David Morrell Jr. did not hold back when he took to social media to criticize the upcoming fight between WBC interim super middleweight champion David Benavidez and Demetrius Andrade for overlooking him. Despite holding the WBA “regular” 168-lb title and being seen by many as the #2 in the division after Canelo Alvarez, Morrell feels sidelined and ignored.
While Benavidez and Andrade seem focused on a potential bout with Canelo, many believe that they are missing the real challenge in Morrell. The “Mexican Monster,” Benavidez, despite having been in the boxing scene for a decade, has faced notable opponents like Caleb Plant, with mixed results. Morrell, on the other hand, boasts a flawless record, with his recent knockouts possibly making him a high-risk opponent for many established fighters.
The super middleweight division seems to be strategically sidelining Morrell. Even discussions around top boxers in the division rarely mention him, hinting at a collective approach to keeping him at arm’s length. This tactic isn’t new. Benavidez himself has experienced being left out, despite his achievements.
For Morrell to stake his claim, he needs to adopt a proactive approach. Drawing from the blueprint set by Gennadiy Golovkin, he should be more frequent in his fights, taking on the best contenders consistently. It’s a rigorous commitment that leaves little room for breaks, but it’s a proven method to ascend rapidly in popularity. With only a single fight this year, Morrell has to amplify his presence, showcasing his skills and challenging the established order to truly cement his position in the super middleweight elite.
Image Credit: Premier Boxing Champions