THE SUPER-MIDDLEWEIGHT division could be in for an exciting period during the second half of 2023.
Champion Canelo Alvarez looks all set to move over from Matchroom to Al Haymon and Premier Boxing Champions in a deal that will see the Mexican face Jermall Charlo in September.
Another fight that may happen a couple of months later is a battle between the two David’s, Benavidez, and Morrell. Both men themselves were linked with landing the Canelo fight but now they must look elsewhere. In a perfect world it makes perfect sense for the undefeated talents, promoted by PBC, to face one another with the winner inching themselves closer to facing Canelo or indeed Charlo.
Benavidez’ promoter Sampson Lewkowicz recently revealed that Morrell would be next for his fighter only for that to be denied by his client.
Morrell has used tactics on social media to try and bait Benavidez into facing him. The Cuban is clearly focused on landing a fight against the 26-year-old and told Fox 9 News he is ready for the challenge.
“I want to fight Benavidez man, one hundred percent,” Morrell said.
“I want to fight him. Like my team is ready for the fight and we’re ready for him. I’m so excited for the fight. It’s a big opportunity for me. I think maybe in November is fight.
“I’m ready. Like you want to fight, I’m here. You don’t want to fight? Like I don’t know but I’m ready for Benavidez one hundred per cent.”
Morrell was asked if his attempts to rile Benavidez on social media is just fun.
“It’s show. I respect him. I respect Benavidez junior, I respect Benavidez senior, but it’s show you know.”
Benavidez has had three times the number of fights of his rival, but sections of the boxing industry are high on Morrell believing him to be the next king of the super-middleweights. Fighting the intimidating Benavidez would be by far the biggest test of Morrell’s fledgling career.
“It’s a big opportunity,” he said.
“He’s a great fighter, he’s a big man. I think this is my chance for the next big man like bigger man you know.
“I’m ready. You know? You want to fight? I want to fight baby. Always, always.”
