David Morrell Jr.’s trainer, Ronnie Shields, is setting his sights on a high-profile bout for his fighter against Canelo Alvarez, the undisputed super middleweight champion. This ambition comes as a potential matchup with David Benavidez seems uncertain. Shields believes Morrell, a former Cuban amateur standout with an impressive 10-fight professional record, has earned his shot at a fight with Canelo by meeting multiple mandatory challenges.
Morrell’s team had initially hoped for a face-off with Benavidez on November 25th, but Benavidez opted for Demetrius Andrade instead. Shields suggests that Benavidez’s decision might have been influenced by witnessing Morrell’s dominant performance against Yamaguchi Falcão. The focus has now shifted, with Shields considering a bout with Canelo in May as a more appealing and viable option. While Morrell himself hasn’t explicitly expressed a desire to fight Canelo, his efforts over the past year have been focused on securing a match with Benavidez.
Morrell recently showcased his exceptional talent on Showtime, stopping Sena Agbeko in just the second round, in what was the network’s final boxing broadcast after 37 years. Despite a slightly distracted performance in the first round, possibly due to the presence of his family and friends in the audience, Morrell quickly regained focus and dominated the bout. Shields praised Morrell’s performance, emphasizing his fighter’s strength, hitting power, and need for focus in the ring.
Shields, as Morrell’s trainer, maintains his primary role is to prepare Morrell for any opponent, including the likes of Canelo or Benavidez. The focus on Canelo comes amidst the complex dynamics surrounding the potential Benavidez matchup. Shields points out the challenges of a fight with Benavidez, noting his size and style, and contrasts this with the opportunity to face Canelo, which could be more appealing to fans and a better match stylistically for Morrell.
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