Philippines, 15 Jul 2025
  Home >> News

 


BOXERS

CURRENT CHAMPIONS 

FORMER CHAMPIONS   

RATINGS                       

NEWS           

FORUM        

FIGHT GALLERIES        

RING CARD GIRLS        


 
 
News  


David Benavidez Overcomes Knockdown to Unify Light Heavyweight Titles in Thrilling Bout Against David Morrell Jr.

PhilBoxing.com




In a night of high drama and relentless action, David Benavidez solidified his status as one of boxing's elite by overcoming a late knockdown to defeat David Morrell Jr. and unify the WBA and WBC light heavyweight titles. The highly anticipated showdown, held on February 2, 2025, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, lived up to its billing as a blockbuster event, delivering a fight that will be remembered for years to come.

From the opening bell, Benavidez (29-0, 23 KOs) showcased his trademark aggression, pressing forward and unleashing a barrage of power punches. Morrell (12-1, 10 KOs), however, proved to be a formidable opponent, using his speed and technical skill to counter Benavidez's attacks. The Cuban southpaw stunned the crowd in the eighth round when he landed a perfectly timed left hook that sent Benavidez to the canvas—the first knockdown of Benavidez's career.

Despite the setback, Benavidez displayed the heart of a champion, rising to his feet and regaining control of the fight in the later rounds. His relentless pressure and volume punching began to wear down Morrell, who struggled to keep up with the pace. According to CompuBox stats, Benavidez landed 312 of 876 punches (36%), while Morrell connected on 221 of 612 (36%). The difference came in power punches, with Benavidez outlanding Morrell 258 to 167.

The championship rounds were a testament to both fighters' resilience, as they traded heavy blows in a display of skill and determination. In the end, the judges awarded Benavidez a unanimous decision victory with scores of 115-112, 114-113, and 116-111. The win not only unified the light heavyweight belts but also cemented Benavidez's reputation as one of the most exciting fighters in the sport.



"I knew Morrell was a tough opponent, but I came here to prove I'm the best in the division," Benavidez said in his post-fight interview. "Getting knocked down was a wake-up call, but I never doubted myself. I showed tonight that I can overcome adversity and come out on top."

Morrell, gracious in defeat, acknowledged Benavidez's performance. "David is a great champion, and tonight he was the better man," Morrell stated. "I gave it everything I had, but it wasn't enough. I'll come back stronger."

The fight, which headlined a stacked pay-per-view card, drew widespread praise from fans and analysts alike. Many are now calling for Benavidez to face the winner of the upcoming Dmitry Bivol vs. Artur Beterbiev unification bout, a matchup that would determine the undisputed light heavyweight champion.

As the boxing world reflects on this epic clash, one thing is clear: David Benavidez has once again proven why he is must-see TV. With his combination of power, heart, and determination, the future looks bright for the unified light heavyweight king.




Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • Manny motors to Vegas
    By Joaquin Henson, , Mon, 14 Jul 2025
  • Bakbakan sa Elorde on July 19
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Mon, 14 Jul 2025
  • Ringside, Still: Remembering Chino Trinidad
    By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, , Sun, 13 Jul 2025
  • Hamzah Sheeraz Demolishes Edgar Berlanga in Stunner, Becomes Mandatory Challenger to Canelo Alvarez
    By Dong Secuya, , Sun, 13 Jul 2025
  • Shakur Stevenson Masterfully Tames William Zepeda to Retain WBC Lightweight Crown
    By Dong Secuya, , Sun, 13 Jul 2025
  • JV Tuazon, Ador Torres, Lemuel De Barbo, Jomar Fajardo Score KO Wins in Brico Santig's Highland Show in Thailand
    By Carlos Costa, , Sun, 13 Jul 2025
  • Yanon is PBF flyweight champ
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Sun, 13 Jul 2025
  • Taylor vs. Serrano Trilogy: Can Amanda Get The Nod?
    By Chris Carlson, , Sat, 12 Jul 2025
  • BERLANGA-SHEERAZ, STEVENSON-CEPEDA, MORELL-KHATAEV MAKE WEIGHT IN NEW YORK
    By Dong Secuya, , Sat, 12 Jul 2025
  • Johnny Spell Takes on Chancellor Batttenberg on Saturday, July 19th at the Hollywood Casino at the Meadows in Washington, PA
    , Sat, 12 Jul 2025
  • JV Tuazon, Ador Torres, Lemuel De Barbo, Jomar Fajardo Make Weight for Brico Santig's Highland Show in Thailand
    By Carlos Costa, , Fri, 11 Jul 2025
  • Philippine Under-12 Girls Team Shines Bright, Clinches Multiple Medals at 23rd ASEAN+ Age Group Chess Championships in Penang
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Fri, 11 Jul 2025
  • Kenneth “Llover Boy” Takes on “El Nica” Concepcion Aug 17 on Gerry Peñalosa’s Show @ the Winford Resort and Casino Manila (Analysis)
    By Carlos Costa, , Fri, 11 Jul 2025
  • Undefeated junior middleweight prospect Anthony Velazquez won’t be Boxing’s best kept secret in 2026
    , Fri, 11 Jul 2025
  • Undefeated Gabriela Tellez Returns July 18 at “Night of Champions” Live on DAZN
    , Fri, 11 Jul 2025
  • Dushanbe hosts stacked fight card with Bakhodur Usmonov and Christopher Mouafo headlining IBA.Pro 8
    , Fri, 11 Jul 2025
  • Shakur vs Zepeda & Morrell vs Khataev Fight Analysis
    By Ralph Rimpell, , Thu, 10 Jul 2025
  • Peñalosa To Test "Lover Boy" Llover Versus Accomplished Panamanian Veteran Concepcion
    By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, , Thu, 10 Jul 2025
  • USA Boxing Youth High Performance Team Begins Brandenburg Cup Prep Camp
    , Thu, 10 Jul 2025
  • Dream Fight: “Bam” Rodriguez vs “Puma” Martinez on the Horizon
    By Carlos Costa, , Thu, 10 Jul 2025
  • Perez vs Vivas Headlines All Star Boxing's Prueba de Fuego Card on July 25
    , Thu, 10 Jul 2025
  • Christy Martin Promotions & Ringside Ticket Inc. Present ‘Lopez Vs. Vargas’ Welterweight Battle
    , Thu, 10 Jul 2025
  • Vegas Fight Experience Where Authentic Sparring Meets Cinematic Vegas Energy
    , Thu, 10 Jul 2025
  • 4 Division World Champion & Hall of Famer Erik Morales Confirmed for Eighth Annual Box Fan Expo, During Mexican Independence Day Weekend, Saturday September 13, in Las Vegas
    , Thu, 10 Jul 2025
  • SALITA PROMOTIONS SIGNS FORMER WORLD CHAMPION TONY HARRISON
    , Thu, 10 Jul 2025




  •  



     
    PhilBoxing.com has been created to support every aspiring
    Filipino boxer and the Philippine boxing scene in general.
    Please send comments to feedback@philboxing.com


    PRIVATE POLICY | LEGAL DISCLAIMER
    developed and maintained by dong secuya
    © 2025 philboxing.com.