Benavidez riffs on facing Canelo and the Beterbiev-Bivol II winner
'The Mexican Monster' had a lot to say after big win over Morrell
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LAS VEGAS — David Benavidez had a big smile on his face and a welt on his forehead as his toddler son, decked out in a kiddie tuxedo, sat on his knee inside the media room at T-Mobile Arena.
About a half hour earlier in the main event of the PBC on Prime Video PPV on Saturday night, Benavidez scored a rousing and punishing victory as he stripped David Morrell of his undefeated record and his WBA “regular” light heavyweight title.
Benavidez won a unanimous decision, hammering Morrell with big, clean shots throughout their showdown to win 118-108 and 115-111 twice as he also retained the WBC interim title and made the statement that he is a dangerous foe for anyone at 175 pounds and the clear No. 1 contender for the winner of the Feb. 22 rematch between undisputed champion Artur Beterbiev and former titlist Dmitry Bivol.
Benavidez not only beat Morrell, pleasing the partisan crowd of 12,109, but he delivered the sort of exhilarating action battle he promised throughout the buildup.
“I’m excited to keep putting on great fights like this, calling out the best fighters and fighting with him in big arenas like this. This is what I’m made for,” Benavidez said during his post-fight news conference.
Morrell was an outstanding amateur but has had limited pro experience. Benavidez, however, has ample pro experience against far superior opponents. It appeared to make the difference in the fight.
“It did play a big role but he shouldn’t have been calling me out,” Benavidez said. “I’ve been professional 11 years (to Morrell’s five-plus years). My past five fights have been big fights. I know how to work a 12-round fight. I know how to work a great fighter. I’m just looking to be the best version of myself every single fight.
“He hits harder than everybody I’ve faced. He’s a good fighter, but I think my experience alone — I’ve seen so many different styles — I’m just getting better and better. But the dude is good. He fucking brought it but I showed what level I’m on.”