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The Ultimate Guide to David Benavidez vs. David Morrell

Writer's picture: Matthew  BrownMatthew Brown

02/01/2025



Where To Watch: Amazon Prime PPV, PPV.com, BrunchBoxing.com (Live Round by Round Coverage)


Programming Note: The PPV telecast begins at 8 PM EST/5 PM PST, live on Amazon Prime PPV. The prelims begin at 6 PM EST/3 PM PST, live on Amazon Prime Video and will be free, regardless of Prime Video membership.


Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) is set to kick off 2025 with a bang, delivering one of the most anticipated fight nights of the year on February 1 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The event will feature an electrifying 12-fight card, headlined by a can’t-miss showdown between David “El Monstro” Benavidez and David Morrell Jr.


In the co-feature, Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa defends his WBC Featherweight title in a grudge match against former unified champion Stephen Fulton Jr. Their 2021 war left fans hungry for a rematch, and on February 1, they’ll settle unfinished business.


The undercard features exciting matchups, including Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz vs. Angel Fierro in an all-Mexican war and Jesus Ramos vs. Jeison Rosario, where a young contender looks to take out a former world champion.


Let’s dive into everything you need to know about this must-watch event with The Ultimate Guide to David Benavidez vs.  David Morrell.


David Benavidez (29-0, 24 KOs) vs. David Morrell (11-0, 9 KOs)

Photo Credit: Esther Lin/Premier Boxing Champions


What’s At Stake:


12 rounds for the WBA World and Interim WBC Light Heavyweight Championships. Winner becomes the WBC mandatory challenger for the Beterbiev vs. Bivol winner


Pre-fight Buildup: The Baddest of Bad Blood


The feud between David Benavidez and David Morrell has been brewing for years, but in recent months, it has turned outright volatile.


The bad blood surfaced at the kickoff press conference, where both fighters exchanged heated words, nearly coming to blows.


Chaos erupted during the media workout in Miami. Morrell refused to shake Benavidez’s hand, leading to Benavidez shoving Morrell. Morrell responded by hurling his WBA belt at Benavidez’s head, which Benavidez narrowly dodged.


David Benavidez on David Morrell throwing the belt at him:


“I wasn’t expecting a belt throw because that's kind of dumb. Say if I wouldn't have moved at the time I did, he would have hit me in the head. My head would have gotten cracked.”


David Benavidez Quotes:


“I don’t care about his trash talk. I’m super focused on one objective, and that’s inflicting damage on David Morrell. I’m coming for the knockout.”


“The thing about David Morrell is he tries to act tough, but at the end of the day he's a little bitch. That's what he is and I showed that. I showed that in front of everybody.”


“I’m going in there to try to hurt him in every single round. I have the strongest fighting spirit in all of boxing and you’re going to see what ‘El Monstro’ is made of on Saturday.”


“They’re gonna see everything on Saturday. They’re gonna see that I’m not the one to be played with.”


“This guy is trying to act hard. It is what it is. On February 1, none of this matters. I’m gonna break his fucking mouth.”


“This is my year and this is the era of David Benavidez.”


David Morrell Quotes:


“He didn’t respect me at our first press conference, so I’m giving it back to him. This is my time. I don’t need to show him any respect.”

 

“He looks like RoboCop in there. He’s got no head movement or anything. This is really an easy fight for me. I’m gonna show him the Cuban boxing skills.”

 

“This is the fight of my life. A win can change everything for me. This is my moment.”

 

“I’m going to have Cuba on my mind when I enter the ring. I’m fighting for my family and for Cuba. Everything in my career has led to this.”

 

“I have to be aggressive and make sure that I make my people proud and show that Cuba is number one. On February 1, I’ll make sure everybody knows who the real boogeyman is in this division” 


“I wanted to fight Benavidez because I wanted to end all this ‘Monster’ stuff. Everyone he’s fought so far has either been on the verge of retirement or had to come up or come down in weight. I want to end the myth that he’s a monster.”

