BOXING

Speculation has been growing in the last few days that Anthony Joshua and Martin Bakole are set to fight in Africa.

Joshua hasn’t fought since he was stopped inside five rounds by IBF world champion Daniel Dubois back in September. He had hoped to fight Tyson Fury this year but Fury announced his retirement at the start of 2025.

Bakole is an often avoided heavyweight who has stopped Carlos Takam and, even more impressively, the much-hyped American Jared Anderson in his last two fights.

READ: ‘Most Avoided Heavyweight’ Has Been Told By Turki Alalshikh That He Will Fight Anthony Joshua Next

He is now in camp for an IBF eliminator against Efe Ajagba with his promoter, Ben Shalom, saying a deal to face Joshua was ‘done’ for the Congo later in the year.

“The promoter of Martin Bakole, that’s what I want to be known as. The number one heavyweight in the world. It’s done. I’m hearing he’s signed and we’re off to the Congo.”

However, speaking to BoxNation, journalist Gareth A Davis revealed that Joshua’s camp hadn’t even had a conversation about the potential match-up.

“With them saying that I had to check that out with certain people who shall remain nameless off the record but I’m hearing from Anthony Joshua’s side there hasn’t even been a conversation. Maybe this is Bakole and his team trying to speak the fight into reality given that Joshua hasn’t got a fight yet and Tyson Fury has retired and that was his obvious fight this summer.

It would be a major spectacle in Africa, in Congo, in that Stadium that Ali and Foreman fought in. It’s a great event if they can do it there 51 years after the Rumble in the Jungle, but I’m sorry I’m hearing there hasn’t even been a conversation about it.”

For now, it seems that this one is a long way off.

BOXING

Canelo Reportedly Set For ‘Biggest Fight In Boxing’ Before Crawford: “It Will Shock The World”

Canelo Alvarez could be about to take on a shock opponent in May.

The Mexican superstar is set to face fellow pound-for-pound star Terence Crawford in Las Vegas in September, in a bout that will see ‘Bud’ jump up two weight divisions from super-welterweight to super-middleweight.

While Crawford isn’t planned to return before that meeting, it was expected that Alvarez would still compete in May, with a fight against current IBF super-middleweight champion William Scull seemingly the frontrunner.

JUST IN: Ryan Garcia’s Comeback Fight Will Now Be For ‘World Title’

in a surprise twist, it has been reported by Julius Julianus that Canelo has agreed a deal to take on on the controversial Youtuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul.

“BREAKING NEWS There is already an agreement for Jake Paul to be Canelo Álvarez’s rival in May of this year, a source very close to the operation informs me. The event will be co-promoted by Canelo Promotions, MVP and PBC”

Paul last fought in November, defeating boxing legend Mike Tyson by unanimous decision in a fight that divided the sport, with many boxing fans unhappy to see ‘Iron Mike’ competing in his first professional bout for nearly two decades at the age of 58-years-old.

It was a Tyson that was firmly past his best, but if Paul is indeed set to face Canelo, the same won’t be able to be said this time around, with the Mexican superstar arguably in his prime or just a little past it.

Paul has claimed for a number of years that he will take on Alvarez one day, having previously explained why he was so confident it would take place and vowed to ‘shock the world’ when they do meet in the ring.

“This moment will prove that I’m the face of boxing, the largest attraction. Me vs. Canelo at 200 pounds for the cruiserweight championship of the world is the biggest fight, arguably even bigger than me vs. Tyson.

“It makes so much sense. Canelo is on his way out. He’s going to want a payday, and I want to show the world that all the s*** I’ve been talking about beating Canelo is actually true.

“I’ll have the biggest upset in the sport of boxing, and we will fight to really see who actually is the face of boxing because, after this event, I’m going to claim it.”

While neither team has commented on the report, it would certainly be a huge, albeit controversial, attraction. Canelo has downplayed Paul’s ability in the past.

