Benavidez Threatened With 25% Fine If He ‘Hurts’ Morrell Pre-Fight

David Benavidez has been threatened with a 25 percent fine from his purse if he touches David Morrell Jr. again.
The revelation follows their kick-off presser, where Benavidez shoved Morrell during their face-off. This was after The Mexican Monster threatened to break Morrell’s mouth. Morrell reacted by throwing his belt at Benavidez, who ducked to avoid getting hit. Luckily, security was on hand to prevent a brawl. But the incident left many talking points. There were suggestions Benavidez could lose his cool and become emotional in the fight. Benavidez also accused Morrell of trying to hurt him. There is so much at stake in this fight.
The winner will be mandatory for the Undisputed Light Heavyweight Title. That will be contested between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol in their February 22 rematch. The WBC has already confirmed this will be the case. The winner will remain undefeated, which also leaves the door open for a possible Canelo Alvarez fight later down the line. Fights are often lost before the bell rings. This may involve a combination of mind games and overworking in the gym. Benavidez will have to remain composed now that fight week is here. But the Mexican has not been impressed by Morrell’s camp threatening him with financial penalties.
Benavidez On Morrell
“That’s what they said. They want to talk all that [rubbish], but they’re not really like that. But I wasn’t planning on touching him anymore. The crybaby. If this is a fight, you’ve got to make the other person uncomfortable from the first time you see them until the fight is over. I’m not going to let nobody punk me. It’s me or you. If you come in here thinking your a hot [fighter]. I’m going to show you what’s up. It’s going to be a great fight on February 1st. Don’t miss out,” Benavidez said
The form book suggests there is little to choose between them. Benavidez defeated Oleksandr Gvozdyk in his last fight by a unanimous decision. It was not his finest moment, but he later disclosed suffering a hand injury during the fight. It was also worth mentioning that it was his first fight at 175 since moving up from 168. Morrell also had his first fight at 175 in his last bout. He defeated Radivoje Kalajdzic via a unanimous decision to go 11-0. But it was only the second time he had failed to stop an opponent. Benavidez may be the favorite, but it is a fight that could go either way.
Full Card
David Benavidez vs. WBA Light Heavyweight Champion David Morrell Jr. (12×3)
Brandon Figueroa vs. Stephen Fulton (126 lbs., 12×3)
Isaac Cruz vs. Angel Fierro (140 lbs., 10×3)
Jesus Ramos vs. Jeison Rosario (160 lbs., 10×3)
Mirco Cuello vs. Christian Olivo (126 lbs., 12×3)
Prelims
Yoenli Hernandez vs. Angel Ruiz (160 lbs., 10×3)
Jose Benavidez Jr. vs. Danny Rosenberger (160 lbs., 8×3)
Kaipo Gallegos vs. Leonardo Padilla (130 lbs., 6×3)
Daniel Blancas vs. Juan Barajas (168 lbs., 8×3)
Curmel Moton vs. Frank Zaldivar (135 lbs., 6×3)
John Easter vs. Joseph Aguilar (168 lbs., 6×3)
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