Philippines, 18 Sep 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:

  • “Thrilla” card takes shape
    By Joaquin Henson, , Thu, 18 Sep 2025
  • Wishing Best to Jayson Vayson in his World Title Challenge!
    By Carlos Costa, , Thu, 18 Sep 2025
  • Vayson aims to make history
    By Joaquin Henson, , Thu, 18 Sep 2025
  • KAIPO GALLEGOS TRAINING CAMP NOTES
    , Thu, 18 Sep 2025
  • Day Two of 2025 USA Boxing National Open Delivers 108 Action-Packed Bouts in Tulsa
    , Thu, 18 Sep 2025
  • Bryce Mills Boxes James Bernadin At del Lago Resort & Casino On Thursday, Oct. 30, in Waterloo, NY
    , Thu, 18 Sep 2025
  • Caribbean Clash Returns Friday, November 7th at Gulfstream Park Casino in Hallandale, Florida
    , Thu, 18 Sep 2025
  • VM Sotto, City Council Recognize GM Joey Antonio
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Thu, 18 Sep 2025
  • Larida is Southern Coach of the Year
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Thu, 18 Sep 2025
  • D.C. Knockout Artist Scooter Davis Signs Promotional Contract with Top Rank
    , Thu, 18 Sep 2025
  • THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 15 SEPTEMBER 2025: Crawford Snatches Canelo's Undisputed Crown at 168 Lbs; Inoue Defeats Akhmadliev to Retain 4 Superbantam Belts; Crocker Outpoints Donovan
    By Eric Armit, , Wed, 17 Sep 2025
  • TICKET NEWS: EUBANK JR-BENN II ON SALE FROM THIS WEDNESDAY
    , Wed, 17 Sep 2025
  • “Night of Champions” Returns to Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando on September 19
    , Wed, 17 Sep 2025
  • Canelo-Crawford: The Consolidation of Boxing’s New Commercial Empire
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Wed, 17 Sep 2025
  • A New Era for Boxing: Canelo vs. Crawford Shatters Global Viewership Records on Netflix
    By Dong Secuya, , Wed, 17 Sep 2025
  • Crawford Not the First Lightweight to Distinguish Himself at Super Middleweight
    By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, , Wed, 17 Sep 2025
  • Kurt Scoby and Josh Popper Headline Boxing Insider Card September 19 in Times Square
    , Wed, 17 Sep 2025
  • Green and Gold 2025: Amateur Boxing’s International Gathering in Bolivia
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Wed, 17 Sep 2025
  • Pakistan's Sameer Khan Set to Battle for UBO Youth World Title in Brico Santig’s Sep 27 Show in Thailand
    By Carlos Costa, , Tue, 16 Sep 2025
  • SAMBO Pilipinas is Southern NSA of the Year 2025
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Tue, 16 Sep 2025
  • Kingsley “The Black Lion” Ibeh To headline historic “Legacy Nights” Inaugural Pro Boxing event in El Salvador
    , Tue, 16 Sep 2025
  • Smarts over power
    By Joaquin Henson, , Tue, 16 Sep 2025
  • HALL OF FAME FLIES FLAGS AT HALF-STAFF FOR TWO-DIVISION CHAMPION RICKY HATTON
    , Tue, 16 Sep 2025
  • Kazakhstan tops the medal table at the inaugural World Boxing Championships 2025 thanks to victory in the final bout of the competition
    , Tue, 16 Sep 2025
  • THRILLA IN MANILA GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY 13: JOE FRAZIER’S HUMBLE BEGINNINGS AS AN AMATEUR FIGHTER
    By Maloney L. Samaco, , Mon, 15 Sep 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.