BOXING

Ryan Garcia’s Comeback Fight Will Now Be For ‘World Title’

Ryan Garcia is just a few months away from making his long awaited return to the sport.

The 26-year-old from California is currently serving a suspension which was handed to him after he tested positive for Ostarine in the lead-up to his fight with former WBC super lightweight champion Devin Haney last April. Garcia put on a career best performance against ‘The Dream’, dropping him multiple times before being declared the winner, although it was eventually ruled a no-contest.

Garcia is now preparing to make his return to the ring, which is set to come against Rolando ‘Rolly’ Romero in May. It was initially expected that ‘King Ry’ would go straight in to a rematch against Haney, but it appears both fighters are set to take interim fights in the meantime, with Haney set to face former unified WBC and WBO super lightweight champion Jose Ramirez on the same show in May.

JUST IN: Is It Happening?: Canelo Alvarez vs. Jake Paul On Cinco de Mayo

As reported by The Ring Magazine, the stakes have now been raised even higher for Garcia ahead of his return, with the WBA ‘regular’ world welterweight title set to be on the line in his showdown with Romero. The 26-year-old has never won any version of a world title, although he did hold the WBC ‘Interim’ lightweight title for a period of time during 2021.

A win for Garcia will secure him a rematch with his long-term rival Haney, who must also come through potential opponent Ramirez if he is to avenge the events of what occurred last April. Haney relinquished his WBC super lightweight title shortly after his bout with ‘King Ry’, with the WBC making him ‘Champion In Recess’. The 26-year-old from San Francisco has not fought since that controversial meeting with Garcia, which forced him to take a break from the sport for a number of personal reasons.

BOXING

Is It Happening?: Canelo Alvarez vs. Jake Paul On Cinco de Mayo

Canelo Alvarez will reportedly take on Jake Paul in a boxing fight on Cinco de Mayo.

The pair have been linked with a fight for some time, which has largely been driven by The Problem Child. Paul has repeatedly said that his aspirations are to win a world title before eventually securing a lucrative fight with Canelo. Paul took himself a step closer to securing that mega-fight after he put on a record-breaking event against Mike Tyson in his last fight. It was the first boxing fight ever on Netflix and became the most streamed boxing event of all time.

The numbers did the talking, as 60 million households watched it across the globe. There are also reports that Jake walked away with a $40 million purse. A fight against Canelo would generate more since they are both big household names, with Canelo being one of the leading ones. Canelo also said he was open to the fight if the terms were right.

READ: Claressa Shields surpasses Oleksandr Usyk, Terence Crawford and Naoya Inoue with record-breaking win

“Canelo needs me, so I’m not even going to try and call him out. He knows he wants a payday. So, he knows where the money man is at… He’s going to want a payday and I want to show the world all the [stuff] I’ve been talking about beating Canelo is true and I’ll have the biggest upset in the history of boxing. We’ll fight to really see who is the face [of boxing] because, after this event, I’m going to be claiming it,” Jake said

“When I’m done with boxing [at the highest level], why not? Yeah, maybe. I think it’s good cause what happens is other people who never watch boxing, they don’t know anything about boxing, they want to watch Jake Paul because he brings fans from another world. Maybe [I’ll take the Paul fight],” Canelo stated

Canelo is coming off a unanimous decision victory against Edgar Berlanga, which took place on Mexican Independence Weekend last year. Canelo was going up against UFC 306, which was headlined by Sean O’Malley and Merab Dvalishvili. That was the first combat sports event held at The Sphere. There was pressure on Canelo to perform, especially since fans were disappointed that he did not fight David Benavidez.

The fight produced some solid numbers. It sold 650,000 PPVs whilst bringing in a live gate of $17 million. It showed Canelo was able to produce big numbers without necessarily fighting the best names. However, neither Jake nor Canelo have officially come out to state that the fight has gone ahead. For the fight to go ahead, there would have to be several parties involved. Canelo and MVP Promotions would have to do a deal. There is also the question of which network will air the fight. Canelo has ties with PBC and DAZN, meaning there may have to be a battle between the networks. Regardless, Paul, it has resulted in many boxing fans having a say.

