Mexican boxing legend won epic fight series with rival in one of the greatest fights of the 21st century

Marco Antonio Barrera and Erik Morales had one win apiece after two fights

Barrera and Morales met for the first time in February 2000, as the Mexicans met for a super bantamweight title unification bout. Barrera had his WBO title on the line, while Morales was the WBC champion.

Fighting in Las Vegas, the epic fight would end via split decision, with Morales emerging as the victor. The fifth round of the bout is considered to be one of the greatest of all time, as both men truly let their hands go.

The brawl would be named the ‘Fight of the Year’ by The Ring Magazine for the year 2000.

Two years later, Barrera would be given the chance to amend his loss to Morales. Once again meeting in Las Vegas, the Mexicans locked horns for a second time in June 2002.

The two fought for the vacant WBC World Featherweight title.

In a more tactical outing than their first brawl, Barrera would even the fight series. Getting the victory via unanimous decision, the pair would have their third and final bout another two years later.

Marco Antonio Barrera and Erik Morales had their trilogy bout in 2004

The rubber match between Barrera and Morales would see the latter try and defend his WBC World Super Featherweight title against his rival in November 2004. However, he would not be successful.

It would be another incredible fight between the two Mexicans, with their third bout also winning a ‘Fight of the Year’ award. This time, the bout ended in a majority decision after 12 rounds.

Emerging as the victor of the series would be Barrera, who made it back-to-back wins over Morales.

Both men landed significant shots on one another, as the two went to war for their trilogy bout, throwing heavy punches. However, the trilogy would end with Barrera holding two wins.