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Home » Erik Morales pays tribute to father at Hall of Fame induction

Erik Morales pays tribute to father at Hall of Fame induction

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“I do not know how to explain what has been for me this weekend, I still cannot assimilate it. Today I can say that all the sacrifice has been worth it because I am in a place of which I always dreamed. My name is next to great legends, who are some of my idols.

“I do not know how to thank everyone who made this dream possible … it was a day of mixed feelings, I did not want to cry remembering my Dad who not only motivated me to be a fighter but who was my guide inside and outside the ring.

“I would have liked that he was there physically but hey, he got ahead of us; However, I know that one way or another he was there with me.”

Jose “Olivaritos” Morales trained Jorge Arce, Yory Boy Campas, Jose Luis Castillo, Cesar Bazan and Jorge Paez among many champions. But his most brilliant boxing accomplishment was creating and moulding his son Erik into a world beater.

“Jose died aged 60 in 2016, following a stroke. He’ll forever be remembered as a handsome, patient, kind, brilliantly inspirational and wonderful man blessed with a sparkling sense of humor.

Erik also gave thanks to others who helped him along the way, saying: “Today I continue to thank all the people who crossed my path, who never abandoned me and believed in me, and to my home the WBC, a family that I discovered many years ago and to whom I owe the shelter and trust.

“Green and gold are forever my colors, I wore them on my body and they are within my heart.”