BOXING

Claressa Shields surpasses Oleksandr Usyk, Terence Crawford and Naoya Inoue with record-breaking win

Claressa Shields made history on Sunday night.

The self-proclaimed GWOAT of boxing unified all four belts in the women’s heavyweight division by dominating the significantly overmatched Danielle Perkins over the distance

Shields, boxing in her birthplace of Flint, Michigan, dropped the previously undefeated Perkins in the tenth and final round with a right hook en route to a comfortable unanimous decision victory.

READ: Claressa Shields becomes boxing’s first undisputed women’s heavyweight world champion

The three judges scored the fight in her favour by margins of 97-92, 99-90, and 100-89 to improve her unblemished record to 16-0.

Her triumph at heavyweight comes after the two-time Olympic gold medallist’s undisputed reigns in the super welterweight and middleweight divisions.

In doing so, she became the first three-weight undisputed champion in the four-belt era.

Prior to this weekend, Shields was tied with Oleksandr Usyk (cruiserweight and heavyweight), Terence Crawford (super lightweight and welterweight) and Naoya Inoue (bantamweight and super bantamweight) on two.

But her latest triumph takes her clear of the pack.

She is also the first undisputed female heavyweight champion (175lbs plus) in history as well.

Speaking after her record-breaking win, Shields said: “Danielle was strong, she was definitely a problem but my experience and my skills got me over it.

“I’ve been in plenty of street fights with bigger people and I had to use some of my skills in that today, too.

“So, when I dropped her in the last round, it’s because she got greedy.”

Shields later revealed that she was almost forced out of the fight after sustaining a shoulder injury last week.

“I actually think I’m going to have to have surgery on my left arm,” she added.

“I tore my labrum last week, so the fight almost didn’t happen.

“I didn’t want to let Flint down, but I really couldn’t use my jab the way that I wanted to.

“I iced it, I did therapy and now I think I’m going to have a shoulder surgery.”

Shields is now targeting a rematch with Hanna Gabriels next after snatching the IBF and WBA middleweight titles away from the Costa Rican in 2018.

She continued: “It ain’t enough. That’s how I think. I think that I didn’t get my flowers for so many years so even though I’m getting them now, it’s like that’s not enough.

“I deserve more than that. I’m fighting for a million dollars.

“I’m supposed to be getting paid five. This ain’t it. So, for me, that’s where the fire comes from.”

BOXING

David Benavidez Hits Back as Canelo Alvarez Blames ‘Attitude’ for Jeopardizing $150M Dream

On Sunday, David Benavidez and David Morrell put on a clinic that will be remembered as one of the best fights of the year.

The bout lived up to the hype as the Mexican Monster edged past his Cuban opponent via a unanimous decision victory. With a score of 115-111, 115-111, and 118-108, the 30-0 boxer is now the next challenger for the winner of the February 22nd Beterbiev-Bivol rematch.

However, other than securing the undisputed titles at 175 lbs, there is one fight that David Benavidez desperately wants. The new WBA (Regular) light heavyweight and ‘Interim’ WBC light heavyweight champion, has been asking for a fight against Canelo Alvarez for years. However, even after being the top-ranked challenger in 168 lbs, Canelo didn’t seem interested.

JUST IN:Floyd Mayweather Called Into Action as Gervonta Davis Targets His Protege

Canelo Alvarez went as far as to demand $150 million to even consider the fight. In a recent interview with Ring Magazine, the unified 168-pound champion claimed that he rejected Benavidez’s challenge because of the disrespect their camp showed him. “I don’t like the way he approaches for taking the fight,” Canelo remarked. However, it looks like Bandera Roja is in no mood to pay heed to the suggestion, as he hit back at Canelo Alvarez during the post-match press conference.

