David Benavidez (29-0, 24 food) stands on Saturday, February 1, in the T-Mobile Arena for light heavyweight pressing authority on David Morrell (11-0, 9 COs). The winner becomes the compulsory challenger to the Artur Betterur Betterbiev victor over Dmitri Bivol Rematch on February 22.
(Credit: Ryan Hafey/Premier Boxing Champions)
Banavidez sought a mega battle against Canelo Alvarez for many years, but became impatient and is now trying to make his own path in the light heavyweight section. The opportunity to drive his career and challenge the undisputed light heavyweight champion is within reach if he can successfully defeat Morrell.
For Morrell, the fight against Benavidez will be the biggest battle in his young career, which with only 11 professional fights should not really be tested. His hardest game to date would be his light heavyweight debut against Radivoje Kalajdzic. He won the match with unanimous decision, but surpassed Kalajdzic with only 32 strokes in the 36 -minute match. Kalajdzic was strong to
The end, Outlanding Morrell 41 to 38 in the last four rounds. Kalajdzic, compared to benavidez, would be considered an economic puncher. How will Morrell fair to a volume force like benavidez? At a media training session in Miami, Morrell referred to Banavidez as Robocop because of his lack of agility in the ring. However, benavidez showed the ability to defeat agile and mobile boxers in Caleb plant and Demetrius Andrade. Although he is agile, Morrell would not be considered inexplicable, and Kalajdzic has shown that in their match, nearly 30 percent of his power support ends up.
Banavidez has one of the highest Connect percentages in the sport at 37.9 percent, which is only 39.5 percent Bam Rodriguez. His pressure and accuracy will pose challenges for Morrell, who has not yet faced anyone of his caliber in the benefits. Benavidez likes to break down his opponents and punish them with his deadly combinations. Against the former WBC and Lineal Light Heavyweight champion, Oleksandr Gvozdyk, he was able to end up an impressive 46.7 percent of his power punch.
Morrell will try to use his 4-inch range advantage and box at a distance. How disciplined he can abide by this strategy remains to be seen. During the fighting, both showed a sincere dislike of each other. Banavidez announced that he plans to seriously punish Morrell and make an example from him. He wants to send a message that he is one of the best in the sport, and that he would win convincingly against Morrell, he would drive him to SuperStardom. He must be careful not to be too aggressive, because Morrell has the power to take advantage of a mistake if he makes one.
Benavidez should be strategic with his punch choice and the jab used. He tends to forget the stab and simply goes into the bag and throws combinations. Banavidez had a similar contempt for another opponent in Caleb plant, the battlefights were just as heated as with Morrell.
His strategy to go into battle was very similar to what he intends to do in this one, which is to destroy his opponent. In doing so, he forgot some basic basics and had a very anemic rate and landed only 30 Jabs in their 12-round match. He can’t do it against Morrell; He must throw the stab at a high pace. Kalajdzic used the sting intelligently, which allowed him to set up his offensive attack. Benavidez must remain equal and fight his fight. He should not fall into Morrell’s thoughts and fall into his traps.
Banavidez faced better competition and had the experience of winning the game. He must target the body and delay the 27-year-old Morrell, who will try to use his mobility to reduce Benavidez’s attack. If Benavidez can withstand Morrell’s power, it must be his struggle to lose.
Source: Compubox