David Benavidez showcased his boxing prowess on Saturday night at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, defeating David Morrell by unanimous decision. With this victory, Benavidez not only retained his WBC light heavyweight interim title but also claimed Morrell's WBA light heavyweight "regular" belt, marking a significant milestone in his career as he moves up in weight class.
For years, Benavidez had been vocal about his desire to face Canelo Alvarez, one of boxing’s biggest stars. His anticipation for this fight led him to make the transition to the light heavyweight division, where he now aims to solidify his position among the elite. Currently, Artur Beterbiev holds the title of undisputed champion at 175 pounds, presenting a new challenge for Benavidez as he continues to pursue top-tier competition.
Morrell, who had previously defended his WBA belt six times, entered the ring with considerable experience and a reputation for power. After turning professional in August 2019 following a successful amateur career, he quickly established himself by scoring nine knockouts in his first ten fights. In his most recent outing before facing Benavidez, Morrell demonstrated resilience by going the distance against Radivoje Kalajdzic in a closely contested match.
Despite Morrell’s impressive track record, Benavidez's skill and strategy proved too much for him. The fight unfolded with Benavidez controlling the pace and delivering powerful combinations that earned him the judges' unanimous decision. This victory not only elevates Benavidez's status in the light heavyweight division but also sets the stage for potential future bouts against top contenders.
This match was particularly significant for Benavidez as it marked his first fight at light heavyweight, where he previously defeated Oleksandr Gvozdyk by unanimous decision. With this win, he has now established himself firmly within the ranks of light heavyweight contenders and is poised for even greater challenges ahead.
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