David Morrell successfully defends title Saturday in Minneapolis

WBA Super middle king David Morrell (8-0, 7 KO’s) keeps impressing with title defenses. His career is unique. Morrell is an undefeated world champion who, in a Lomachenko-esque move, won a world title in his third professional outing.  

Saturday night, Cuban native Morrell defended his title for the 4th time against mandatory challenger Aidos Yerbossynuly (16-1, 11 KOs) - who showed incredible heart and guts before being stopped in the 12th and final round. Morrell may have traded the warm climate of Cuba for the chilly winter of America’s north, but when he steps into the ring at his adopted work site, The Armory in Minneapolis, he heats things up. 

For those keeping score, that was Morrell’s fourth title defense and fifth world title fight in eight fights. 

The fight, presented by Premier Boxing Champions on SHOWTIME, displayed why Morrell might be a superstar in the making. 

Way ahead on the scorecards heading into the final frame, Morrell looked too close strong, and he did. Morell dropped Yerbossynuly with a straight left hand, followed by a right hook. Morrell had extended his KO streak, and everyone went home happy with a great win. 

After the fight, Morrell was clearly pleased with the outcome and was already thinking of what’s next. 

“Thank you, everybody in Minnesota for coming to support me,” said Morrell. “Thank you to my family, my team, everybody. I’m so excited, man. I told everyone at the press conference that the fight is mine. I

saw he was hurt at that moment and then the results came in, that knockdown came. A knockout is a knockout, so if it’s in the eighth or 12th round, it’s a knockout anyways”, he said.

And while it is clear he’d love a shot at all the biggest names at 168, he’ll take on all comers. 

“I don’t think anyone is scared of me, I respect everyone in this division,” said Morrell. “I do know they are aware of me. They know exactly who David Morrell Jr. is and that he’s coming for it all. I want David Benavidez, but I don’t care. I’m ready for everybody.”

MaxBoxing caught up with Morrell trainer Ronnie Shields considered one of the best trainers in boxing, at home in Houston, TX, after the fight, to get his thoughts on his champion’s win and what is next. 

Bill Tibbs: Hey Ronnie, good to catch up. Congratulations on the win Saturday in Minneapolis. 

Ronnie Shields: Hi Bill, Thank you. 

BT: Yerbossynuly was a tough outing. Did the fight go as expected? 

RS: It did. I told him it was going to be a tough fight, and it was. The guy was very tough, but David was confident and prepared to go in. 

BT: Morrell is so unique to me. The guy wins a world title in his third fight and he’s made four title defenses in only eight fights. I don’t know how he isn’t the talk of boxing 24/7. 

RS: (Laughs) Yes, I know. But everyone has their time, and his time will come as far as being a superstar, and I think he has the potential to be that in boxing. He’s a very talented fighter, a hard worker and he is very coachable. So, I’m not surprised he is doing well.   

BT: Was it always the plan to go for a world title so quickly? How did he jump the queue so fast and get a title shot after only two bouts? 

RS: They (manager Luis Decubas Jr.) pushed for it. They knew what he could do. They knew that this guy could really fight, so they pushed for a shot for him quickly and as everyone can see he was ready for it. 

BT: He’s really been adopted by Minnesotans, and they seem to be getting behind him.  

RS: Oh, Bill, they love him there. He is so friendly and approachable; he poses for pictures and chats with everyone. He really loves living in Minnesota and they have really grown to love him there.  

BT: What do you see as Morrell’s greatest strength? 

RS: You know it is hard to say what his greatest strength is because he is really good at all aspects of the game. He is a very hard worker, he listens well, is a very coachable fighter and he loves his job. He is a happy fighter, loves the work, loves learning, and is just a great guy to train. He listens very well and wants to learn and is willing to try new things, to push himself. I really think he is a special fighter. 

BT: When do you expect Morrell back in the ring? Can you get the Benavidez-Plant winner?

RS: Well, we could see him back in the ring in February or March, you know the spring. But he isn’t concerned about getting into certain fights,he’ll take his time. Wait his time. Every fighter has their time, and he will be patient. He just wants to fight; he just wants to face the best he can but he’ll fight anyone.  

BT: Morrell has four straight KOs in his last four fights at The Armory; that place is good to him. 

RS: (Laughs) Yes, it is. He likes fighting for his fans in Minnesota, and they have really welcomed him there, and they love supporting him. 

BT: Morrell was recently quoted as saying, “One of the greatest experiences of my life has been training with Ronnie Shields”. 

RS: That was a nice thing to hear. But it isn’t surprising coming from him because he is a very nice young man who works hard and puts his heart into everything he does. It is nice to have the rapport with him that I do. He is such a great fighter to train. He works very hard and just wants to listen, learn and get better. But it certainly feels good to hear something like that. 

BT: Always great to chat Ronnie - we’ll talk again soon. Thank you.

RS: Thank you, Bill. Good talking to you too.  

(Note - As of this writing - Yerbossynuly is in a medically induced coma in a Minneapolis area hospital

after suffering a brain bleed. Thoughts and prayers go out to him for a full recovery from everyone in boxing).