David Benavidez, David Morrell exchange insults

David Benavidez and David Morrell couldn’t wait for their bout on Feb. 1 to start fighting. They met in the ring prior to their media workout in Miami on Tuesday. Their first press conference was a clash of insults, and this time the fighters couldn’t restrain themselves. 

Morrell refused to shake El Monstro’s hand. What initially looked like a word battle quickly turned physical. A proud Benavidez unleashed a devious grin before pushing  the more serious Morrell Jr. during the face-off.

Morrell, a native of Santa Clara, Cuba, retaliated by heaving his WBA light heavyweight championship belt toward Benavidez. 

Their respective teams intervened before the altercation escalated further. There is no love lost between the two men as they head to T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas to box.

David Benavidez declares his era

“The thing about this is that it’s not fake,” Benavidez said. “We don’t like each other. We have everything we need for a great fight. Nobody is gonna stop me. This is my year and this is the era of David Benavidez.”

David Benavidez (29-0) has conquered every weight class he’s been a part of. The 28-year-old boxer has defeated the top fighters in his division. After beating Oleksandr Gvozdyk this summer, he strives to dominate the light heavyweight class. 

The 6-foot-2 power puncher boasted his championship belt in Morrell’s face. Benavidez intends to honor his earlier words and aim to break his opponent’s jaw. The Phoenix, Ariz., native is adamant this quarrel and the insults that Morrell has uttered against him motivate him more. 

“This is all more fuel to the flame to go in there and do what I have to do,” he said “Now I’m really gonna put a beating on him.

“They all say the same nonsense before they get in the ring with me. Then they get in there, and it’s a different story.”

Morrell, 26, seeks to gain the recognition he believes he deserves. The undefeated Cuban has had only 11 professional fights, winning nine by knockout. 

The young fighter knows the importance of this fight. He’s tried to leverage any advantage he can to defeat Benavidez.

Morrell has gotten into verbal altercations with Benavidez, who’s known for his ruthless language, and hasn’t flinched. The southpaw has even tried to rally all of Cuba for support. 

Morrell demands more respect

“He didn’t respect me at our first press conference, so I’m giving it back to him,” Morrell said. “This is my time. I don’t need to show him any respect.

“I’m 100% focused in training camp, and I’ve got great support from my team and my family down in Texas with me. This is the fight of my life. A win can change everything for me. This is my moment.”

As their bout nears, both men have clearly shown their hatred for one another. This fight has the projection of a highly offensive fight. Both fighters vow to hurt each other in the ring. 

“This guy is trying to act hard,” Benavidez said. “It is what it is. On Feb. 1, none of this matters. I’m gonna break his mouth.”