Marine Vet Eric Morante Turns Struggles into Strength with Boxing and New Podcast "Defiant"
In an emotional journey that echoes resilience, Eric Morante, a former U.S. Marine, has transformed his life from the darkest depths of despair to one of hope and inspiration. After losing his leg to a bomb during his third tour in Iraq, Morante found solace and purpose in boxing—an enduring passion that now fuels his mission to empower others facing similar challenges.
Morante’s story, encapsulated in the six-part podcast series "Defiant," produced by Stak, reveals not just his personal trials but also sheds light on the broader issues faced by the disabled community. “Sharing my story has been incredibly therapeutic,” Morante shared with Muscle & Fitness (M&F). “My hope is that someone listening to ‘Defiant’ will feel a little less alone and a little more willing to keep fighting.”
A Life Altered by Tragedy
On April 20, 2007, Morante faced a life-altering event when a devastating bomb exploded beneath a bridge in Iraq, tragically amputating his right leg above the knee. The wounds were not just physical; he returned home battling ferocious PTSD, opioid dependency, and crippling loneliness—all while grieving the loss of his father to cancer during his deployment.
“After the blast, I had two choices: stay in the darkness or fight my way out,” he reflected. For some time, the darkness consumed him, leading to anger and isolation. However, it was the memory of the fighter he once was that ignited his determination to reclaim his life.
Return to the Ring
Morante re-entered the boxing gym, finding structure and identity through rigorous training. “Boxing was the first thing that made me feel alive again,” he explained. “It forced me to learn my body all over again…but mentally, that’s where it saved me.” His profound connection with the sport reinvigorated his spirit and quelled the demons of PTSD.
In 2013, Morante helped establish the National Amputee Boxing Association (NABA), creating a platform for veterans and amputees to engage in boxing as a means of healing. The movement gained traction, receiving endorsement from the Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation.
A Setback That Shook His World
Despite the momentum, Morante faced a crushing setback in 2019 when his boxing license was abruptly revoked just 30 minutes before his first sanctioned match against an able-bodied opponent. “It felt like the rug had been pulled out from under me all over again,” he lamented, recognizing the broader implications this bureaucratic decision had on the amputee community.
A New Mission: Inclusivity and Empowerment
Today, Morante continues to champion inclusivity within combat sports. “Making combat sports more inclusive…that’s a purpose I take personally,” he remarked, emphasizing the necessity for understanding in a system that too often overlooks the needs of people like him.
As a testament to his commitment, Morante now trains kids with cerebral palsy, veterans struggling with PTSD, and individuals with various disabilities, providing a supportive environment where they can thrive through boxing. “I want to keep changing lives through boxing for anyone who is struggling,” he asserted. “I want them to know the gym is a home for them.”
While the dream of competing in the Paralympics may have dimmed, Morante’s fight is far from over. “There are still thousands of people who can benefit from the same structure and healing that saved me,” he said. His goal is to develop programs that empower the next generation of amputees, proving that limitations exist only in perception.
Tune into "Defiant"
Eric Morante’s remarkable journey and advocacy work are captured in detail in his podcast, "Defiant," now available on major platforms such as Apple Podcasts and Spotify. His story not only inspires but serves as a reminder that the human spirit can persevere against all odds.