Morris East

Morris East (born August 8, 1973, in Olongapo, Philippines) is a retired Filipino southpaw who made history in the light welterweight division. Turning professional at just 15, he captured the WBA world title in 1992 with an 11th-round TKO of Akinobu Hiranaka in Tokyo, earning recognition as the youngest Filipino world champion at 19 years old. That victory was named Ring Magazine Knockout of the Year. East lost the belt in his first defense to Martín Coggi and retired in 1995 after winning the GAB light middleweight crown, becoming one of the youngest former world champions to retire. His career record stands at 25 fights, 20 wins (12 KOs), 4 losses, and 1 no contest. After boxing, East built a respected career as a trainer in the U.S., working with champions like Zab Judah and Nonito Donaire, while his personal story of reconnecting with his father after winning the world title added a poignant chapter to his legacy.