The tale of Mexico vs. Cuba has always been an alluring narrative for fight fans, and David Benavidez vs. David Morrell didn’t disappoint. However, in the end, Benavidez was the one to get his hand raised by unanimous decision. But WBA lightweight champion Gervonta Davis wasted no time halting the celebrations, immediately accusing referee Thomas Taylor of cheating.
From the first bell, both fighters were determined to deliver what fans paid money to watch—an absolute slugfest. Both fighters exchanged blows as if a knockout finish was the only answer. By the fourth round, Morrell had Benavidez hurt and leaning back on the ropes with a surprise right hook. The once invincible Benavidez looked vulnerable for the first time in a long time.
However, Benavidez remained on the front foot, pressuring Morrell back and relying on counters rather than bringing the action. As a result, Benavidez kept breaking through Morrell’s guard to land brutal uppercuts. Still, Morrell’s resolve wasn’t about to waver even if he stayed on the back foot. Benavidez even took the break after the sixth round as an opportunity to remind viewers he is the ‘El Monstoro’.
Benavidez’s performance reflected that, as by the 8th round, Benavidez had landed a lot more punches. Slowly but surely, Benavidez’s power and pressure had started to show its effects on Morrell. By the ninth round, the Cuban was clearly fatigued, and both Benavidez and his corner were well aware of it. ‘The Mexican Monster’ was comfortably ahead on the unofficial scorecard. The only lingering question was: how much longer could Morrell hang on?
As the fight went into the championship rounds, the once-Morrell showboating in the early rounds had to watch Benavidez take up that role. Morrell, with advice from his corner, tried to steal the last two rounds with aggression, but Benavidez invited the action. However, near the end of the 11th round, Morrell scored a surprise knockdown.
Still, the referee deducted a point from Morrell for punching after the bell, putting Benavidez back on top. The judges scored the fight 115-111 twice and 118-108, all for Benavidez. In the meantime, Davis hopped on X to take shots at the referee, writing, “The ref cheatinggg!!!!”
For the past few years, David Benavidez had one goal to fight super middleweight king Canelo Alvarez. However, with his latest win, it appears he has abandoned his dream for now, at least. After acquiring Morrell’s WBA (regular) WBA light heavyweight strap, and his WBC ‘Interim’ light heavyweight belt, he has confirmed his position as the WBC mandatory challenger to the winner of Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol.
The Ring Magazine provided the update on X, writing, “David Benavidez has now confirmed his position as the WBC mandatory challenger to fight the winner of the Feb 22nd Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol rematch for the undisputed light-heavyweight world titles.” The winner of the February 22nd rematch could be fighting again for the undisputed title later this year.
That said, even though Gervonta Davis isn’t exactly happy about referee Thomas Taylor deducting a point from Morrell, Benavidez has officially moved to a bigger challenge. What did you think of the fight? Who do you think Benavidez would end up fighting?
