LAS VEGAS – David Benavidez didn’t achieve the knockout victory he was hoping for, but he nonetheless delivered a masterclass performance against David Morrell Jr. at T-Mobile Arena on Saturday night. The fight, broadcast live as part of a Premier Boxing Champions pay-per-view event, ended with Benavidez winning by unanimous decision, with judges scoring it 118-108, 115-111, and 115-111.
The match solidified Benavidez’s status as one of the top contenders in the light heavyweight division. He now holds the WBC interim title and has secured the WBA “world” 175-pound championship, pushing him closer to competing for the undisputed title; he is now the WBC's mandatory challenger for the winner of the upcoming rematch between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol.
Morrell, known for his strong and skillful boxing, put up a commendable fight against the unbeaten Benavidez. Although Morrell was less experienced, he managed to demonstrate his toughness and skill throughout the 12 rounds. “Big shout out to Morrell,” Benavidez said after the fight. “He took a tough test. You know, I knew he was gonna be a tough fighter. That’s why I prepared so hard for this. That’s why I’m just happy people were able to get a good show tonight.”
Despite the unanimous decision victory, Benavidez faced some alarming moments during the fight. A notable highlight was when Morrell knocked him down briefly during the 11th round—a moment only the second time Benavidez had hit the canvas throughout 30 professional fights. Prior to this, the last time he had been knocked down was during his split-decision win over Ronald Gavril back in 2017. Benavidez, undeterred, quickly recovered and retaliated with powerful punches.
The fight started with both fighters testing each other's defenses. Benavidez showcased his powerful hooks, landing decisive shots, especially targeting Morrell's body. Meanwhile, Morrell's quickness allowed him to score on the counter, creating moments of excitement as the two exchanged blows.
By the middle rounds, Benavidez had begun to dominate, successfully backing Morrell against the ropes and unleashing combinations. Notably, he caught Morrell with sharp uppercuts and hard jabs, visibly wearing down the Cuban fighter. Morrell, for his part, displayed his determination, but it became clear he was struggling to keep up with the intensity and power of Benavidez's punches.
The dynamic of the fight shifted momentarily when Morrell knocked down Benavidez, but the referee’s later deduction of points from Morrell for hitting after the bell negated some of the advantages Morrell had gained. Benavidez managed to regain control, landing punch after punch and showing his resilience.
After the fight, Benavidez expressed admiration for Morrell’s skill set. “I prepared for everything. I knew he was a great fighter, so I was on my Ps and Qs. Head movement was good, defense was good. To be honest, I thought he was gonna hit harder, but he didn’t.” His comments reflected the respect he had for Morrell, who remains less experienced but proved to be a formidable opponent.
The victory not only bolsters Benavidez's title aspirations but also opens the door for future matchups, including one against the likes of Canelo Alvarez, who has long eluded him. The boxing community has eagerly anticipated the possibility of Benavidez facing off against top contenders to unify titles.
With this win, Benavidez enhances his profile within the sport, asserting his ambition to unify the titles. He vows to continue pushing toward obtaining the championship belt, encouraging fans and observers to keep their eyes peeled for his next bout. This fight against Morrell Jr. not only revealed Benavidez's boxing prowess but also showcased the resilience and competitive spirit he embodies.
Saturday night was more than just another boxing match; it was a significant step toward illustrating Benavidez's commitment to being not just a contender but the next champion of the light heavyweight division. Time will tell if he gets the shots he has coveted, but with his latest performance, he has proven he belongs at the top of the sport.