 

“I’m going to bust him up. You don’t disrespect people like this in boxing. You’re gonna see what I do to you on Saturday.”

 

“He’s used to everyone being afraid of him. I’m not one of those other fighters. I’m not going anywhere.”


Path to Victory: David Benavidez


Benavidez is known for his relentless offensive output. He needs to keep Morrell on the back foot, overwhelming him with non-stop combinations. Breaking down Morrell’s midsection will slow him down and limit his movement. Benavidez must absorb Morrell’s counters while forcing exchanges to wear him down over 12 rounds.


Path to Victory: David Morrell


Morrell must utilize his superior movement, making Benavidez miss and countering effectively. Morrell needs to capitalize on Benavidez’s aggression by landing precise, sharp counters. If Morrell gets trapped against the ropes, Benavidez will unleash relentless flurries, making it a nightmare scenario.


Fight Analysis:


This fight pits Benavidez’s relentless pressure and volume punching against Morrell’s slick movement and counterpunching.


Benavidez is bigger, stronger, and more experienced. He’s accustomed to breaking down elite opponents with an overwhelming attack. Morrell, however, is the more polished technician. His Cuban pedigree gives him a strategic edge, but will it hold up under Benavidez’s pressure?


If Benavidez cuts off the ring and forces Morrell into prolonged exchanges, he wins by stoppage. If Morrell maintains range and counters effectively, he could frustrate Benavidez and steal a decision.


Gambling Odds


Benavidez: -260 ML, +250 KO/TKO, +115 Decision.

Morrell: +194 ML, +600 KO/TKO, +330 Decision.

Total Rounds: Over 10.5 at -320, Under 10.5 at +235.

Fight To Go The Distance: Yes at -210, No at +166.

Total Knockdowns: Over 0.5 at -125, Under 0.5 at -125; Over 1.5 at +175, Under 1.5 at -250.


Final Thoughts:


Benavidez has proven himself against elite competition. While Morrell is supremely talented, he hasn’t faced someone with Benavidez’s ferocity and experience. Expect Benavidez to break Morrell down late and secure a TKO victory.


Prediction: David Benavidez KO/TKO


Photo Credit: Esther Lin/Premier Boxing Champions

 

Brandon Figueroa (25-1-1, 19 KOs) vs. Stephen Fulton (22-1, 8 KOs)

Photo Credit: Esther Lin/Premier Boxing Champions


What’s At Stake:


12 rounds for Figueroa’s WBC Featherweight Championship


Pre-fight Buildup: Round 13


Fulton narrowly won their first war in 2021, but Figueroa believes he was robbed. This time, he wants to leave no doubt.


Brandon Figueroa Quotes:


“I’m coming to get my lick back.”


“I’m very excited to be sharing this card with these talented boxers up here. We put blood, sweat and tears into this and we’re all here to kick off a new era of boxing starting in 2025.”

 

“I’m excited to run it back with Fulton and give the fans another Fight of the Year. That’s what it’s all about.”

 

“It feels amazing to be back fighting Fulton again. It was a Fight of the Year candidate for a reason. We went all out and we entertained the fans. It’s just a couple more days now until we get to do it all again.”

 

“I feel great at this weight. I feel very strong and very complete at this weight. I’m explosive and I’m fast. I’m very confident and I can’t wait to go out there and have him feel that power.”

 

“I’m here to prove I’m the best 126-pounder in the world. I want to be one of the greats. I want to represent Mexico, represent the U.S.A. and conquer the world. I’m not scared of anyone. Just talking about it gets me excited, because I’m truly passionate about this sport.”

 

“I’m not going to let this fight slip away from me again. I’m 100% prepared to make a statement on Saturday night.”


Stephen Fulton Quotes:


“My mindset is different this time. I’m a calmer person. I’ve grown as a person and as a fighter since we fought the first time.”

 

“My only objective is to get that victory and it doesn’t matter how it goes down or how I get it. I will be a two-division world champion Saturday night. It has to end with my hand raised.”


