The WBC Interim World Light Heavyweight champion David Benavidez will be aiming to extend his professional record to 30-0 on February 1st.
Taking on David Morrell, the two have exchanged heated words over recent weeks ahead of their highly anticipated bout. This includes when Benavidez and Morrell had an online face-off, where the two did not show a liking for one another.
With both Benavidez and Morrell competing for an opportunity to challenge for the undisputed title of the division, the stakes are high for the undefeated fighters.
Morrell goes into the bout with a professional record of 11-0, having only made his debut in 2019.
David Benavidez aiming to put on a show versus David Morrell
Speaking ahead of the grudge match with Morrell, Benavidez had strong words for the Cuban as their rivalry continues to flare.
Following barbs from Morrell in a campaign to get a bout with Benavidez, the two have not been shy of trading verbal blows with one another.
Benavidez is not only eager to get a victory over Morrell but wants to put a message out to the rest of the light heavyweight division.
Speaking to Premier Boxing Champions, Benavidez said “I’m going to make an example out of him for the rest of the light heavyweight division to see that I’m not planning with nobody.”
The interim champion would also add that he feels more motivated by the fight thanks to the desire of the fans to witness the clash.
Of Benavidez’s 29 wins, 24 have come via stoppage. Should his 30th professional fight be a successful one, he will likely be in line for a chance at the world light heavyweight titles.
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Winner of David Benavidez vs David Morrell guaranteed world title fight
The WBC has confirmed that the winner of Benavidez vs Morrell will be guaranteed a world title shot. The victor of the fight will become the mandatory challenger for the WBC World Light Heavyweight belt.
The WBC World Light Heavyweight title is currently held by Artur Beterbiev, who also holds the IBF, IBO, and WBO titles of the division. Beterbiev will aim to defend all four titles when he faces Dmitry Bivol on February 22nd.
Benavidez has predicted that Bivol will win the bout, meaning he may be looking to the Russian for his next fight.
This means that the winner of Beterbiev vs Bivol will likely face the victor of Benavidez vs Morrell.
The only reason the successful fighters would not face one another is if the WBC World Light Heavyweight title holder refuses to face the mandatory challenger, and is forced to vacate the title.