If you’re a boxing fan with plans already set for this Saturday evening; cancel them. Because David’s Benavidez and Morrell are about to shut the Las Vegas strip down.
The two undefeated superstars are set to throwdown for the WBA Regular, and Interim WBC Lightweight title in what many are expecting to be a potential ‘Fight of the Year’ contender.
David Benavidez hopes to emulate ‘legendary fighter’ in title showdown
Whilst David Benavidez remains a sizable favorite over the undefeated Cuban, ‘El Bandera Roja’ knows that he cannot afford to slip up – especially against such a talented rival – as he hunts yet more championship gold.
“I really want to be the best of my generation, and the only way to do that is to go through everybody,” Benavidez stated via BoxingNews+.
“I believe in my strengths, I believe in my powers and my abilities, and I’m not scared of anybody.
“By the time that my time is done, you guys are going to see me as a legendary fighter like Julio Cesar Chavez, like Barrera, like Oscar De La Hoya – that’s the same route that imma follow.”
The popular American is 29-0 as a pro with 24 big wins coming via KO/TKO – including three stoppage wins in his last five fights.
“I’m the only person that’s knocked somebody out with an 8-punch combo in the past like 10 years so that’s definitely the type of fighting style I like,” he continued, revealing which iconic fighter he’s now trying to emulate.
“I like Manny Pacquiao’s fighting style, so that’s kind of what I’m trying to be – I like to be an offensive fighter, and I know you guys can tell.”
Benavidez remains hopeful that he could be just one big win away from securing an incredibly lucrative showdown with Canelo Alvarez, which had been rumored throughout 2024.
Benavidez has recently claimed that Alvarez was previously offered around $70 million to fight him, as he continued to goad the Mexican champion: “If I’m sitting here telling Canelo, I can knock him out, I can beat him, why doesn’t he just come shut me up and make a lot of money?”
Boxing insiders share predictions for David Benavidez vs David Morrell
Before Canelo Alvarez can be brought back to the negotiation table, Benavidez must first get through David Morrell on February 1 – which according to boxing experts, will be certainly easier said than done.
Eddie Hearn: “Big respect to David Benavidez, that’s a great fight and we want to see great fights. I hope that there are more fighters like David Benavidez who say ‘Nah, I’ll back myself, I don’t give a f*** about Morrell, I know everyone rates him, but I’ll beat him’ … Fair play, well done David Benavidez.”
Carl Frampton agreed with Hearn’s sentiment, stating “It’s great to see; boxing is flying at the minute but I really, really rate Benavidez – it’s hard to look past him in that one. “
Frazer Clarke wished he had a ticket for the fight, although he was also leaning towards the American: “That’s a rocket of a fight; it’s one of them where I wish I could go and watch it live because it’s going to be a good tear-up…
“These 50/50 fights are so hard to call, but I’m going to go with Benavidez.”
Darren Barker: “Morrell’s got a point to prove, he didn’t really look good in LA but if you’re ever going to bring your A-game to a fight it’s against Benavidez… Stylistically, I think this [fight] gels, [and] it won’t take long for this to really catch fire and [become] a classic.”
Benavidez vs Morrell goes down live from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday, February 1.