Chaos nearly ensued shortly after the chaos inside the ring between David Benavidez and opponent David Morrell’s inner circle.
David Benavidez and David Morrell put an end to their weeks of bad blood with one of the best boxing fights in recent years this weekend. After a back-and-forth war, which included Benavidez battling back from some dangerous moments, Benavidez earned a unanimous decision win on the judges’ scorecards.
Benavidez and Morrell entered the ring with bad intentions after press conference skirmishes, mental warfare, and intense faceoffs. But after their instant classic battle, the two top boxers put their beef aside and showed each other mutual respect.
That didn’t last long, though, at the post-fight press conference. As Benavidez shook hands with Morrell and his team, Morrell’s manager got into a spirited back-and-forth with the victor. Luis DeCubas Sr., Morrell’s manager, then accused Benavidez of having a questionable chin after the fight.
Sparks flew moments later, as the press conference abruptly ended after Benavidez threatened to ‘slap’ DeCubas for his relentless commentary.
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David Benavidez’s post-fight presser abruptly ends after altercation with David Morrell’s manager
Luckily, security personnel was able to get a hold of things quickly, and Benavidez and Morrell’s teams went their separate ways. But bad blood remains with DeCubas and Benavidez despite the Morrell beef seemingly on the shelf.
After DeCubas and Benavidez were removed from the press conference, Benavidez and Morrell exchanged respectful banter as they left the venue. It was in stark contrast to months of lively moments between the two sides leading up to the event.
As for DeCubas, he hasn’t publically addressed the incident with Benavidez, as of this writing.
David Benavidez eyes Dmitry Bivol vs. Artur Beterbiev 2 winner for next fight
After defeating Morrell, Benavidez wants a showdown with the Dmitry Bivol vs. Artur Beterbiev 2 winner for a chance to unite the light heavyweight titles. Beterbiev defeated Bivol by majority decision last October, in one of the best battles of the year.
Benavidez is also in pursuit of a showdown with Canelo Alvarez before both sides hang up the gloves. But Alvarez has repeatedly dismissed the idea of fighting Benavidez as he nears a rumored super fight against Terence Crawford.
Benavidez’s next goal is to become the undisputed light heavyweight champion, and he could be just months away from seeing his longtime goal come to fruition.