David Morrell says he’s set to prove he’s a cut above David Benavidez when they collide on February 1. Despite stepping up in competition, Morrell insists he’ll be faster, stronger, and smarter than anyone Benavidez has faced. "He’s never fought someone like me," Morrell declared. "He’ll realize I’m no easy target."
Benavidez, 26, has already earned big wins over Anthony Dirrell, Caleb Plant, and Demetrius Andrade, and recently captured the WBC interim light heavyweight title by outpointing Oleksandr Gvozdyk. Morrell acknowledges those credentials but believes his own track record of blasting out opponents at super middleweight shows he’s no pushover. The Cuban fighter says he wants to be recognized as a top contender at 175 after this showdown.
A war of words has added spice to the matchup. "He’s been running his mouth, calling me out and disrespecting me. Words won’t save him in the ring," Morrell warned. "I’m not scared of any ‘monster.’ I hunt them down!" Still, he respects Benavidez’s talent enough to focus on a demanding camp in Texas with trainer Ronnie Shields: "It’s been brutal, but that’s exactly what I need to beat someone like him."
The winner likely becomes the division’s top contender, with Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol tied up in their rematch. Morrell, 26, says beating Benavidez will "solidify me as one of the best in the world." Benavidez believes otherwise, but come February 1, only one can emerge as the king-in-waiting at 175.
Prepare for the Benavidez vs. Morrell bout.
Image Credit: PBC