Morris East Presents: A Different Kind of Comeback
By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT
PhilBoxing.com
Mon, 22 Aug 2022
Morris East is a survivor in more ways than one.
And to say that he had a rough time during the past two years is a major understatement.
He came knocking on heaven’s door.
Twice.
In early January of 2000, he suffered a massive heart attack that necessitated a quintuple vessel, open-heart bypass surgery that left him in a coma for 6 weeks.
The surgery was successful but post-operative complications and wound dehiscence prevented the surgical team to close his chest wall in a timely manner.
The prolonged mechanical ventilation (a form of life support) helped save his life; however, after extubation (i.e., removal of the breathing tube), his vocal cords were paralyzed which left him speechless.
The multi-disciplinary medical team - comprised of cardio-thoracic surgeons, radiology-ENT-oncology physicians, nurses, speech pathologists, respiratory therapists, etc.- found a cancerous tumor in his nasal passages near the brain.
The following seven months were a grueling albeit successful regimen of speech and physical therapy, cardiac rehabilitation, chemotherapy, and radiation.
Morris East, whose indomitable spirit made him one of the Philippines’ boxing heroes, is once again walking and talking.
He continues to inspire us and future boxing titlists through his example and association with JMS Anchor Promotions.
His intense faith in The Lord, his better half Mary Lou, his friends, and family have collectively help in his amazing comeback.
“God gave me a 2nd chance and a new lease on life. I believe that my mission on earth is not finished. It has become my goal to help the future hopefuls in their journey. Sports, as in life, is full of challenges. And boxing has its dangers. With my personal experience as a fighter, trainer, manager and now promoter, I would like to help my fellow fighters achieve their goals.”
On August 28, 2022, JMS Promotions presents Angklahan sa Dasmarinas---a mixed card featuring professional and amateur boxers along with special Muay Thai bouts--- in collaboration with Biagtan Martial Arts and Muay Thai Gym, Arm Sports and Dascity Steel Fabrication.
In the main event, Ryan Racaza fights Jimmy Borbon in a super-lighweight 8-rounder.
In the co-feature, super-featherweights Lorence Rosas and Aiman Abu Bakar battle for 8 rounds.
JMS Anchor Promotions features Justice and Sturdiness (Anchorage) in Boxing----
• J for Joel Paciones (A former merchant marine)
• M for Morris East (the youngest Filipino world boxing titlist and trainer of champions)
• S for Attorney Steve Santillan
P.S. A belated Happy Birthday to Morris East who turned 49 years old last August 8, 2022. May you have many, many more to come. My thanks and best regards to Mary Lou East whose help in this article is appreciated.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Emmanuel Rivera, RRT.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Fireworks Ahead: Magsayo vs Mata in Prelims of Pacquiao vs Barrios
By Carlos Costa, Thu, 03 Jul 2025Japan's Boxing Golden Age Remains Limited to the Lower Weights
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Thu, 03 Jul 2025No issues with fight ref
By Joaquin Henson, Thu, 03 Jul 2025Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaimàn: Grand Muay Thai event in Verona
By Mauricio Sulaimán, Thu, 03 Jul 2025Morelle McCane and Rene Camacho Advance to Quarterfinals of World Boxing Cup: Astana 2025
Thu, 03 Jul 20253 Division World Champion & Hall of Famer Marco Antonio Barrera Confirmed for Eighth Annual Box Fan Expo, During Mexican Independence Day Weekend, Saturday September 13, in Las Vegas
Thu, 03 Jul 2025ESPN Original Series The Fight Life Returns for Season Two on July 7
Wed, 02 Jul 2025TOP-RATED LIGHTWEIGHT KO ARTIST ARMANDO MARTINEZ RABI RETURNS
Wed, 02 Jul 2025Amazing Muay Thai WBC Festival 2025
Wed, 02 Jul 2025Borromeo Leads Winners of the Philippine Speedcubing Championships
By Marlon Bernardino, Wed, 02 Jul 2025What If Pacquiao Defeats Barrios?
By Ralph Rimpell, Wed, 02 Jul 2025Team USA Earns Three Wins on Day Two of World Boxing Cup: Astana 2025
Wed, 02 Jul 2025Women's Boxing Champion Signs with Combate Global, Still Aims For WBC Absolute Gold
Wed, 02 Jul 2025Sanman Boxing Presents Hard-Hitting Prospect Abubakar Yanon Set to Challenge for Philippine Boxing Federation Flyweight Title in Malungon, Sarangani Province
Wed, 02 Jul 2025Boxing Returns to Tropicana Atlantic City, July 25
Wed, 02 Jul 2025