David Benavidez Defeats David Morrell in a Thrilling 12-Round Battle in Las Vegas
David Benavidez proved his dominance once again, securing a unanimous decision victory over David Morrell in a high-intensity light-heavyweight showdown at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. With this win, Benavidez not only settled a heated rivalry but also walked away with the WBA 175-pound title alongside his WBC Interim belt.
Benavidez vs. Morrell: A Battle of Strength and Strategy
The fight began with both boxers refusing to touch gloves, setting the stage for an intense contest. From the very first round, Benavidez established control with a stiff jab, signaling his intent to dictate the pace. Morrell, known for his quick hands, responded with powerful body shots in the second round, drawing cheers from his supporters chanting “Cuba, Cuba”.
The third round saw both fighters engaging in an all-out war, with Benavidez taunting Morrell after absorbing a flurry of punches. As the rounds progressed, Benavidez started landing uppercuts with precision, while Morrell looked for counter-punching opportunities.
Benavidez’s Tactical Dominance
By the sixth round, Benavidez began to take full control, frequently landing whipping uppercuts and forcing Morrell into defensive mode. The Cuban fighter struggled under the pressure, allowing Benavidez to dictate the exchanges. The champion returned to targeting the body in the eighth round, while Morrell’s corner urged him to push harder.
Referee Thomas Taylor had to intervene in the ninth round due to Morrell’s repeated infractions. However, Benavidez remained unfazed, continuing to punish his opponent with powerful left-hand shots to the head and body. A cut over Benavidez’s left eye was briefly a concern, but it never became a major factor.
Final Rounds Bring High Drama
The eleventh round brought a moment of high drama, as Morrell managed to knock down Benavidez with a swiping shot that caught him off balance. However, the Cuban fighter’s advantage was short-lived as he landed a late hit after the bell, leading to an immediate point deduction from the referee.
Despite significant facial damage, Morrell continued fighting until the final bell. However, Benavidez had already secured a commanding lead on the scorecards. The final judges’ decision reflected his dominance, with scores of 115-111 (twice) and 118-108, officially declaring him the winner.
Post-Fight Reactions
Following his impressive victory, Benavidez expressed confidence in his performance:“I prepared for everything, I knew he was a great fighter. To be honest, I thought he was gonna hit harder, but he didn’t. He was easier to hit than I expected, so every opportunity I saw, I took it.”
Meanwhile, David Morrell remained defiant despite the loss, stating:“I feel good, for me everything is good. The boxing is done. I’m not done, hell no.”
With this victory, David Benavidez extends his unbeaten record to 30-0 (24 KOs), solidifying his position as one of the most formidable fighters in the division. Fans now eagerly await what’s next for the Mexican Monster, as he continues his quest for greatness in the light-heavyweight division.
