David Morrell fully expects his WBO ‘interim’ title fight to be rescheduled, despite there being an element of uncertainty as to when Callum Smith will return to action.
The pair were supposed to lock horns in Liverpool last month, only for former world champion Smith to pull out with an undisclosed injury.
It is far from ideal, of course, that Smith has not fought since February 2025, when he unanimously outpointed Joshua Buatsi to claim his ‘interim’ light-heavyweight title.
But despite the inactivity of Smith, whose recovery timeline remains unclear, there is seemingly a desire from both parties to reschedule the Morrell fight for later this year.
Until then, Morrell must remain in the win column as he makes a quick pitstop against former British and Commonwealth champion Zak Chelli this Saturday.
Taking place at Manchester’s Co-op Live Arena, their contest replaces Jared Anderson vs Solomon Dacres as the chief support for Fabio Wardley vs Daniel Dubois.
This came about due to some deft handling of the situation by top manager Luis DeCubas Jr, who has effectively saved his client from spending a year on the shelf.
Grateful for the opportunity, Morrell tells Boxing News that his initial response to Smith’s injury was one of true professionalism.
“I didn’t have much of a reaction – it’s part of being a professional athlete. Being a fighter, you need to train your mindset and just be ready for whatever [comes your way].
“So I stayed calm and just kept training.”
While believing the Smith fight will “100%” be rescheduled, Morrell remains acutely aware of the danger that comes with taking his eye off the ball.
He learnt this particular lesson in his last outing, when a lack of focus, by his own admission, caused the talented Cuban to suffer a fifth-round knockdown against Imam Khataev.
Still, Morrell managed to edge a split decision last July, but it was far from the type of performance we are accustomed to seeing from the skilled technician.
“That fight wasn’t good; I wasn’t 100% focused. Several things had happened within my personal circle.
“With a guy like Khataev you should box, move around, and use those abilities to control the fight. But because I wasn’t 100% focused, I just used my fighting instincts and came away with the victory.”
Following the Khataev fight, Morrell parted ways with Ronnie Shields and joined forces with head coach Ismael Salas, training alongside the likes of Rolando Romero, Alberto Puello and Yoelvis Gomez.
“[Salas has] brought back some of that Cuban schooling, which I had lost a little bit when I came to the States and was training in Houston [Texas]. Going back to your roots is always important.
“There was also a communication [barrier] in my last camp, but with everyone now speaking the same language, and being on the same page, it’s had a really positive impact [on his training].”
With Salas in his corner, Morrell has seemingly rediscovered the silky skills that brought him considerable success in the amateurs.
Now hoping to showcase his talent to a UK audience, when he faces Chelli, the 28-year-old appears ready to prove why he is one of the premier contenders at 175lbs.
