David Morrell says he doesn’t care what David Benavidez will bring to their fight this Saturday night. He’s “100% confident” that he will “knock him out” in their 12-round headliner at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
(Credit: Ryan Hafey/Premier Boxing Champions)
Morrell (11-0, 9 KOs) has seen Benavidez’s past fights and studied him, knowing he can beat him. He feels that his style is one he can take apart, as he fought many high-pressure fighters during his years on the Cuban national team, where he was a standout.
If Benavidez (29-0, 24 KOs) loses by knockout to Morrell, it’s not the end of the world for him. He’s young enough at 28 to rebuild, come again, and resurrect his career at cruiserweight. Trainer Jose Benavidez Sr. has already said that’s his next destination if they can’t get the Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol 2 winner.
KO Guaranteed
“I don’t care what he brings into the ring. They call him the monster, but I’m not worried about any of that. I’m ready,” said David Morrell during today’s Grand Arrivals in Las Vegas for his fight against David Benavidez on Saturday.
“I’m 100% confident. I’m not worried about what anyone else is saying. I’m going to get the last word on Saturday. Inside of the ring, nobody can stop what we’re going do to each other, just the referee. I promise that I’m here to knock him out.
“I have everything I need to win. This is my time and my moment. 2025 is my year. This is going to open the door for other Cuban fighters to follow me,” said Morrell.
It would be a significant setback for Benavidez and his followers if Morrell defeats him, especially by knockout or a one-sided Andy Cruz-level Cuban domination. Getting stopped by Morrell or outboxed using his Cuban school would put things in perspective, showing the wide gulf of talent between him and the rather crude style of Benavidez.
We really don’t know how good David Morrell is in the pro ranks, but if his amateur record of 135-2 is any indicator, he’s got an excellent chance of defeating Benavidez. Interestingly, a big deal has been made about Benavidez’s pro experience, and many fans and media members view it as an advantage.
They ignore Morrell’s stellar amateur record and the experience he got fighting the likes of two-time Olympic gold medalist Julio Cesar la Cruz. Morrell’s only two amateur career defeats came against Cesar La Cruz and Harley-David O’Reilly, who he defeated in the rematch.
Rematch Inevitable
A victory for Morrell will put him potentially in with the winner of the Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol 2 winner.
I doubt Morrell would be allowed to move on without an immediate rematch with Benavidez because there would be too much fan interest for the two not to meet for a fight.
Benavidez is very popular in the U.S. and Mexico. He’s practically an icon for many fans, and Morrell would have massive money thrown at him to give Benavidez a chance to redeem himself.
The ‘Mexican Monster’ means too much for sport for Morrell to be given the green light to move on. This is one of those fights where Morrell is not supposed to win, and he ruins everything money-wise if he’s victorious.
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