Benavidez imposes himself on Morrell, claims secondary 175 title
'The Mexican Monster' pounds less experienced foe in highly entertaining bout to set up possible shot at undisputed crown
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LAS VEGAS — David Benavidez vowed to break David Morrell’s face and to “take his soul” during a rancor-filled buildup and although he did neither, he outpunched and outfought him all the way to win a convincing unanimous decision in a hard-hitting battle on Saturday night at T-Mobile Arena.
Benavidez, the favorite of the announced crowd of 12,109, won 118-108, 115-111 and 115-111 to retain the WBC interim light heavyweight title and win the WBA “regular” belt in the main event of the PBC on Prime Video PPV. Fight Freaks Unite had Benavidez winning 117-109.
Benavidez, now the mandatory challenger in both organizations, also put himself in prime position to challenge the winner of the rematch between undisputed champion Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol, who meet again on Feb. 22.
First he had handle Morrell, who many believed would be the sternest test of Benavidez’s career. But Benavidez, with way more professional experience and far superior resume, took control from the start and although Morrell was energetic and game throughout the fight, Benavidez mostly dominated.