All eyes may be on the clash between WBA Super 168lbs king Callum Smith and Canelo Alvarez this weekend, but another of the sanctioning body’s super-middleweight champs is certainly worth keeping tabs on.
WBA interim title-holder David Morrell faces American Mike Gavronski (26-3-1, 16 KOs) at the Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall in Los Angeles on December 26, looking to add his name to the list of former Cuban amateur standouts who have made waves as professional fighters.
The 22-year-old Morrell, just 3-0, 2 KOs, impressed in August with a decision win over Brooklyn’s seasoned Lennox Allen to win his WBA belt. “I feel very happy about being able to fight before the year is out,” said Morrell. “I want to reach the goals I set for myself and continue to provide for my family. I’m working toward being the best in my division and I know I will get there. I’m also thankful for my team’s efforts and trust in my talent. I’m ready to take full advantage of this opportunity.”
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The International Boxing Hall of Fame has announced its ‘Class of 2021’. ‘TBE’ himself Floyd Mayweather leads the way on his first year of eligibility alongside former heavyweight king Wladimir Klitschko, two-weight champ Andre Ward, women’s boxing icons Laila Ali, Ann Wolfe and Marian Trimiar as well as the respected Dr. Margaret Goodman in the non-participant category. Posthumous inductees were former featherweight champion Davey Moore, trainer and cut-man Freddie Brown, women’s boxing pioneer Jackie Tonawanda, manager/trainer Jackie McCoy, journalist George Kimball and television executive Jay Larkin.
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World-rated lightweight Francesco Patera has been forced to withdraw from his clash with Italian favourite Devis ‘Boom Boom’ Boschiero at the Tuscany Hall in Florence on Thursday after testing positive for Covid-19.
Boschiero (48-6-2, 22 KOs) will now face hardy, Italian-based Venezuelan Samuel Gonzalez (22-7, 13 KOs). Patera (23-3, 8 KOs) is best known for derailing an unbeaten Lewis Ritson on the cards in October 2018.