An interviewer asked Benavidez, “Do you feel like this victory would bring you closer to Canelo fight or maybe not?” With an annoyed look on his face, the Mexican Monster replied that even he has no idea and is now sick of answering the same question over and over again. “I don’t know bro. You guys keep asking me about that fight and I know as much as you guys,” exclaimed Benavidez. He “would love to fight Canelo,” given the scale of the fight but he can’t make it happen alone.

The Phoenix native mentioned how Canelo Alvarez is preparing for other fights before inserting a slight dig. “He says I’m being too mean. The way I am approaching him. I guess I am gonna work on my attitude,” stated Benavidez as the conference room erupted in laughter.

However, rather than changing his attitude, David Benavidez has a plan that will undoubtedly lure Canelo Alvarez into a fight.

Ahead of his February 1 bout, the 30-0 boxer sat down with Shannon Sharpe and Chad ‘Ochocinco’ Johnsonon the Nightcap podcast. During the conversation, the Phoenix native explained the only way that Canelo Alvarez would accept a fight with him now.

“I am going to predict the future right here. The only way I see this fight happening is me winning all the belts at light heavyweight, winning all the undisputed titles. Then me and Canelo fight at the catch weight of 172 or 173 for the 168-pound titles and the 175-pound titles,” stated Benavidez while revealing his plan.

The 28-year-old thinks that the raised stakes will make the fight “a hundred times bigger” and will entice Canelo Alvarez into accepting the fight. Given the result of the David Morrell fight, it looks like David Benavidez’s plan started off on the right note.

But at this point, it looks like the dream Mexican bout is getting farther away with each passing day. Furthermore, the Ring Magazine interview has hurt Canelo Alvarez far more than David Benavidez. It has also given the impression that the Guadalajara native is ducking David Benavidez.

BOXING

Floyd Mayweather Called Into Action as Gervonta Davis Targets His Protege

Rising star from Salt Lake City, Utah, Curmel Moton improved 7-0 after his fight against Frank Zaldivar at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

The 18-year-old, also known for being Floyd Mayweather’s protege, delivered a one-sided beatdown, as Cuba’s Zaldivar failed to retaliate in the eight-round fight on the undercard of David Benavidez vs. David Morrell Jr.

Moton came into the fight after a debacle during his weigh-ins late last year in Atlantic City. Referee Harvey Dock stepped in to stop the fight in the third round after continued assault from Moton went unanswered. Zaldivar’s corner had tried to stop the fight moments prior, but Dock had his back turned. Regardless, soon after the fight WBA lightweight champion Gervonta Davis was roped into the conversation.

JUST IN: Claressa Shields becomes boxing’s first undisputed women’s heavyweight world champion

After the fight came to a close, a fan on X claimed Moton, in his current state, could defeat even Gervonta Davis, who once trained under the tutelage of five-division champion Floyd Mayweather. Moton, of course, remains under Mayweather’s wing, promoted by the legendary boxer’s Mayweather Promotions.

Davis and Mayweather’s relationship has taken a nose dive since ‘Tank’ separated from the organization. The former promoter boxer duo have also been involved in several bitter social media feuds over the years. Regardless, after discovering the user’s comment about Moton potentially defeating him, Davis could not stand the disrespect.

Fan says Curmel beats Tank right now.

Tank says otherwise:#BenavidezMorrell #BOXINGnBBQ #Boxing pic.twitter.com/ghxQqiLStV

— BOXING n BBQ (@BOXINGnBBQ) February 1, 2025

“I will beat the dog s**t out of him.. shut up,” Davis responded furiously. This promoted a horde of fans to converge on a social media post describing the entire ordeal on X. Even ‘Money’ Mayweather got roped into what appears to be an attempt to fabricate a rivalry.

