In the end, David Benavidez shuffled his way out. ‘The Mexican Monster’ outboxed David Morrell and steered a thirtieth professional victory. One of the invisible factors that might have aided him in cementing the claims to the light heavyweight legacy was perhaps his experience. Not only in terms of years but also in terms of exposure – fighting some of the prominent names in the 168 and 175-pound divisions helped Benavidez achieve a significant triumph.

David Morrell and team admitted the shortcomings. The experience did play a critical role in the setback. Let there be no doubts: the Cuba-born southpaw gave an excellent account of himself. Perhaps no other fighter gave David Benavidez a hard time than the former youth world champion. Though temporarily, the middle rounds saw Morrell forcing Benavidez on the back foot. In the final rounds, he gave his heart out in the last-minute struggle to wriggle out a miracle. But it was too late, too little.

David Morrell reconnoitering unfamiliar territories

Dan Rafael was present at the Benavidez-Morrell post-fight press conference. He recalled the pre-fight discourse that focused on Morrell’s limited experience. The eminent boxing journalist highlighted how, despite the Cuban fighter’s stellar amateur career, ‘The Mexican Monster’ managed to control the pace of the fight.

He sought an in-depth assessment from the side, especially from head trainer Ronnie Shields. “I wonder if you felt like the experience level was maybe a little bit much for you. I’d actually like to hear Ronnie’s perspective on that also,” Rafael asked.

The interpreter shared David Morrell’s response: “It was definitely one of the main factors in this fight where it didn’t tilt the balance 100%, but it definitely was something that played a role in the outcome of the fight.”

Ronnie Shields added, “Yeah, I would say so also that that did play a big role, you know, in the fight.” However, the setback would prove a great learning experience for Morrell, shared the former professional fighter-turned-trainer. It will become a catalyst for him to perform better in his next fight. “Boxing, you learn from fights; you learn from experience, and this is something that, you know, we take away from, and next time, you know, we just keep moving,” he stressed.

Deepening perceptions in the sport

Despite his apparent lack of experience, the very fact that David Morrell picked up the cudgels to face one of the biggest names in modern boxing deserves praise. Two weeks ago, he turned twenty-seven. He still has many years of boxing left in him.

The brutal slugfest with David Benavidez must have given him a lifetime’s lesson. It will definitely come in handy and play a big role when he ventures out for the next fixture. Despite the loss, the fighter per se gave him enough confidence to consider a rematch. “I’m going to work my way back. We’ll watch this fight and learn from what I didn’t do well. We’ll practice more, train harder, and earn another fight against Benavidez. I know I can beat him,” he reportedly said.

It’s a different matter; prospects of a second edition didn’t tickle the fancy of Team Benavidez. They seem more focused on the outcome of the February 22 rematch between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol. The fight with Morrell was a title eliminator to determine the challenger for the winner of the Beterbiev-Bivol duel.

Who do you think David Morrell should fight next? What are the learnings from the Benavidez fight that he’s put into practice?