Maurice Esposito-Morgan

Maurice Esposito-Morgan was born January 30th, 1982 in Los patriotas, Bayardo, Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic.

In 1990 he migrated to the United States with his mother, Darlena Maria Esposito and two older sisters; Katrina and Soniya-lynn.

He has since been back to his native island, the Dominican family settled in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where Maurice begin his amateur boxing career at the local boxing gym built and run by the legendary boxer "smokin'" Joe Frazier.

Despite Maurice's unfortunate run-ins with the law as a teenager, he managed to devote much of his time to boxing, which was another way of staying out of trouble.

As time went on, Maurice trained harder everyday and was giving a chance to test his skills in his First Local boxing match. Given the nickname "trini" by his father, Mauricio Hector De La Fuente who is a 2 time Olympic gold medalist for the Dominican Republic in the early 70's, because his fighting stance and style which resembled Latino boxing icon Puerto Rico's own Felix Trinidad who is also Maurice's favorite boxer.

He was born Mauricio Hector De La Fuente-Esposito, but while making the move from his native island to the U.S. his name was modified for citizenship reasons. Struggling to stay out of trouble and harm's way, Maurice was shot twice on 2 different occasions; once in the leg at age 16 and then in the back of the head. Also suffered a severe stab wound to his right wrist causing muscle and nerve damage.

With months of physical therapy Maurice was back in the gym boxing. Interscholastics also kept Maurice ACTIVE, he played football and wrestling throughout middle and high school. His senior year he received letters of acceptance from many colleges and universities. Choosing to take one his many offers, he attended the University of Pittsburgh on a 4 year scholarship for wrestling.

During college Maurice continued boxing. In 2000 he fought in the Latin American Royal Golden Glove competition held in Panama city, Panama place 3rd place. 2001-2003 he earned silver and gold medal in the United States Golden gold competition.

His performance in local fights and competitions earned Maurice a chance to represent the United States in the Olympics, held 2004 in Athens, Greece.

Maurice suffered a bad cut above his eye. Which was a result in his disqualification from the Olympic trials. In a interview held following his disqualification Maurice stated "this is the worst day of my life".Maurice returned to college and earned a degree in accounting and business management. And has since moved to Phoenix, Arizona.

Has a daughter with Lorena Gomez-Lopez; Malina cristabel Esposito-Lopez

Earned a 4 years scholarship to the University of Pittsburgh for wrestling.

2000-Placed 3rd in the Latin American Royal gloves.

2001,2002-Silver medalist in the U.S. Golden gloves.

2003-Gold medalist in the U.S. Golden gloves.

In his Amateur boxing career has had 76 fights total;61 W/ 2 Draws/ 13 L (Including disqualification)

Still makes time to go to the gym.

Resides in Phoenix, Arizona.