It’s no secret that Gervonta Davis and Curmel Moton have trained together in the past under the same roof of the Mayweather gym. So, seeing these two former stablemate pitted against each other, fans were quick to share their thoughts. One user asked ‘Money’ to set up a fight between the duo. “@curmelmoton1 you see it. Get ready 🔜 lil bro. 💪🏾 @FloydMayweather set it up! We don’t need to wait.” the user wrote. However, Mayweather is wise enough not to do any such thing since Moton barely has any professional experience.

The next user didn’t seem to think Moton would last long against Davis in a fight. “Literally at the fight rn. I just watched Curmel go 7-0 he ain’t beating @Gervontaa yet lol,” the user wrote. Even though Moton is undeniably talented, the Benavidez vs. Morrell fight should tell you how a hypothetical fight between Moton and Davis would go.

Another user chimed in to take a dig at Davis’ response. “Say that about everybody but somebody in his division 🤣😂..the boy a prospect let him have his shine 🤡,” the user commented. Davis has long been criticized for ducking top opponents in his division, including Shakur Stevenson. Davis fighting Lamont Roach Jr. from the super featherweight division didn’t help his case either. However, Moton is also in the lightweight division, at least right now.

Somebody else thought it would be a miracle if Moton made it past round one. “This can’t be a real statement that people actually believe.. if it went 2 rounds, Curmel is lucky,” the user predicted. Despite Moton’s performance against low-level opponents, he is still not used to fighting in 12 whole rounds. Not to mention, Davis isn’t any run-of-the-mill fighter.

Meanwhile, this user presented an alternative for Moton, which the user thought would be a better match. “I wanna see curmel v Isaac Cruz next,” the user wrote. However, chances are Isaac Cruz would be too much for Moton. Notable, Cruz was also on tonight’s card, where he defeated Angel Fierro via a unanimous decision

That said, even though Gervonta Davis hasn’t fought all the best boxers on his level yet, some people are eager to see Davis fight Curmel Moton, who has barely dipped his toes into professional boxing.

BOXING

Claressa Shields becomes boxing’s first undisputed women’s heavyweight world champion

American Claressa Shields was crowned boxing’s first undisputed world champion in three weight classes on Sunday after beating compatriot Danielle Perkins for the women’s heavyweight title by unanimous decision in front of a home crowd in Flint, Michigan.

Shields, who also won gold medals at the 2012 and 2016 Olympics, landed a powerful right hand with seconds to go in the 10th and final round, knocking down Perkins and improving her professional career record to 16-0.

The win makes 29-year-old Shields an undisputed champion in a third weight class, adding to her undisputed titles in the middleweight and light-middleweight divisions.

Who should @Claressashields fight next?! 👀#ShieldsPerkins pic.twitter.com/Jebu68wWzi

— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) February 3, 2025

READ: Claressa Shields Hits Back at Fan for Spreading Lies About Her Boxing Career

Shields is the only boxer, man or woman, to achieve the feat.

“It feels unbelievable, to be honest. I had a really hard training camp. And just last Friday, I tore my labrum in my left shoulder, so I wasn’t able to use my good jab today. But I didn’t want to call the fight off because I had asked God to give me a big fight in my hometown. He did that. So I decided to keep going through with it. I feel so happy. And shout out to my opponent, Danielle Perkins.

Man, that girl was strong as hell. Knowing that the fight was at 180lb when I thought it was at 175lb, I had to cut a little bit of weight, and she didn’t have to. So I knew she would be a little bit stronger than what I thought. But I know I can get the job done, and I did. I showed I was the bigger puncher, I was the better boxer. I dropped her. To me, I dropped her twice, to be honest.

And the last one I seen it, I just was like, give it to her. And I dropped her the last round, which I knew I could do it because I’m really strong at heavyweight. I want to fight against Franchon Crews. I want to do a rematch with Hanna Gabriels. I’d love to bring Savannah Marshall to the USA and tap that ass again, really. And it’s always on the table if Cris Cyborg or Laila Ali want to fight,” Shields said

Shields won a unanimous decision: 100-89, 99-89 and 97-92. It was a dominant performance, as the belt added to her undisputed achievements at 154 and 160 pounds, making her a three-weight undisputed champion. The win meant she retained her WBC Heavyweight Title, adding the WBA, IBF and WBO belts. The opening round was tough for Shields, who fell short with her right hand. Perkins was the bigger fighter, using her height and range well. The southpaw was looking confident.

