Which David is superior? David Benavidez fights David Morrell Feb.1

Born in Cuba, David Morrell’s amateur career was stellar – culminating in capturing various amateur tournaments.

Morrell,27, turned professional in 2019. He’s undefeated in 11 fights, scoring nine knockouts in the super middleweight division. His resume includes various international fighters, making him somewhat of a mystery, though his Cuban pedigree gives him an advantage over most fighters. His WBA “titles” are silly.

In August, he moved up to light heavyweight, winning a 12-round decision over Radivoje Kalajdzic. Morrell is a sharp puncher who’s responsible defensively. He’s talented for sure.

So, how good is Morrell?

Very good, according to 2020 Olympic gold medalist and fellow Cuban Andy Cruz, who believes Morrell will score a dramatic victory in Las Vegas.

“I see him winning. I don’t just see him winning. I see him winning by knockout,” said Cruz in an article on www.boxingnews24.com.

Not surprisingly, Morrell is confident he can defeat Benavidez.

“It’s simple, man. His only move is to attack, that’s it. He’s a strong guy, a big guy, but after these (attributes), he doesn’t have anything. Do you ever see Benavidez with a defensive move or whatever? So, he only attacks because he’s the bigger guy.”

Simple? If it was that simple, Benavidez wouldn’t be where he is – sporting an unblemished record of 29 wins and 24 knockouts. His advantages in size and age have probably (some would say certainly) made Canelo Alvarez play dodgeball.

Benavidez is much more experienced than Morrell. He’s been a pro since 2013, winning the super middleweight title while scoring victories over former champions Anthony Dirrell, and Caleb Plant and a dismantling of Demetrius Andrade.

“David Morrell has made it personal for me,” said Benavidez several weeks ago. “The way I fight, I always try to take my opponents out. It doesn’t mean you always get it, but we’re definitely going to be pushing for it.”

Oddsmakers have installed Benavidez, a 4-1 favorite. That seems high to me. Based on what I’ve seen, Morrell is a live underdog. I expect a good fight.

The undercard features an intriguing rematch between Brendan Figueroa (25-1, 19 KOs) and former champion Stephen Fulton. Three years ago, Fulton handed Figueroa his only loss by majority decision. Figueroa has been in the ring three times since losing, winning them all, including a ninth-round stoppage over former champion Jessie Magdeleno.

Fulton (22-1, 8 KOs) looked sluggish in his first fight since losing to Naoya Inoue in 2023. He won the fight but tasted the canvas.

Has he recovered sufficiently from his brutal knockout loss to Inoue?

Fulton was proud of his recent victory over tough veteran Carlos Castro.

“I kept digging deep, and I kept fighting,” Fulton said after the fight. “My coaches told me to keep the right hand up. That’s all he was looking for – to come back over the top. And I made that mistake by not keeping that right hand up.”

Figueroa will push Fulton.

Will he be able to remain standing?

The edge here goes to Figueroa.