Path to Victory: Brandon Figueroa


Figueroa must apply his relentless pressure, high output and body punching to counteract Fulton’s movement. Figueroa must avoid the tendency to smother his own punches.


Path to Victory: Stephen Fulton


With rumors of a shoulder injury, expect Fulton to stick-and-move. Counterpunching Figueroa’s relentless pressure will be key for Fulton. Fulton must also display great inside defense.


Fight Analysis:


The first fight was a phone booth fight, fought at close quarters. The second time around should be no different. It’s just a perfect mesh of styles.


Figueroa is bigger, but maybe not stronger. He has shown less signs of wear and tear. Fulton missed weight initially, having to make weight on his second attempt. That may be a sign of a bad training camp.


Gambling Odds


Figueroa: -235 ML, +220 KO/TKO, +135 Decision.

Fulton: +180 ML, +850 KO/TKO, +250 Decision.

Total Rounds: Over 10.5 at -310, Under 10.5 at +225.

Fight To Go The Distance: Yes at -225, No at +172.

Total Knockdowns: Over 0.5 at -110, Under 0.5 at -150; Over 1.5 at +230, Under 1.5 at -360.


Final Thoughts:


Figueroa will push the pace, but this time, expect his power at 126 lbs. to be too much for Fulton to handle.


Prediction: Brandon Figueroa KO/TKO


Photo Credit: Esther Lin/Premier Boxing Champions

 

Isaac Cruz (26-3-1, 18 KOs) vs. Angel Fierro (23-2-2, 18 KOs), 10 rounds, junior welterweight

Photo Credit: Esther Lin/Premier Boxing Champions


Pre-fight Buildup: A Mexican Civil War


Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz will take on Angel Fierro in an all-Mexican showdown. Cruz seeks redemption after a shocking loss, to Rayo Valenzuela, while Fierro wants to make his name at Cruz’s expense. The high stakes of the bout came to a head as Cruz and Fierro nearly came to blows at the final press conference.


Isaac Cruz Quotes:


“This fight means everything to me because it’s Mexico vs. Mexico, and everyone knows what happens when two Mexicans collide. It’s gonna be a war for sure.”


“This is going to be a great fight and I’ve come prepared to take the victory and go home as a winner.”

 

“My loss allowed me to become even stronger where I was already strong, and work on my weaknesses. You’re going to see all that work on Saturday night and I’m going to come out with the win.”

 

“It’s a great honor for me to fight for this WBC belt that honors great Mexican rivalries and the late Israel Vazquez. I’m excited to be in this position.”

 

“At the end of the day, this is going to be a great fight. So make sure you tune in. Do not miss this one.”


Angel Fierro Quotes:


“This Saturday night, everyone is going to learn who I am. Tune in, because this is going to be an incredible fight.”

 

“Isaac Cruz is a great fighter and I’m well aware that he’s tasted glory before, but it’s my time for glory now. Let’s see how Isaac reacts when he has a train barreling down on him.”

 

“The fans are going to be the true winners on Saturday night. Isaac is aggressive, and I come forward. It’s gonna be an all-out war. You’re definitely gonna want to tune in for this one.”


Path to Victory: Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz


Isaac Cruz needs to use intelligent aggression to get the job done. Cruz has the tendency to get a little sloppy when he’s going after his opponent. Inside fighting and body work will be key for Cruz to be victorious. He can’t settle for headshots.


Path to Victory: Angel Fierro


Angel Fierro has to utilize sharp counters, footwork and defensive discipline, all of which Cruz struggles against.


Fight Analysis:


This is going to be an all-out war between two sluggers. Angel Fierro is tailor-made for Cruz, with his come-forward style. However, Cruz is also tailor-made for Fierro, making the a car crash waiting to happen.


Gambling Odds


Cruz: -1100 ML, -105 KO/TKO, +125 Decision.

Fierro: +540 ML, +1400 KO/TKO, +850 Decision.

