapters in the Pacquiao saga—Morales as the man who first beat him, and Marquez as the man who knocked him out cold. The debate over whose triumph was greater may never end, but one thing is certain: fans were the true winners, witnessing unforgettable battles that shaped boxing history.