Saul “Canelo” Alvarez’s decision to avoid facing his top contenders in the super middleweight division has set the stage for a high-stakes clash between David Benavidez and David Morrell this Saturday night. With both fighters having transitioned to the light heavyweight class after failing to secure bouts against Alvarez, this matchup now carries significant implications, including a potential shot at the undisputed light heavyweight championship.
David Benavidez, sporting an impressive record of 29 wins and no losses with 24 knockouts, previously held the WBC super middleweight title twice. He first secured the title in 2017 and successfully defended it before a doping violation led to a strip of his title. Following a reinstatement and another title victory, he later struggled to make weight for a scheduled defense, leading to further complications in his career.
Morrell, with a record of 11 wins and no losses, has also been a mandatory challenger for Alvarez before making a successful transition to light heavyweight. He claimed the WBA “regular” championship after an impressive streak at super middleweight. In their new fights at light heavyweight, both fighters encountered challenges, with each needing to prove themselves in this competitive landscape.
The winner of this bout will likely become the next challenger for the undisputed light heavyweight champion, with a matchup between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol looming on the horizon.
Adding excitement to the event are notable undercard fights, including a highly anticipated rematch between Brandon Figueroa and Stephen Fulton Jr. for the WBC featherweight title, following their classic encounter in 2021. Both fighters are expressing confidence in their preparation and looking for victory in this pivotal moment of their careers.
The main event is set for February 1 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, starting at 8 p.m. ET, with fans able to watch via Amazon PPV. The matchup between Benavidez and Morrell is expected to showcase not only their skills but also their determination to seize the opportunity for championship glory.
As we await this thrilling fight, it’s clear that both fighters are poised for greatness, making this a pivotal moment in their careers. Fans can expect a climactic battle as Benavidez’s experience and Morrell’s power collide in what promises to be a memorable showdown in the boxing world.