Benavidez, known as "El Monstruo" or "The Mexican Monster," holds the WBC Interim belt. Morrell brings his WBA Regular Title to the table. Both fighters moved up from super-middleweight last year, and now they're ready to prove who's the real threat in their new weight class.
Famed trainer turned analyst Teddy Atlas shared his thoughts on the fight. In a recent interview, Atlas picked Benavidez to come out on top:
"I'm going to take Benavidez. I'm saying that he's going to win the fight, probably by decision. He's going to be busier and he's going to be tightened up, buttoned up, enough not to leave himself open to the power of the southpaw Morrell."
Atlas believes Benavidez's work rate will be the key. He thinks Benavidez will avoid getting caught by Morrell's power shots, and even if he does get hit, his strong chin will help him survive.
"He's not going to get caught, and if he does, he won't get caught [with] two big ones in a row. He's got a good chin. He'll survive it, but at the end of the day, his offence mixed in with enough defence, [will] get the job done. The busier man, Mr Benavidez, gets a decision. There it is. You like it? Good. You don't? What are you gonna do?"
But Atlas didn't count Morrell out completely. He pointed out that Morrell could win if he lands cleaner, more effective punches. Even if Benavidez throws more, Morrell could still come out on top by hurting his opponent with well-placed shots.
The stakes are high for this fight. The winner will likely get a shot at the undisputed champion. Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol are set for a rematch later this month, and whoever wins the Benavidez-Morrell clash will be first in line to challenge the victor of that fight.
With so much on the line, both fighters are sure to bring their A-game. It's a match-up that's been filled with bad blood during the build-up, and now it's time to settle things in the ring. Boxing fans are in for a treat as these two undefeated warriors clash to prove who's the real deal at light-heavyweight.