It didn’t matter whether David Benavidez looked left, right, or behind - David Morrell was everywhere.
The Cuban star was persistent when it came to calling him out. Sure Benavidez (29-0, 24 KOs) looked deadly time and time again, but for Morrell, he didn't understand the hype. Never unnerved over the possibility of facing him, the 26-year-old finally got his wish.
Officially, the two will get it on in the next few weeks on February 1st, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. During the build-up, Morrell (11-0, 9 KOs) has continued to be bold. But while they’ve hurled every derogatory word imaginable at one another, Jose Benavidez Sr., the trainer and father of David Benavidez, views Morrell’s actions as nothing more than nervous energy.
Benavidez Sr. reveres Morrell. He knows that The Ring’s No. 8 rated light heavyweight is good, maybe even great. But when compared to his son, he isn’t losing any sleep.
“It’s gonna be a tough fight,” explained Benavidez Sr. on Fight Hub TV. “A very exciting fight for the people, a very explosive fight but David (Benavidez) is on another level.”
Viewed as The Ring’s No. 2 ranked light heavyweight, the WBC's interim champion made his 175-pound debut against former champion, Oleksandr Gvozdyk, winning a wide decision. Ironically enough, Morrell is also fresh off his 175-pound debut, winning his own decision over Radivoje Kalajdzic.
From there, Benavidez Sr. believes Morrell’s team should have taken their time grooming him. Maybe a fight or two against a few contenders before stepping up to the big stage. Their insistence on skipping steps, however, is something they will ultimately regret. Morrell might be one of the most talented fighters in the world but Benavidez Sr. is firmly of the belief that after his son is through with him, Morrell will be unrecognizable.
“I think they made a mistake. I think David will hurt him so much that he’ll probably retire and not be the same. David is gonna give him a beating man.”