David Morrell: The Ultra-Talented Cuban With The Boxing World At His Feet
On Saturday night at the BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, David Morrell will fight on the deepest boxing card in the United States in many years.
So deep is the card, that Morrell has gone relatively under the radar. Of course, much of the focus is on the headline bout, as it should be; pound-for-pound superstar Terence Crawford will return to the ring after more than one year of inactivity aiming to become a four-weight world champion against WBA super-welterweight title holder Israil Madrimov.
Then there’s an undercard packed with talent and high stakes. Fan favorite Isaac Cruz puts his WBA super-lightweight world title on the line against the hard-hitting Jose Valenzuela in a bout that could pick the pick of the night.
And there are two fascinating heavyweight showdowns as former unified world champion Andy Ruiz makes his long-awaited return against Jarrell Miller, and rising star Jared Anderson faces his biggest test against the dangerous Martin Bakole.
Yet, arguably the two most talented fighters on the undercard are the pair of Cubans generating far less attention compared to the rest of the bill. Lightweight contender Andy Cruz aims to continue his rapid rise through the ranks when he faces the experienced Antonio Moran for the IBF international belt, before Morrell takes on Radivoje Kalajdzic for the WBA ‘regular’ light-heavyweight world title.
Morrell ‘Is Different’
Morell (10-0-0 9 KO) has found the transition into the professional ranks extremely comfortable, following a stellar amateur career that included a 130-5 record. In his third pro fight in August 2020, he won the WBA’s super-middleweight interim title, and eight months later in January 2022, was elevated to ‘Regular’ champion.
The Cuban successfully defended his title six times, including five by knockout, to position himself for a shot at the WBA’s ‘super’ champion Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez. While much of the focus in the super-middleweight division was on Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez refusing to fight David Benavidez, the same can be applied to his perceived ‘ducking’ of Morrell.
For those close to Morrell, they wouldn’t be surprised if Canelo is intentionally avoiding the 26-year-old Cuban. His trainer Ronnie Shields – who has trained a succession of all-time greats including Evander Holyfield, Arturo Gatti, Pernell Whitaker, and Guillermo Rigondeaux – has been blown away.
“I couldn’t believe how good he was,” said Shields. “I saw everything in him after just five fights. I couldn’t believe it. And once I started working him, he caught on really quickly to everything I was trying to teach him. He’s really, really good at so many different things.
“Cubans are known for being boxers who stay on the outside, not engaging. David is different. He loves to fight. He’ll box when he has to box but he likes to go get it.”
Better Than Carlos Monzon?
Hall of Fame promoter Luis DeCubas Sr has worked with some of Cubans finest fighters including Joel Casamayor, Erislandy Lara and Guillermo Rigondeaux, and believes Morrell is the most talented of the lot.
“I was amazed. I worked with (Roberto) Duran, Wilfredo Gomez, Eusebio Pedroza. David reminded me of a southpaw Carlos Monzon, with better defense than Monzon,” DeCubas said.
Tired of waiting for a shot at Canelo and his world titles that may never come, Morrell has followed in the footsteps of fellow interim champion David Benavidez by making the move to light-heavyweight, where he will make his debut against Kalajdzic (29-2-0 21 KO).
Should he beat the Serbia-born American, as he is heavily favored to do, Morrell will be in line to challenge for world titles at 175lbs, where an opportunity could come much quicker than if he remained at 168lbs.
Morrell Emulates Benavidez
Unlike the protected Canelo, who’s become so powerful that sanctioning bodies are often afraid to strip him of their titles for failing to face mandatory challengers, the champions at light-heavy know they must face ordered fighters to retain their belts.
If Morrell emulates Benavidez in deciding to permanently remain at 175, it will be another major blow to the super-middleweight division, particularly at a time of frustration among fans following Canelo’s latest snub of Benavidez in favor of facing Edgar Berlanga.
Meanwhile, the arrival of Morrell and Benavidez at light-heavy provides more world-class talent to a traditionally unfashionable division.
Unified champion Artur Beterbiev and WBA titlist Dimitry Bivol currently control the division and will meet in October in their delayed undisputed bout. Beneath them is a long list of strong fighters, including the likes of top-ranked contender Joshua Buatsi, Anthony Yarde, and Albert Ramirez.
Morrell has the talent and potential to outshine them all; whether he stays at light-heavy or returns to super-middle for another crack at Canelo, the Cuban has a massive future.
