In terms of fan-friendly fights, 2025 may have already reached its ceiling before it has begun, with David Benavidez’s recently announced light-heavyweight showdown against David Morrell sure to deliver a fascinating scrap. Now, as both men prepare for the toughest test of their respective careers, a new fight has been rumoured.
Both Benavidez and Morrell had been campaigning in the super-middleweight division and were each deemed as major threats to Canelo Alvarez’s then undisputed crown.
However, the Mexican champion appeared extremely unwilling to fight either man, despite Benavidez being the WBC mandatory challenger and the much-demanded Canelo-Benavidez clash is yet to manufacture – and likely never will.
After frustrations at being unable to land a fight with Canelo, both Benavidez and Morrell made the decision to move up to the light-heavyweight division and pursue the world titles at 175lbs.
Benavidez debuted at the weight against former WBC and lineal light-heavyweight champion Oleksandr ‘The Nail’ Gvozdyk and was taken the distance for just the second time since 2018, picking up the WBC interim strap after getting the nod on the scorecards.
Meanwhile, Morrell unexpectedly went the full twelve rounds with former IBF title challenger Radivoje Kalajdzic, also winning a unanimous-decision as he claimed the WBA (Regular) title.
Although Beterbiev currently holds the undisputed title, it is expected that at least one belt will be vacated before a rematch with Dmitry Bivol, opening the door for the victor of Benavidez-Morrell to capitalize and potentially be upgraded to full world champion if the Russian decides to drop either the WBC or WBA title.
Therefore, Benavidez-Morrell is not just a salivating tear-up, it is one with world title opportunities on the line.
Despite initial reports that the pair would meet on January 25th, ESPN’s Salvador Rodriguez has now revealed that ‘The Mexican Monster’ and Morrell will go toe-to-toe on February 1st in Las Vegas.
El 1 de febrero en la T-Mobile Arena de Las Vegas estaría el duelo de David Benavidez y David Morrell. Podrían presentar el evento la siguiente semana en California.
— Salvador Rodriguez (@ChavaESPN) November 13, 2024
“On February 1 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas there would be the duel between David Benavidez and David Morrell. They could present the event next week in California.”
Yet, the winner of Benavidez-Morrell could still find themselves waiting a while to pick up a belt, with the IBF world title the one most likely to be vacated by Beterbiev and a recent Matchroom Boxing signing is well poised to take advantage.
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