David Benavidez and David Morrell had to be separated at times during fight week as the two appeared to have some bad blood. At times on Saturday night, the two fought as if there was some animosity, but Benavidez got the better of the action and won the light heavyweight showdown by unanimous decision at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas(PBC/Prime PPV).
One judge scored the fight 118-110, and two others had it 115-111.
Benavidez (30-0, 24 KOs) and Morrell (11-1, 9 KOs) went back and forth all night, but Benavidez started landing more as the fight went on. The fighters combined for over 1000 punches.
“The Mexican Monster” varied his work throughout the fight. At times, he landed to the body(76 body shots) and was aggressive with his uppercuts. However, in the 11th round, Morrell landed a counter right hand that forced Benavidez’s gloves to touch the canvas, which was ruled a knockdown, but Benavidez was not hurt. Morrell would give that point back after he hit Benavidez after the bell in the 11th, which led to a point deduction.
After the fight, Benavidez said he found the young Morrell easy to hit.
“I wasn’t surprised by anything he did because I knew he was a great fighter and that I had to prepare for everything,” Benavidez said. “I knew my defense had to be good. I actually thought he’d hit harder once we were in here. He was easier to hit than I expected. Every opportunity that I saw, I went for it.”
The 27-year-old Morrell, who fought well at times on Saturday night, believes he’ll learn from this fight.
“This moment feels great because we were able to give everyone a good show,” he said. “I’m going to work my way back. We’ll watch this fight and learn from what I didn’t do well. We’ll practice more and train harder and earn another fight against Benavidez. I know I can beat him.”
With the win, the 28-year-old Benavidez puts himself in line to face the winner of Artur Beterbiew-Dmitry Bivol 2, and he hopes to eventually become king at 175.
“I just want to be the best of my era,” he said. “Whoever I need to fight next, I’ll be ready for them. I want to unify all four titles, so if that’s next, then that’s next.”
Photo: Esther Lin & Ryan Hafey/Premier Boxing Champions
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