World title clash rumoured for David Benavidez vs. David Morrell event
At the start of 2024, David Benavidez and David Morrell were seen as the top contenders who could potentially stop Canelo Alvarez's super-middleweight reign. Now, they’ve surprisingly agreed to a deal, and their showdown could feature a world title as the co-main event on fight night.
Although both fighters were initially linked to the 168-pound division, they are now campaigning at light heavyweight, eyeing the world titles that are likely to become fragmented after the upcoming Beterbiev-Bivol undisputed showdown.
The hard-hitting duo made their debuts at 175 pounds in tough fights against Oleksandr Gvozdyk and Radivoje Kalajdzic, both winning by unanimous decision. However, their punching power seemed a bit less effective at this higher weight.
That said, both are still poised to capture world titles at light heavyweight soon. Benavidez holds the WBC interim title, putting him in a prime position to capitalize when belts become vacant, while Morrell boasts the WBA (Regular) title.
On Instagram, Benavidez confirmed the deal is set for him to face Morrell, and he revealed that his title will be on the line. He assured fans that more official details will be coming soon.
“There were a lot of names on the table, but I wanted to give my fans the best fight possible. I reached out to David Morrell and his team to make this happen, and we got the contract done. This fight is gonna be a banger!!! Two of the best in the division and two titles on the line. Let’s go!!!” Benavidez posted.
As for the undercard, it’s been reported that Jose ‘Rayo’ Valenzuela could rematch Isaac ‘Pitbull’ Cruz in an attempt to defend his WBA super-lightweight title, just months after their first bout. Valenzuela shocked fans with a split-decision victory over Cruz on the Crawford-Madrimov undercard back in August. However, due to Cruz's rematch clause, a second fight was almost inevitable.
Fernando Sabatini shared on social media that Benavidez's father confirmed they are working to include this rematch as part of his son's event.
“In an interview, José Benavidez Sr. has just confirmed that they are working so that the co-main event of @Benavidez300 vs. @OsvaryJ will be the rematch between @rayoboxing and @IsaacPitbull98,” he tweeted.
Reports suggest that the Benavidez-Morrell fight will take place on January 25th as a PBC pay-per-view event in Las Vegas, with the winner likely to challenge the victor of Beterbiev-Bivol in 2025.
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