Philippines, 07 Feb 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:

  • MIGUEL “EL EXPLOSIVO” MADUEÑO STEPS IN TO FACE WORLD TITLE CONTENDER OSCAR “LA MIGRAÑA” DUARTE IN A MÉXICO VS. MÉXICO BRAWL
    , Fri, 07 Feb 2025
  • Undefeated Brooklyn bantamweight prospect Khalid Twaiti ready to shine and climb
    , Fri, 07 Feb 2025
  • 6th Senator Manny Pacquiao rapid chess tatluhan team tournament on February 9
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Fri, 07 Feb 2025
  • Salita Promotions and Puerto Rico’s Fresh Productions Present IBF World Title Eliminator Subriel Matías vs. Gabriel Valenzuela
    , Thu, 06 Feb 2025
  • Stanford’s Dante Kirkman Returns to the Ring on March 8 at Thunder Valley Casino Resort
    , Thu, 06 Feb 2025
  • JONES FACES MASTRONUNZIO ON PRO DEBUT IN ORLANDO
    , Thu, 06 Feb 2025
  • April 5: Unified Middleweight World Champion Janibek Alimkhanuly To Defend WBO & IBF World Titles Against Anauel Ngamissengue in Historic Kazakhstan Homecoming LIVE on ESPN+
    , Thu, 06 Feb 2025
  • Heavy hands, short night for undefeated Brooklyn Heavyweight Prospect Pryce Taylor Scored devastating 2nd round TKO in Flint
    , Thu, 06 Feb 2025
  • Three Lions Promotions wins Jack/Rozicki purse bid WBC World Cruiserweight Champion Badou Jack vs. Ryan Rozicki coming to Canada
    , Thu, 06 Feb 2025
  • World Boxing to hold Extraordinary Congress March 1st to approve new membership applications
    , Thu, 06 Feb 2025
  • Boxing Insider Promotions to bring upscale pro boxing club show back to Times Square
    , Thu, 06 Feb 2025
  • The President of the World Boxing Organization and the Secretary of Recreation and Sports of Puerto Rico Strengthen Ties to Benefit Boxing and Puerto Rican Youth
    , Thu, 06 Feb 2025
  • Johnny Wellem Carzano rules Misamis Occidental active open chess championship
    , Thu, 06 Feb 2025
  • Boston Celtics Upend Cleveland, 112-105, Reduce Cavs Lead in the NBA Eastern Conf
    By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, , Wed, 05 Feb 2025
  • The Past Week in Action 4 February 2025: Benavidez Beats Morrell; Fulton Outpoints Figueroa; Shields Defeats Perkins
    By Eric Armit, , Wed, 05 Feb 2025
  • Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford: Historic Riyadh Season Blockbuster Set for Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas
    , Wed, 05 Feb 2025
  • Xander Zayas: “This is the Most Important Fight of My Career!”
    , Wed, 05 Feb 2025
  • Mano Mano sa Candelaria 3: Gemino Outpoints Mancito
    By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, , Wed, 05 Feb 2025
  • THE TALENTED AND UNDEFEATED SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT DARIUS “DFG” FULGHUM RETURNS AS CO-MAIN EVENT FOR DUARTE VS. PROGRAIS
    , Wed, 05 Feb 2025
  • IBA Women’s World Boxing Championships in Niš to highlight the ascending stars of female boxing
    , Wed, 05 Feb 2025
  • Kaipo Gallegos Shines in Las Vegas Victory Over Leonardo Padilla
    , Wed, 05 Feb 2025
  • World Boxing membership grows to 72 National Federations as Executive Board approves four new applications from Egypt, Gambia, Kiribati and Grenada
    , Wed, 05 Feb 2025
  • Deonte Brown signs with prominent manager Trifon Petrov
    , Wed, 05 Feb 2025
  • Memphis Grizzlies Repeat Over SA Spurs, Overtake Houston Rockets for 2nd in West
    By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, , Tue, 04 Feb 2025
  • WEIGHTS FROM NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE
    , Tue, 04 Feb 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.