Suffering your first professional loss is never easy for a boxer. However, it can prove to be the motivation to exact revenge. Cuba’s David Morrell seems to be going through something similar after he lost to David Benavidez on points last weekend in Las Vegas. Despite pushing Benavidez to his limits, Morrell could not stop ‘The Mexican Monster.’

When the fight began, it was a neck-to-neck battle between two magnificent boxers, and their rivalry forced them to put their best foot forward. However, as the rounds progressed, Benavidez started taking the lead on the judges’ scorecard. In the later rounds, Morrell even managed to score a surprise knockdown, a second for Benavidez in his career. 

However, Morrell landed a punch after the 11th-round final bell, which saw referee Thomas Taylor deduct a point from the Cuban boxer. The judges scored the fight: Tim Cheatham: 118-108, Patricia Morse: Jarman 115-111, and Steve Weisfeld 115-111, all in Benavidez’s favor. However, Morrell’s fighting spirit was undeniable. 

During the in-ring post-fight interview, the 27-year-old, clearly disappointed with his loss,  claimed he will work his way back to a rematch. “It was a good fight,” Morrell said. “This is boxing, some days you win, and some days you lose. Tonight was my turn. I’m young and I’ll keep pushing for another opportunity.”

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“It was never bad blood for me,” said Morrell despite their evident animosity in the build-up to the fight. “This moment feels great because we were able to give everyone a good show. 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 and train harder and earn another fight against Benavidez. I know I can beat him.”

However, the question is will David Benavidez fight Morrell again? 

David Benavidez claims he won’t issue David Morrell a rematch

David Benavidez has shut down any talk of a rematch with David Morrell following his dominant win. Despite Morrell putting up a tough fight, Benavidez secured a decisive victory, claiming the WBA (Regular) Light Heavyweight title. When asked about a rematch, he dismissed the idea, stating, “So he won two rounds? I mean, I don’t think it deserves a rematch.”

Benavidez, now mandatory for the winner of the Dmitry Bivol vs. Artur Beterbiev rematch on February 22, made his intentions clear. “We’re just trying to put us in the number one spot.” While he acknowledged needing a break, he was ready for big fights, stating, “I’m willing to fight the best of whoever is on the table.”

That said, it appears that regardless of how much David Morrell may want a rematch against David Benavidez, he will have to climb back the light heavyweight ranks to make it happen. While not impossible, it will definitely take time. Until then, who do you think Morrell should fight?