We analyse the profile and characteristics of David Benavidez and David Morrell as the two get set to go head-to-head for the 'interim' WBC light-heavyweight title in Las Vegas in the early hours of Sunday 2nd February, 2025.
Some fights are destined to put you on the edge of your seat from the very first bell.
When David Benavidez and David Morrell meet in the centre of the ring on Saturday night boxing fans around the world will be captivated by what will play out inside the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
February is an important month in the future of the 175lb weight class and it begins with Benavidez and Morrell, but who will win this mouth-watering clash?
Before we find out, let’s look at the 'Tale of the Tape'.
David Benavidez | David Morrell | |
Age: | 28 | 27 |
Nickname: | ‘The Monster Bandera Roja‘ | ‘Osvary Morrell’ |
Height: | 6ft 2ins | 6ft 1ins |
Reach: | 74 ½ins | 78 ½ins |
Weight: | Light heavyweight | Light heavyweight |
Trainer: | Jose Benavidez Sr | Ronnie Shields |
Record: | 29-0 (24 KOs) | 11-0 (9 KOs) |
Last Fight: | Won v Oleksandr Gvozdyk (June 2024) | Won v Radivoje Kalajdzic (December 2024) |
If David Benavidez announced he was to fight his shadow he would turn fight week into something dramatic and must-watch.
His manic wide-eyed facial expressions paired with his outbursts make him a favourite with the casual fans and that’s before he laces up the gloves.
Benavidez goes into Saturday night’s main event at the T-Mobile Arena as the justifiable favourite but with more pressure on his shoulders. Ironically Benavidez has talked himself into a corner with what he has had to say about Morrell and there is an expectation that ‘The Monster’ will deliver something sensational – or need to.
The burning ambition to face Canelo Alvarez remains but that will be wiped out and laughed at from afar by the Mexican if he cannot beat the Cuban this weekend. Defeat is unthinkable for Benavidez but he would be a fool to think he can simply walk in there and wipe out his fellow unbeaten light heavyweight.
Benavidez’s greatest strengths may become his weakness as the fight wears on. His marauding style allows for openings and Morrell’s ring IQ is arguably the greater of the two which in itself may see Benavidez getting caught with silly shots.
Discipline for both men will be key but sooner or later that will go out the window and when it does Benavidez should be the one still standing after a TKO victory late in the fight.
Strengths | Weaknesses |
Ruthless aggression | Style causes mistakes |
Punch power | Relies too much on his chin |
Hand speed | Mobility |
Volume puncher | Too upright |
The talent of David Morrell has never been in doubt but his last three wins against Radivoje Kalajdzic (PTS), Sena Agbeko (TKO) and Yamaguchi Falcao (KO) are not comparable to the trio belonging to David Benavidez.
That said, Morrell’s confidence has always led him to believe he can beat Benavidez hence why he has often called for the fight.
The Cuban has the poise, power and skillset to beat many fighters at light heavyweight and super middleweight, where he used to campaign, but we’ve yet to see him in with a menacing presence like Benavidez.
Morell is paying no attention to the fearsome reputation, nor to the ‘Monster’ moniker which he believes to be a myth and cannot be justified because in his mind Benavidez fought men who are over the hill or nearly at that stage in their careers.
The biggest advantage Benavidez does possess is experience and has gone 10 rounds or beyond six times in his career to Morrell’s three, and critically the betting favourite has done so against very good opposition.
Benavidez vs. Morrell will be compelling and a physical demonstration of what fireworks looks like in a boxing ring, but in the championship rounds Benavidez is going to make Morrell pay for one mistake too many and it would not be a surprise to see the Cuban countered once too often and dropped signalling the end of a tremendous battle.
Strengths | Weaknesses |
Punch power | Dips in tempo |
Educated pressure | Defensive lapses |
Defensive high guard | Vulnerable to counter right hands |
Punch variety | Level of competition |