David Benavidez Gives David Morrell Low Priority
Number one on the hit list for reigning WBA Regular super middleweight champion David Morrell (9-0, 8 KOs) is a fight with WBC Interim 168-pound champion David “The Mexican Monster” Benavidez (28-0, 24 KOs). But is there mutual interest from Benavidez in a match with Morrell?
The Mexican Monster is less than two weeks removed from a sixth-round stoppage over two-division world champion Demetrius Andrade on November 25. While many in the boxing community have lauded Benavidez’s performance, a fighter who was not impressed was Morrell, who called that fight a “clown circus” and claimed that Benavidez doesn’t want any part of him in the ring.
Speaking with Sporting News, Benavidez was questioned about his interest in a fight against the WBA Regular champion. The 26-year-old said he would face Morrell as a tertiary, not a primary option.
“I’m not trying to be the person talking crap about everybody, but David Morrell is a clown. He has nine fights and thinks everybody is scared of him . . . If there’s no other fight, then I’ll definitely make a fight with David Morell. But we’re trying to make this fight with (Jermall) Charlo, trying to make it happen with Canelo (Alvarez).”
“These guys have more of a name. They have more weight to their name. I’m not scared of nobody. I’ll fight anybody.”
PURPOSELY LOOKING ELSEWHERE?
Throughout 2023, there’s been talk of a fight between Benavidez and Morrell. During an exclusive interview with 3kingboxing.com, Benavidez’s promoter, Sampson Lewkowicz, said an official contract was in place. However, the camps of Benavidez and Morrell couldn’t finalize a deal.
A potential fight with the undisputed super middleweight champion Alvarez is the main priority for Benavidez. To be fair, it’s a fight coveted by many fans and is all the talk on social media and boxing message boards.
But the reality is that’s mainly up to Alvarez. The undisputed champion has not expressed a genuine interest in facing Benavidez. In terms of a possible fight with Charlo, Benavidez seems interested only because it would mean a sizeable payday more than anything else. Besides, word on the street that Charlo could be next up for Alvarez
With fights against either Alvarez or Charlo far from a guarantee, Morrell is his next best option. The two-time world champion has openly questioned Morrell’s achievements and believes he’s overhyped.
“I don’t think David Morrell is good at all . . . I’m getting tired of him. He’s talking a whole lot of stuff . . . To be honest with you, he really ain’t shit.”
It’s one thing for Benavidez being willing to fight him. But reading the tea leaves, it appears he’s kicking a fight with Morrell down the road.
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