Las Vegas, Nevada – Saturday night, David Benavidez (30-0, 24 KOs) demonstrated to the world that he is among the best in the light heavyweight division when he defeated David Morrell (11-1, 9 KOs) convincingly, earning a unanimous decision over the previously undefeated boxer. All
three judges scored it in favor of Benavidez, with two judges scoring it 115 to 111 and one judge scoring a wider-than-expected card but still deservingly so for Benavidez, scoring it 118-108. Benavidez outlanded Morrell by a significant margin, landing with precision and volume. Landing 224 to Morrell’s 165, with an astonishing total connect percentage of 40.5.
Morrell, at times, looked overwhelmed and unable to defend Benavidez’s offensive attack. Much was said of Morrell’s amateur pedigree and Cuban style of boxing and how he would with his superior boxing skills, give Benavidez a boxing lesson.
Morrell admitted at the post-fight press conference that Benavidez held the edge in experience and boxed well in the match because of it. Morrell is young and can only learn from this match and become better. He’s only gone the distance in three of his professional fights. In this match, his output decreased as the fight progressed and visibly slowed in the later rounds. He’ll have to improve his stamina going forward.
With the victory, Benavidez earns the opportunity to face the winner of the February 22nd match between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol. The match is what Benavidez has been clamoring for: the opportunity at greatness. At the post-fight press conference, he stated that he understands that from this point forward, every match he has will be harder than the next. That is what true greatness is: seeking to challenge yourself and fight the very best.
Benavidez wants to ascend to greatness and be considered among the best in the sport. For now, he wants to rest and take time off to spend with his family.
Benavidez did express his desire to have a possible mega-fight with Beterbiev or Bivol in the United States. He stated that he’s worked his entire career to earn such a match, and his fanbase should be able to support him as they did Saturday night at the T-Mobile Arena.
The question of possibly facing Canelo Alvarez was posed at the post-fight press conference and Benavidez stated he knew as much about a possible fight as everyone in the media, meaning he doesn’t know if it will ever happen. Whether we get the fight or not, Benavidez is now making his own path and has the opportunity at greatness by being able to challenge for the undisputed light heavyweight championship.
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