As undefeated WBA “regular” light heavyweight champion David Morrell Jr. nears his much anticipated clash against WBC interim light heavyweight champion David “El Monstro” Benavidez, Morrell has declared his intention to take Benavidez’s spot at the top of the sport when they meet in the main event of a Prime Video PPV taking place Saturday, February 1 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
“Benavidez is considered one of the most dangerous fighters in boxing, so when I beat him, everyone will see what I’m capable of,” said Morrell (11-0, 9 KOs). “People call him ‘The Mexican Monster’, but I’m not scared of monsters – I hunt them down! He’s never faced someone like me, and come fight night, he’s going to realize that I’m faster, stronger and smarter than anyone he’s ever stepped in the ring with.”
After a contentious opening press conference to announce the fight in November, Morrell and Benavidez continued their war of words right before the holidays at a media workout in Miami that saw the two men nearly come to blows during a heated face off. With the verbal sparring reaching a fever pitch, Morrell has used his opponent’s words as motivation heading into the final stretch of training.
“He’s been running his mouth, calling me out and disrespecting my name,” said Morrell. “That’s fine with me, because words won’t save him when we’re face-to-face in the ring. All this trash talk just fuels me. He’s going to regret every word when I make him eat his pride punch-by-punch.”
The 26-year-old has shown incredible power and skill throughout his career since turning pro in 2019, dominating the 168-pound rankings before a successful 175-pound debut last August as he earned a unanimous decision over Radivoje Kalajdzic. With famed trainer Ronnie Shields in his corner, Morrell has continued to see improvement in his game as he nears this pivotal clash.
“This camp has been brutal, and I love it,” said Morrell. “Ronnie has pushed me harder than ever before, both mentally and physically. Every day in Texas I’ve been sharpening my tools, because I know nothing less than perfection will beat Benavidez. I’m ready to show the world what real work looks like.”
Having called out Benavidez for a fight almost immediately after turning pro, Morrell will now have his chance to show why he sought this matchup for years and is confident that he’ll come through this test with the recognition he deserves.
“This is the moment I’ve been waiting for, it’s the fight that changes everything,” said Morrell. “A win over Benavidez doesn’t just put me at the top – it solidifies me as one of the best fighters in the world. After this fight, there will be no question who the king of the division is. I’m ready to take that crown.”
