In a thrilling showcase of skill and strategy, David Benavidez convincingly unified the light heavyweight boxing championship by defeating David Morrell in Las Vegas. With this significant win, Benavidez maintained his WBC interim title and seized the WBA belt, marking a major milestone in his undefeated career.
The fight kept the audience on the edge of their seats, with judges Patricia Morse Jarman and Steve Weisfeld scoring the bout 115-111 and Tim Cheatham marking it 118-108, painting a picture of Benavidez's dominance in the ring. Known as ‘The Mexican Monster,’ Benavidez (30-0) showcased his remarkable prowess, outmaneuvering Morrell (11-1), who suffered his first professional loss.
Benavidez commented post-fight, recognizing Morrell's toughness, This is ‘El Monstro’s’ world. Shout out to Morrell. I prepared meticulously because I knew he was a formidable opponent, highlighting his respect for Morrell while celebrating his victory.
Throughout the fight, Benavidez utilized his superior reach and a diverse array of punches, targeting both head and body, which ultimately led to his triumph. According to CompuBox, Benavidez landed an impressive 48% of his power punches, with 76 of these being tactical blows to Morrell's body.
The fight, however, was not without drama. In the 11th round, Morrell caught Benavidez off-balance with a right hand, leading to a knockdown as Benavidez’s glove hit the canvas. Despite this, Morrell faced a point deduction for an illegal punch thrown after the bell.
Expressing satisfaction with his performance, Benavidez reflected, I wasn’t surprised by anything because I knew he was a great fighter and that I had to prepare for everything. Every opportunity that I saw, I went for it, showcasing his strategic approach to the match.
This victory is seen as a pivotal point in Benavidez's career. This is the biggest win so far because of all the people who came out here to support me. It’s a dream to be the best of my era, Benavidez declared, envisioning a future where he aims to unify all four major light heavyweight titles.
The night also featured other notable bouts, including Stephen Fulton Jr.'s victory over Brandon Figueroa to claim the WBC featherweight title by unanimous decision, adding another chapter to their ongoing rivalry. Additionally, Isaac Cruz clinched a unanimous decision win against Angel Fierro in a super lightweight clash, showcasing the competitive spirit of the night.
The event closed with middleweight Jesus Ramos Jr. defeating Jeison Rosario, forcing a stoppage in the eighth round, underscoring the evening’s intensity and excitement for boxing enthusiasts.
This night of extraordinary boxing action has set the stage for further thrilling bouts, with Benavidez positioning himself as a dominant force ready to take on the next challenge in his quest for full dominance in the light heavyweight division.
