Was Erik Morales the world's best fighter from 01-03?

I would have to say that he was. Morales is recognized as a great fighter due to his wins over MAB and Pacquiao. But I believe his H2H ability is actually underrated. If you go back and watch Morales' classic fights you will see that this guy really did have all the tools to give anybody a run for their money.

His prime was from like 97-05. But in my opinion he was at his peak and absolute best from 2001-2003. His defense improved after the "loss" he took against Barrera in 2000. He moved up to a more natural and comfortable weight for him at 126 pounds. He was surprisingly fleet footed given his reputation as a slugger. Compared to his Mexican contemporaries he was rather graceful, quick and elegant on his feet. His 72 inch reach was tremendous for the 126 pound division. He could box, punch and pressure. He could win in about any way possible that you could think of. A rather complete fighter to say the least.

And for all of Morales' detractors saying he fought to his level of competition. And would fight down to his opposition, never once was he involved in a controversial decision except for the fights with MAB. Who was an ATG fighter himself. Really, the only time he looked just "meh" was the first Espadas fight.

This was a guy who was like 50-1 at one point with his lone loss to MAB. He was that good.

Thinking about the talented fighters during that time you'd have to say that Morales was probably the best fighter in the world then. He had "beaten" Barrera in 2002. Would definitely have been favored over Marquez. Would have been favored over Pacquiao at that point. Mosley didn't have a jab and was chalk full of EPO. DLH was stiff and robotic. Mayweather had Castillo problems. Vitali I can see an argument, but not quite. Hopkins was already in his late 30s then and was having workrate issues. Jones Jr. was older and far removed from his best weight of 168.

What say you guys?

 

Raheem doesn't seem relevant to a prime 126 pound Morales which is what the thread is about. It's not about the totality of Morales' career. Rather a certain part of it. That's the gist of the thread.

 

He destroyed Espadas in the rematch and toyed with him. And Espadas was not a controversial decision. It was a clear win for Morales.

Also most people thought Morales was robbed against Barrera too.

 

In a hypothetical prime for prime matchup with JMM vs Morales I think Morales would be the clear favorite. Obviously the favorite doesn't always win that's why they have the fight. But I think this has been done before on this board. Morales demolished JMM in the prime for prime poll. But Marquez demolished Morales in the past prime poll versions.

 

I disagree. First, Barrera is an ATG. At that level you can't just blow people away. And Espadas was a clear victory for Morales. What's the matter? The Espadas victory wasn't sexy enough for you?