Fight To Go The Distance: Yes at -112, No at -112.


Final Thoughts:


Cruz will go to war, and Fierro will oblige. In a brutal slugfest, expect Cruz’s power to prevail.


Prediction: Isaac Cruz KO/TKO


Photo Credit: Esther Lin/Premier Boxing Champions

 

Jesus Ramos (21-1-1, 17 KOs) vs. Jeison Rosario (24-4-2, 18 KOs), 10 rounds, middleweight

Photo Credit: Esther Lin/Premier Boxing Champions


Pre-fight Buildup: A Boxing Tale as Old as Time


Jesus Ramos takes on former unified champion Jeison Rosario. Ramos wants to keep climbing, while Rosario is fighting to stay relevant and avoid gatekeeper status.


Jesus Ramos Quotes:


“I’m excited to be back to do it all again. I have a tough opponent that I’m not overlooking. We got ready for the best version of Jeison Rosario and we’re ready to put on a good show on Saturday night.”

 

“I’m going to start off a big 2025 with this fight on Saturday. I’m in a stacked division and there are a lot of big fights to be made. I’m ready for them this year.”

 

“Rosario has a lot of experience and he’s tough as well. I can learn a lot in this fight. I’m excited to see what he brings on Saturday night.”

 

“I’ve evolved, and that means that I’m coming for the knockouts every time now. That’s just my style and my approach from now on.”

 

“I’m coming to win and I’m gonna do it in spectacular fashion. I’m coming for it all. I know it’s bothering him that I say I’m gonna knock him out, but that’s just what I have to do.”

 

“None of the talk matters until we get in there. When we get into the ring, I wanna see him try to rip my head off, because that’s when it really counts.”

 

Jeison Rosario Quotes:

 

“I’m very happy and ready for this huge opportunity. I’m so motivated to have all these people around me. I’m not going to take it for granted at all. Saturday night, it’s going to be a war.”

 

“My advantage is going to be the work that I put in at the gym. I forgot about the pain and everything that I left behind, because I knew that I needed to put everything into this training camp.”

 

“I respect Jesus, but I’m 100% confident that I’m going to win this fight. I’m going to pull off a big upset that will resonate all around the world. It’s gonna be the biggest upset of the night.”

 

“I was put into this fight for a reason and I’m not going to let the opportunity pass by.”


Path to Victory: Jesus Ramos


Ramos must have an aggressive start to establish dominance against the veteran Rosario. Volume punching will be a key factor in wearing Rosario down. Ramos also needs to control the mid-range to mitigate Rosario’s formidable punching power.


Path to Victory: Jeison Rosario


Simply put, Rosario has to let his power shots fly in this bout. The ability to counter the aggressive attack of Ramos is key for Rosario.


Fight Analysis:


Ramos is going to come out aggressive, making Rosario a live dog early on. Rosario has shown durability issues, both to the chin and body. Ramos is going to look to test that early and often.


Gambling Odds


Ramos: -2400 ML, -470 KO/TKO, +430 Decision.

Rosario: +820 ML, +1800 KO/TKO, +2100 Decision.

Fight To Go The Distance: Yes at +340, No at -550.


Final Thoughts:


While both fighters are hungry, Ramos is younger and fresher. Expect him to overwhelm Rosario and finish him mid-fight.


Prediction: Ramos KO/TKO


Photo Credit: Esther Lin/Premier Boxing Champions

 

Prelims:


Mirco Cuello (14-0, 11 KOs) vs. Christian Olivo (22-1-1, 8 KOs), 12 rounds in a WBA featherweight final eliminator.

Photo Credit: Esther Lin/Premier Boxing Champions


Gambling Odds


Cuello: -750 ML, +165 KO/TKO, -120 Decision.

Olivo: +430 ML, +1200 KO/TKO, +650 Decision.

Fight To Go The Distance: Yes at -186, No at +146.