But Shields found the solution in round two. She used her jab to set up the combinations, with Perkins being pushed back. A right hand rocked Perkins in the third as she touched the deck, albeit from a push.
It was the same story in the second half of the fight. Shields became more confident, using her left hook every time Perkins got close. Shields managed to drop Perkins, just before the final bell to show her dominance. The Compubox numbers showed that. Shields connected with 67 out of her 185 total punches. Meanwhile, Perkins only landed 27 out of 130. Shields was delighted with the win, as she took it all in.

Full Card

Claressa Shields def. Danielle Perkins via unanimous decision (100-89, 97-92, 99-90) – Undisputed heavyweight title

Brandon Moore def. Skylar Lacy via 8th-round DQ – Heavyweight

Joseph Hicks Jr. def. Keon Papillion via 7th-round TKO – Super welterweight

Joshua Pagan def. Ronal Ron via unanimous decision (79-73, 78-74, 78-74) – Super lightweight

Caroline Veyre def. Carmen Vargas via unanimous decision (80-72, 80-72, 80-72) – Super featherweight

Ashleyann Lozada def. Denise Moran via unanimous decision (40-36, 40-36, 40-36) – Super bantamweight

BOXING

Team Floyd Mayweather Throws a Lifeline to Gervonta Davis as Shakur Stevenson Slams Retirement Antics

By Admin February 2, 2025

The David Benavidez–David Morrell matchup warrants complete focus. Three weeks later, a much bigger event will turn up in Saudi Arabia.

So to expect fans to dive in with their thoughts on anything else remains a pointless exercise. But there’s yet another big card on the line – some ten days after the Beterbiev-Bivol rematch concludes.

On March 1, Gervonta Davis will defend his title from super featherweight champion Lamont Roach Jr. Given it’s a ‘Tank’ fight, fans can expect the usual ruckus and excitement. However, as the days draw nearer, one thought will continue to torment several fans. After the Roach Jr. clash, how many fights till ‘Tank’ Davis calls it a day and hangs his gloves? Last year at the kickoff press conference, Davis shocked everyone by announcing a retirement before 2026. Ever since discussions have been rife, about whether the decision has been taken in haste or if it’s a prudent one. Floyd Mayweather Jr.‘s uncle Jeff Mayweather has his own take.

JUST IN: “Cheating”- Gervonta Davis Has a Problem With David Benavidez’s Win vs. David Morell

FightHype caught up with Jeff Mayweather in Las Vegas. The former super featherweight titleholder marked his presence during the final face-off between David Benavidez and David Morrell. A few minutes after he checked for Mayweather’s views on tonight’s main event, the reporter sought his opinion on Gervonta Davis’s prospects against Lamont Roach Jr.

“Gervonta Davis and Lamont Roach set the fight for March 1st. Uh, how do you feel? How do you feel about that fight? What do you think is going to happen?” he asked. Jeff Mayweather was very candid. He admitted that he had little knowledge about Roach Jr. “I can only pick Tank because I know what he can do,” he replied.

“What do you think about Tank saying he’s going to retire, uh, pretty soon?” The next question came. “To be honest, he’s doing the right thing,” confessed Jeff Mayweather. He acknowledged that some people may disapprove of the decision. However, it may not be such a bad thing. It might as well be a smart choice.

“I think it’s great for him to walk away from his sport with all his faculties and spend some time with his family, plus he made plenty of money, and I think that’s wise, I think, very wise for him,” said Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s uncle.

Now contrast this with what some of Gervonta Davis’s contemporaries mentioned. When faced with the same line of questioning, Devin Haney remained noncommittal. Given that he fights at 140 pounds and perhaps plans on moving up further, chances of a clash with ‘Tank’s don’t seem imminent. The duo didn’t dance even when they were colleagues in the lightweight division. So Haney’s response could be understood in that context.

