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.
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