Eric Morante: Defying Adversity Through Boxing and Community

Eric Morante nurtured a passion for boxing from his youth. Even after suffering a tragic leg amputation during a tour of Iraq, the U.S. Marine sought the physical and mental benefits of returning to the sport. However, when his aspirations of a professional boxing career were derailed by the very discipline he loved, Morante vowed to persevere—not only for himself but for countless disabled individuals who seek meaningful challenges. His emotional and inspiring podcast series, detailing his journey, is now available, and Morante recently spoke with Men’s Fitness (M&F) about his most daunting obstacles and enduring hopes.

A Life Unraveled: Injury and Struggle

On April 20, 2007, as a U.S. Marine squad leader on his third Iraq deployment, Morante grappled with the recent loss of his father to a brain tumor. That day, a bomb detonated beneath a bridge his team was guarding, releasing 3,000 pounds of explosives that shattered his right leg, necessitating an above-the-knee amputation. Returning to Texas for recovery, he faced not only physical wounds but also severe post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), opioid dependency, and overwhelming loneliness. The loss of his leg and purpose as a Marine plunged him into profound despair.

Rebuilding Through Purpose: The Catalyst of Boxing

“There was no single pivotal moment for me,” Morante reflects on his recovery. “It was a series of realizations: I faced two choices—remain trapped in darkness or actively fight to escape it. After the explosion, amputation, loss of my Marine career, and the grief of my father’s passing, I felt stripped of all that defined me.” For a long time, he stagnated—consumed by anger, isolation, and daily survival. Yet, observing loved ones and fellow veterans who had endured their own battles, he resolved to reclaim his identity. “I recalled that I was once a person who fought for purpose, and I yearned to reclaim that version of myself,” he says.

Morante’s gradual reintroduction to boxing training became a catalyst for healing: it provided essential structure, reignited his passion for the sport, and began mending his physical and mental wounds.

National Amputee Boxing Association (NABA): Community and Healing

In 2013, Morante and fellow veterans co-founded the National Amputee Boxing Association (NABA), a grassroots initiative leveraging boxing to address PTSD and the psychological impacts of limb loss. “Boxing was the first experience that made me feel alive again,” he explains. “After my injury, stepping back into a gym provided what I had unknowingly craved: structure, identity, and a mission.”

Physically, boxing forced him to relearn his body—balance, movement, and power generation with one leg—starting from a place of zero. Mentally, it soothed his PTSD, demanding present-moment focus and rekindling discipline. NABA flourished, gaining approval from the Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation and appearing poised for Paralympic recognition. As America’s first licensed amputee boxer, Morante sparred competitively with able-bodied professionals, symbolizing the potential of inclusive sport.

Setback and Systemic Barriers

However, in 2019, just prior to his first official sanctioned bout, Morante’s license was abruptly revoked. This revocation effectively halted NABA’s momentum, leaving his community grappling with yet another loss. “Thirty minutes before a bout I’d trained for months for, my license was revoked,” he reflects. “This felt like the system had crushed an entire community’s hope for purpose and empowerment.”

Current Mission: Inclusivity and Transformation

Today, fostering inclusivity in combat sports remains a core mission for Morante. “I am personally committed to making combat sports more inclusive, informed, and equitable,” he states. With fellow amputee Moses, he teaches boxing weekly to diverse groups: children with cerebral palsy, veterans with PTSD, individuals with learning differences, and visually impaired participants. “My goal is straightforward: use boxing to transform lives for those facing struggles,” he explains. “I want them to recognize the gym as a sanctuary, a home.”

The Ongoing Fight: Beyond Paralympic Dreams

While the Paralympic pathway may be deferred, Morante’s mission endures. “If the Paralympic dream is unrealized, that is acceptable,” he notes. “There are still thousands who can gain from the structure and healing boxing provided me. I aim to expand programs, strengthen community bonds, and demonstrate to the next generation of amputees that their potential is not defined by societal limitations.”

Eric Morante’s complete journey is chronicled in “Defiant,” a six-part podcast series now available on major platforms, including Apple Podcasts.