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But the same could not be the case with Shakur Stevenson. As a WBC title holder, his title unification dream means crossing paths with the Baltimorean. Last year the two were close to a matchup; however, the prospect eventually faded away as time passed. Speaking with the media, Stevenson felt that Gervonta Davis’s latest doesn’t bode well since it shows certain weaknesses. “If he wants to retire with the career that he got, then go ahead and do whatever you got to do. I disagree with it. I think it’s soft, but that’s on him,” said the Newark-born southpaw.

A common issue but different perspectives. However, for sure, given a choice, many fans would rather Gervonta Davis doesn’t retire from the game while still in his prime.

BOXING

“Cheating”- Gervonta Davis Has a Problem With David Benavidez’s Win vs. David Morell

By Admin February 2, 2025

The tale of Mexico vs. Cuba has always been an alluring narrative for fight fans, and David Benavidez vs. David Morrell didn’t disappoint.

However, in the end, Benavidez was the one to get his hand raised by unanimous decision. But WBA lightweight champion Gervonta Davis wasted no time halting the celebrations, immediately accusing referee Thomas Taylor of cheating.

From the first bell, both fighters were determined to deliver what fans paid money to watch—an absolute slugfest. Both fighters exchanged blows as if a knockout finish was the only answer. By the fourth round, Morrell had Benavidez hurt and leaning back on the ropes with a surprise right hook. The once invincible Benavidez looked vulnerable for the first time in a long time.

JUST IN: “He Ran From Me”: Long Reigning World Champion Says Floyd Mayweather Refused To Face Him

However, Benavidez remained on the front foot, pressuring Morrell back and relying on counters rather than bringing the action. As a result, Benavidez kept breaking through Morrell’s guard to land brutal uppercuts. Still, Morrel’s resolve wasn’t about to waver even if he stayed on the back foot. Benavidez even took the break after the sixth round as an opportunity to remind viewers he is the ‘El Monstoro’.

Benavidez’s performance reflected that, as by the 8th round, Benavidez had landed a lot more punches. Slowly but surely, Benavidez’s power and pressure had started to show its effects on Morrell. By the ninth round, the Cuban was clearly fatigued, and both Benavidez and his corner were well aware of it. ‘The Mexican Monster’ was comfortably ahead on the unofficial scorecard. The only lingering question was: how much longer could Morrell hang on?

As the fight went into the championship rounds, the once-Morrell showboating in the early rounds had to watch Benavidez take up that role. Morrell, with advice from his corner, tried to steal the last two rounds with aggression, but Benavidez invited the action. However, near the end of the 11th round, Morrell scored a surprise knockdown.

Still, the referee deducted a point from Morrell for punching after the bell, putting Benavidez back on top. The judges scored the fight 115-111 twice and 118-108, all for Benavidez. In the meantime, Davis hopped on X to take shots at the referee, writing, “The ref cheatinggg!!!!”

Meanwhile, Benavidez has confirmed more good news for his fans.

For the past few years, David Benavidez had one goal to fight super middleweight king Canelo Alvarez. However, with his latest win, it appears he has abandoned his dream for now, at least. After acquiring Morrell’s WBA (regular) WBA light heavyweight strap, and his WBC ‘Interim’ light heavyweight belt, he has confirmed his position as the WBC mandatory challenger to the winner of Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol.

The Ring Magazine provided the update on X, writing, “David Benavidez has now confirmed his position as the WBC mandatory challenger to fight the winner of the Feb 22nd Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol rematch for the undisputed light-heavyweight world titles.” The winner of the February 22nd rematch could be fighting again for the undisputed title later this year.

That said, even though Gervonta Davis isn’t exactly happy about referee Thomas Taylor deducting a point from Morrell, Benavidez has officially moved to a bigger challenge.