Morrell parted ways with longtime coach Ronnie Shields and brought in Cuban coach Ismael Salas, a move he describes as necessary rather than dramatic.
“2026 is going to be my year. I want to fight for undisputed world titles at 175 pounds,” Morrell said. El Palco Podcast. “First comes an important fight, possibly against Callum Smith or someone at that level.”
This battle remains unresolved. The WBO ordered Morrell to face Smith in July 2025, but negotiations between Matchroom and Warriors Boxing and TGB Promotions stalled through several extensions. The situation remains unresolved as the calendar turns.
For Morrell, the bigger shift is happening in the gym. He said the decision to leave Shields was about timing and clarity rather than discontent.
“I decided to change coaches because I needed a new voice in my corner, someone who would understand me better now,” Morrell said. “Ronnie has done an excellent job for many years. The time has come to develop and correct details that I have seen in my last fights, especially in defense and dealing with pressure.”
He was more blunt about the direction under Salas. “I want to be smarter, not just rely on strength. With Salas, we polish it all to be ready for the big names.”
Those details mattered in 2025. Against both Benavidez and Khataev, Morrell spent long stretches absorbing work without answering back. When he did release his hands, he hurt both men. Then he stopped. Khataev even dropped him in the fifth round of a split decision that many felt could have gone the other way.
Morrell hasn’t closed the door on Benavidez either. “A lot of people are asking for the rematch. If he decides to stay at light heavyweight, of course I’d love that,” Morrell said. “I learned a lot from that fight. It would be a different war.”
If Morrell is serious about that path, the improvement has to show. The power is there. It always has been. The next version needs to use it before the fight slips away.
