Benavidez Survives Knockdown To Overpower Morrell

February 2, 2025
1 week
Benavidez Survives Knockdown To Overpower Morrell

David Benavidez overpowered David Morrell Jr. to earn a unanimous decision win in their light heavyweight clash: 115-111, 115-111 and 118-108.

The win extends Benavidez’s record to 30-0, as he becomes the WBC mandatory for the winner of Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol. The latter two will fight on February 22 for the Undisputed Light Heavyweight Championship. The Mexican Monster also picked up Morrell’s WBA Interim Light Heavyweight Title. Benavidez had to get off the canvas in the 11th round to finish the fight. At the same time, Morrell wasted the opportunity to press home the advantage after getting a point deducted for throwing after the bell once he secured the knockdown. 

It was a cautious opener, with Benavidez maintaining a high guard. He landed a right hand on Morrell upstairs for the round’s best punch. Morrell responded well in round two, landing a right hook and a straight left to keep the Mexican Monster at bay. Another left threw Benavidez off balance, but the Mexican replied with a strong right. Morrell started to open up in the third and walk forward. Benavidez was warned for throwing his punches low. Benavidez hit back with a right uppercut to buzz Morrell in the fourth. He followed up with two more right hands, pushing Morrell back in his best round.

Benavidez Taking Control

Benavidez had started to impose his will. Moving into the second half of the fight, Morrell needed to change the tide. But Benavidez increased the intensity. A right uppercut caught Morrell in the seventh. The Cuban hit back with a left of his own. Benavidez came back stronger, landing a right hand in the eighth. Benavidez had a clear lead heading into the championship rounds. Morrell knocked Benavidez off balance in the eleventh, only to get a point deducted once he hit after the bell. The two fighters continued to exchange until the bell, but it was Benavidez who got his hand raised.

“Big shout out to Morrell. He took a tough test. You know, I knew he was gonna be a tough fighter. That’s why I prepared so hard for this. That’s why I’m just happy that people were able to get a good show tonight. I prepared for everything. I knew he was a great fighter, so I was on my Ps and Qs. Head movement was good, defense was good. To be honest, I thought he was gonna hit harder, but he didn’t,” Benavidez said

Full Card

David Benavidez defeated David Morell by unanimous decision (115-111, 115-111, 118-108) to win the interim WBC and WBA (Regular) light heavyweight titles.

Stephen Fulton Jr. defeated Brandon Figueroa by unanimous decision (116-112, 116-112, 117-111) for the WBC featherweight title.

Isaac Cruz defeated Angel Fierro by unanimous decision (98-92, 97-93, 96-94).

Jesus Ramos defeated Jeison Rosario by TKO (2:18, Round 8).

John Easter defeated Joseph Aguilar by unanimous decision.

Mirco Cuello defeated Christian Olivo by TKO (2:01, Round 10).

Jose Benavidez Jr. defeated Danny Rosenberger by TKO (2:39, Round 5).

Curmel Moton defeated Frank Zaldivar by TKO (1:51, Round 3).

Daniel Blancas defeated Juan Barajas by unanimous decision (80-72, 79-73, 80-72).

Gabriela Tellez defeated Abril Anguiano by majority decision (58-56, 58-56, 57-57).

Yoenli Hernandez defeated Angel Ruiz by TKO (1:06, Round 5).

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