On again, off again: David Benavidez vs. David Morrell

Both are young, both are undefeated, and both are willing to put their unbeaten records on the line.

If rumors and rumblings are true, a constant in boxing, it looks like we might have a beauty this fall.

These 2 undefeated super middleweights could fight in October or November for a chance to face Saul Alvarez.. 

Santa Clara, Cuba-born, Minneapolis, Minnesota-residing David Morrell, 25, is an undefeated world super middleweight champion. Morrell picked up his WBA middleweight strap in 2020. While that is impressive, what is even more amazing is that it was his 3rd professional fight!

How this young man is not the talk of boxing, 24/7, is beyond me.

So, as we enter the summer of 2023, Morrell now sits at 9-0, with 8 KOs and has banked 5 title defenses. What is even better news for fight fans is that it looks like he will be facing fellow undefeated 168-pounder David Benavidez, 26, himself an all-action fighter who is willing to face anyone, anytime. 

Benavidez, frustrated at the fact he can’t seem to get Alvarez’s name on a contract to face him, will jump at the chance to battle Morrell.

This is good news for the industry – two undefeated fighters who are ready, willing, and able to face each other.

While Morrell’s resume is impressive for what he has accomplished in so few fights, Benavidez comes into the bout with an exceptional ledger, and 3 times as many fights, at 27 wins and 23 KOs.

Morrell’s last win was in April in Las Vegas, and after the fight, he made it clear whom he wanted next.

“I’ll say it again. I want to fight the best, and David Benavidez is one of the best in the division,” Morrell said. “I believe I have the skills to beat him. I know he is a warrior that never backs down from a fight, so I’m expecting him to take the challenge. This is a fight I know that fans want to see. The winner can be next in line to fight Canelo. I’m the real monster and I’m ready to prove it in the ring”, he said. “He’s next, 100 percent. I don’t want any other guys at 168 pounds. Just Benavidez. I respect Benavidez and his team, but inside the ring, I don’t respect nothing.”

Benavidez, a 2-time WBC champion who has multiple title defenses, was respectful of Morrell but made it clear who he thinks is #1 in the division. 

“Yeah, Morrell is a good fighter, he’s a tough fighter, but I’m better than anyone in this weight class. I can show it. If the fight is tough, that is good because it brings the best out of me”.

And if the fight indeed happens, and it is looking like it will, that is good news for fight fans.