David Morrell’s team had the Cuban abandon the super-middleweight division to light heavyweight because none of the best fighters at 168 were willing to face him. Canelo Alvarez and David Benavidez ignored him, neither of whom showed any interest in facing him.
Super Middleweight’s Cold Shoulder
“Morrell left the 168 definitely. The best fights at that weight were impossible to make. After defeating Yamaguchi Falcao, we were ready to face David Benavidez in Nov 2023, but the Benavidez team ultimately did not accept the fight,” said Luis De Cubas to Ringside TV.
Then, according to De Cubas, they tried to make a fight against Edgar Berlanga, but the representatives of the New Yorker at “Matchroom” refused to make the fight. On the subject of a fight between undisputed super middleweight champion Canelo’Alvarez and Morrell, De Cubas said, “Forget it,” because the fight would never happen. Morrell would want the Canelo fight, but the feelings aren’t mutual.
New Opportunities in Light Heavyweight
This is why he moved Morrell up from 168 to 175 pounds. “People forget that when Morrell was 17, he faced the two-time champion Julio César La Cruz at 178 pounds. His best amateur results were at that weight; he dropped to 168 pounds in professional boxing.”
Moreover, De Cubas believes that what is happening in Saudi Arabia and the fight between light heavyweight champions Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol on October 12th could create an opportunity to make big fights.
If David Benavidez decides to stay at 175, there could be opportunities for heavy fighting in that weight category. “To be great, you must face and beat the best. At light heavyweight, we now have the best, and we want to face them all,” said De Cubas about his desire to match Morrell against the top fighters.
David Morrell (10-0, 9 KOs ) is fighting Radivoje Kalajdzic (29-2, 21 KOs) for the vacant WBA light heavyweight title on August 3rd on the undercard of Terence Crawford vs. Israil Madrimov at the BMO Stadium in Los Angeles. That event appears to be the best event of the year.
Also on the August 3rd card are notable fighters Isaac Cruz, Andy Ruiz, and Jared Anderson in separate fights.
Boxing fans are waiting to see what David Morrell can do at light heavyweight. Many fans believe Morrell had physical advantages when he campaigned at super middleweight.
The 6’3″ Kalajdzic beats the 6’1″ Morrell in the size department. However, if the Cuban Morrell can dominate his rival, the table would soon be served to see him face the Beterbiev vs. Bivol winner.
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