David Benavidez showed David Morrell exactly what “The Mexican Monster” is all about.
On Saturday, Benavidez successfully defended his interim WBA light heavyweight title and claimed the WBC light heavyweight title, winning a unanimous decision over Morrell in their battle in Las Vegas.
Though the bout was competitive, Benavidez won a majority of the rounds with his trademark pressure and pace, hammering Morrell repeatedly to the body and out-working him for most of the fight. There were a few dodgy moments for Benavidez though as Morrell badly hurt him early in the fight and then scored a knockdown in the 11th round. However, at the end of that very round, Morrell had a point controversially deducted after landing a punch well after the bell sounded, functionally negating his knockdown advantage.
In the end, it wouldn’t have mattered as Benavidez won a clear-cut decision, but the bout and the controversy drew a variety of responses from the combat sports world who were all tuned in to this Fight of the Year contender.
See the social media response to Benavidez’s win over Morrell below.
These two are trading hammers early. Someone is getting hurt bad
— caposa (@Grabaka_Hitman) February 2, 2025
This my first time seeing Morrell fight..son quick to be that size
— Gervonta Davis (@Gervontaa) February 2, 2025
Benavidez was rattled BAD and his only instinct was to throw murder
— caposa (@Grabaka_Hitman) February 2, 2025
This Benavidez x Morrell fight is sick. Just as good if not better than expected. Love it.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) February 2, 2025
This is a body punching clinic by Benavidez. He has landed so many
— Al Bernstein (@AlBernstein) February 2, 2025
Oh myyyyyyy!
Morrell knocks Benavidez down in the 11th.
Benavidez ends the round with a vengeance.
Morrell hits him with a vicious right AFTER the bell.
Point deducted for Morrell. Knockdown negated.
12th gonna be insane.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) February 2, 2025
Holy Shit Benavidez vs Morrell was Fight of the year contender and we’re just in February..
WOW
— Wade Plemons (@WadePlem) February 2, 2025
Just when that fight settles into a rhythm Morrell turned up the drama in those final rounds. Great fight. Not difficult to score, but that delivered as anticipated.
— caposa (@Grabaka_Hitman) February 2, 2025