Prediction: Cuello KO/TKO


Photo Credit: Esther Lin/Premier Boxing Champions


 

Yoenli Hernandez (6-0, 6 KOs) vs. Angel Ruiz (18-3-1, 13 KOs), 10 rounds, middleweight

Photo Credit: Esther Lin/Premier Boxing Champions


Gambling Odds


Hernandez: -2400 ML, -250 KO/TKO, +230 Decision.

Ruiz: +810 ML, +1500 KO/TKO, +2300 Decision.

Fight To Go The Distance: Yes at +198, No at -260.


Prediction: Hernandez KO/TKO


Photo Credit: Esther Lin/Premier Boxing Champions

 

Curmel Moton (6-0, 5 KOs) vs. Frank Zaldívar (5-1, 3 KOs), 6 rounds, lightweight


Gambling Odds


Moton: -3500 ML

Zaldivar: +960 ML


Prediction: Moton KO/TKO


Also on the Card:


Kaipo Gallegos (7-0-1, 6 KOs) vs.  Leonardo Padilla (24-6-1, 17 KOs), 8 rounds, super featherweight


Gambling Odds


Gallegos: -650 ML

Padilla: +410 ML


Prediction: Gallegos KO/TKO


Daniel Blancas (11-0, 5 KOs) vs. Juan Barajas (11-0-2, 7 KOs), 8 rounds, super middleweight


Gambling Odds


Blancas: -2400 ML

Barajas: +810 ML


Prediction: Blancas Decision


John Easter (7-0, 7 KOs) vs. Joseph Aguilar (6-2-1, 3 KOs), 6 rounds, super middleweight


Prediction: Easter KO/TKO


Jose Benavidez Jr. (28-3-1, 19 KOs) vs. Danny Rosenberger (20-9-4, 10 KOs), 8 rounds, middleweight


Gambling Odds


Benavidez: -1100 ML

Rosenberger: +540 ML


Prediction: Benavidez Decision


Gabriela Tellez (3-0, 1 KO) vs. Abril Anguiano (4-0, 2 KOs), 8 rounds, super featherweight


Prediction: Tellez Decision

 

Full Card:


David Benavidez (29-0, 24 KOs) vs. David Morrell (11-0, 9 KOs), 12 rounds for the WBA World and Interim WBC Light Heavyweight Championships


Brandon Figueroa (25-1-1, 19 KOs) vs. Stephen Fulton (22-1, 8 KOs), 12 rounds for the WBC Featherweight Championship


Isaac Cruz (26-3-1, 18 KOs) vs. Angel Fierro (23-2-2, 18 KOs), 10 rounds, junior welterweight


Jesus Ramos (21-1-1, 17 KOs) vs. Jeison Rosario (24-4-2, 18 KOs), 10 rounds, junior middleweight


Mirco Cuello (14-0, 11 KOs) vs. Christian Olivo (22-1-1, 8 KOs), 12 rounds in a WBA featherweight final eliminator.


Yoenli Hernandez (6-0, 6 KOs) vs. Angel Ruiz (18-3-1, 13 KOs), 10 rounds, middleweight


Curmel Moton (6-0, 5 KOs) vs. Frank Zaldívar (5-1, 3 KOs), 6 rounds, lightweight


Kaipo Gallegos (7-0-1, 6 KOs) vs.  Leonardo Padilla (24-6-1, 17 KOs), 8 rounds, super featherweight


Daniel Blancas (11-0, 5 KOs) vs. Juan Barajas (11-0-2, 7 KOs), 8 rounds, super middleweight


John Easter (7-0, 7 KOs) vs. Joseph Aguilar (6-2-1, 3 KOs), 6 rounds, super middleweight


Jose Benavidez Jr. (28-3-1, 19 KOs) vs. Danny Rosenberger (20-9-4, 10 KOs), 8 rounds, middleweight


Gabriela Tellez (3-0, 1 KO) vs. Abril Anguiano (4-0, 2 KOs), 8 rounds, super featherweight


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