David Morrell Jr. respects Imam Khataev’s skills and amateur pedigree.

The Cuban southpaw suspects, though, that Khataev isn’t ready for this steep of a step up in opposition in his 11th professional fight. Morrell challenged one of boxing’s best fighters, pound-for-pound, in his 12th pro bout, but he is certain he was more prepared for David Benavidez than Khataev is to face him as part of “Ring III” on July 12 at Louis Armstrong Stadium in Queens, New York.

“I know Khataev is strong and undefeated, but he hasn’t been in with this version of me,” Morrell said in a statement released by his publicist Monday morning. “He’s good, yeah, but I’m better. I’m faster, I’m smarter, and I’m coming into this fight with bricks in my fists. He’s gonna find out real quick that I’m coming for his soul.”

Khataev, 30, won his first nine pro bouts by knockout or technical knockout.

Argentine veteran Durval Elias Palacio (15-4, 11 KOs) took Khataev the distance for the first time March 22, a 10-rounder he won by unanimous decision in Sydney, Australia, where the unbeaten Russian contender lives and trains. Morrell (11-1, 9 KOs) told The Ring recently that Khataev (10-0, 9 KOs) had more difficulty during his victory over Palacio than some might realize.

Morrell also senses skeptics have overlooked him somewhat because he lost a unanimous decision to Benavidez (30-0, 24 KOs) on Feb. 1 in Las Vegas. The Miami-based Morrell lost on all three scorecards in their fight for Benavidez's WBC interim light heavyweight title, but the latter called his rival the toughest opponent of his 11-year career.

Morrell made tactical mistakes versus Benavidez and abandoned his game plan because his emotions got the better of him in the biggest fight of his career. He applied what he learned from that experience during this training camp at trainer Ronnie Shields’ gym in Stafford, Texas.

“I’m in complete beast mode right now in training camp,” Morrell said. “Every day is another day toward greatness. I’m running more, hitting harder and staying focused on everything. Losing that fight to Benavidez woke me up. I’m coming to hurt something.”

Morrell is a 5-1 favorite over Khataev, according to DraftKings. Doubters have nevertheless motivated the 27-year-old contender as he prepares to bounce back from his first defeat since he ended his amateur career in 2018.

“Everybody thinks I’m done or I’m not that guy anymore,” Morrell said. “Well, they’re gonna see. I’m coming to prove I’m still here, and I’m still scary. This fight is personal for me and my mindset.”

The 10-round, 175-pound bout between Morrell and Khataev will be part of a DAZN Pay-Per-View show in the United States ($59.99; 6 p.m. ET) and the United Kingdom (£24.99; 11 p.m.; BST).

DAZN will stream three fights following Morrell-Khataev. Five months after Morrell headlined a Premier Boxing Champions pay-per-view event with Benavidez, the significant change in placement on a card isn’t lost on the confident former WBA secondary super middleweight titleholder.

“A win here? Man, it changes everything,” Morrell said. “It puts me back on the map. All the top guys are gonna have to look my way again. I’m taking over.”