Not much going on this week in boxing, but the schedule for the early part of 2025 is starting to come together. It was formally announced last week that a light heavyweight clash between David Benavidez and David Morrell Jr. is taking place on February 1 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
What was once a super middleweight grudge match, becomes a light heavyweight reality.
For a couple of years as they were both putting in work at 168, Benavidez was on the hunt for the games cash cow, Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez. In turn, Morrell, was on the chase for Benavidez. That's the way the boxing business works. Boxers are always looking for opponents who will bring them the most amount of money, while ignoring those who bring high risk.
PBC
What Benavidez was for Canelo, Morrell was for Benavidez.
But as they both moved up in weight recently, they are suddenly dance partners.
Back in June, Benavidez made his debut at 175 against former light heavyweight belt-holder, Oleksandr Gvozdyk, and won a workmanlike 12 round decision. A couple of months later, Morrell defeated Radivoje Kalajdzic via 12-round decision. Both won pretty decisively, but neither was overwhelmingly dominant as they were as super middleweight titlists.
Perhaps that played a role in both sides deciding to face one another.
It was clear during last weeks press conference that there is no love lost between them.
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“Here we are again. I told you that I was going to give you the fights you want to see, and now we’re here," said Benavidez. "Morrell has been talking about me for a while and disrespecting me. He wanted to make it personal with me, so I’m personally going to break his mouth. That’ll give him something to remember me by."
In his last three bouts, Benavidez (29-0, 24 KOs) has faced Caleb Plant, Demetrius Andrade and then 'the Nail'. The reality is that Morrell is probably the least known guy he has faced, but probably the most dangerous. Benavidez should be given credit for that. “These are the type of fighters I want to fight. I want to face guys who think that they’re going to go in there and knock me out. He’s never fought anyone like me and I’m going to show everyone there’s levels to this."
While the general public may not give him much acclaim for coming out victorious, this would be a solid name on his resume'.
Benavidez, who is rated second in the light heavyweight division by Ring Magazine, stated, “I want the props that I deserve when I beat the crap out of him. I love that he’s confident. I love facing guys like this."
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As for Morrell (11-0, 9 KOs), if he ever wants to truly become a big name in the business, he has to win this fight. In the past, this talented southpaw from Cuba has been relegated to fighting on undercards, and performing at the Armory in Minnesota. The reality is that he was a guy who was deemed high-risk and low reward. Morrell had to fight anyone who was willing to get in there with him. Guys like him don't get to really choose their fights, they take the ones they can get.
Now, he finally gets something he's been yearning for
“For a long time I’ve waited for this opportunity to fight Benavidez. On Saturday, February 1. I promise Benavidez and I promise everyone watching, it’s going to be a great fight,'' said Morrell, who probably didn't think he was ever going to land this assignment.
“Everybody says that Benavidez is the bogeyman and that no one wants to fight him, and I want to face the best. That’s why I went straight for him," said a determined Morrell.
The online accountants and 'fanagers' can argue if this should really be a pay-per-view event, regardless, this is a good fight. One that many didn't think would ever come to fruition.
TEOFIMO
A few days ago, junior welterweight champion, Teofimo Lopez, announced on X(Twitter) that he had added Eddy Reynoso to be his co-trainers, alongside his father.
It will be interesting to see how this works out. There's a saying in football that if you have two quarterbacks, you really have none. How will this work between the father -- who has trained his son from the very first time he ever laced on a pair of gloves -- and the noted Reynoso, who is best known for developing the tools of Canelo?
Who will really be in charge, here?
And will it really even matter?
Since defeating Josh Taylor in a strong performance last summer, Lopez has looked mediocre against the likes of Jamaine Ortiz and Steve Clagget this year. Since then he passed on a late September date, and then made claims that his current contract with Top Rank was no longer valid.
FINAL FLURRIES
The Benavidez-Morrell card will be distributed by Prime Video... On this undercard is the rematch between Stephen Fulton and Brandon Figueroa....Also, Isaac 'Pit Bull' Cruz faces Angel Fierro....A heavyweight bout between old warhorses, Dereck Chisora, and Jarell 'Big Baby' Miller is in play for February 8....I can be reached at k9kim@yahoo.com.....
