DAVID BENAVIDEZ was in fiery form ahead of his clash with David Morrell Jr., and has vowed to punish his bitter rival when the two square off on Saturday night in Las Vegas.
The match-up not only represents the return of big time boxing in 2025, but also one of the best fights in the sport. Two all-action fighters with a genuine dislike for one another, putting their unbeaten records on the line.
Following an intense back-and-forth between the pair in the build-up, Benavidez, 28, was dismissive when asked about Morrell’s pre-fight goading, insisting he will emerge victorious in emphatic fashion on fight night.
“I don’t care what David Morrell says. All the talk is done, now it’s time to fight this Saturday,” Benavidez told the gathered media.
“David Morrell feels strong against fighters who are bums. He’s never been in the ring with a fighter of my calibre. He’s never been in with a fighter that attacks the body like I do. He’s never been in there with a vicious fighter who throws punches in bunches like I do.
“I’m just on a whole different level to this guy and I’m going to show it on Saturday night.”
Morrell, like Benavidez, is considered by many to be one of the most avoided fighters in the sport.
A dangerous southpaw with knockout power in either hand, the Cuban has established himself as a genuine threat, first at super-middleweight and now light-heavyweight, in just 11 professional fights.
Benavidez, however, is confident his trademark combination punching will be key when tackling the talented left-hander.
“To be honest, I’m really comfortable with southpaws.
“Both southpaws I’ve fought, I’ve stopped them. In sparring I’ve been having a lot of success with them [southpaws]. There’s things I do with my style that give me more of an edge with southpaws – but whatever he brings to the table, I’m going to be ready.
“This fight we’re going to be doing different stuff. I’m going to be throwing combinations off the bat, and as soon as I let my combinations go, you’re going to see the best David Benavidez there has been.
“I’m not looking for one shot. Like I said, I’m going to punish this dude and I’m going to punish him from every angle. Body shots, head shots, uppercuts – whatever it is, I’m going to punish him.”
With fans predicting an explosive encounter from the first bell, Benavidez was typically bullish when asked by Boxing News for his pre-fight prediction; issuing an ominous warning to his 27-year-old opponent.
“I’m gonna break David Morrell’s face,” growled Benavidez.
“Like I said over and over again. Every time I say that, that’s how the fight plays out. This is the best camp of my career, I’m hungry and I’m strong. I can’t wait to give the fans a good show.
“I guarantee you guys who stay up [in the UK] it’s going to be well worth it!”
