Tonight will have special meaning for David Morrell.
The unbeaten super middleweight will not only be headlining the last Showtime Championship Boxing telecast, but he will again fight in his adopted hometown, one that has embraced him each time he fights.
Morrell will face Sena Agbeko at The Armory in his now-hometown of Minneapolis, Minnesota. The 12-round bout will headline a three-bout Showtime telecast (9 p.m. ET/ 6 p.m. PT).
At Friday’s weigh-in, Morrell weighed in at 167.6 pounds. Agbeko came in at 167 pounds.
The 25-year-old Morrell (9-0, 8 knockouts), who is originally from Santa Clara, Cuba, last fought on April 22, knocking out Yamaguchi Falcao in the opening round. The victory over Falcao took place five and a half months after Morrell knocked out Aidos Yerbossynuly in the final round.
Showtime will end a 37-year run of broadcasting boxing. Tonight will mark Morrell’s fourth and final time fighting on a Showtime Championship Boxing platform.
Morrell is grateful for the opportunity to fight on the final telecast.
“It’s a privilege and an honor to be fighting in the main event of Showtime’s last show,” Morrell told BoxingScene Thursday morning. “My goal is to leave a lasting impression on those watching for the last time with a great performance.”
The southpaw Morrell settled in Minneapolis, away from the hustle and bustle of South Florida. Despite the culture shock of cold winters and being apart from his family, Morrell has appreciated the support from citizens of the Twin Cities, which includes nearby Saint Paul.
The Armory draws large crowds anytime Morrell fights, and he has appreciated fans of the area embracing him and making him one of their own.
“Fighting in Minneapolis is unbelievable because the fans are the best in boxing,” said Morrell, who is promoted by Warriors Boxing. “The Armory, where we fight, is always packed with excited fans. In addition, it is the premier boxing venue outside of Las Vegas, and I love fighting (in Minneapolis). It’s my hometown here in the USA, and I’m proud to call Minneapolis home.”
Morrell will face Agbeko (28-2, 22 KOs), who is originally Accra, Ghana and now resides in Nashville, Tennessee. Agbeko has also fought on Showtime programming, having twice fought on a ShoBox telecast.
Three weeks ago, unbeaten super middleweight contender David Benavidez stopped Demetrius Andrade. Morrell has angled for a Benavidez fight, but is not losing focus on Agbeko.
Morrell is convinced he would defeat or knock out Benavidez.
“I don’t think I need to make a statement (tonight),” said Morrell, who holds the WBA Regular world title. “I’ve proven that I have the power to knock out anyone. Sena Agbeko is very tough and durable. He’s only been stopped once. Although my goal will be to knock him out, I’m just going to follow the fight plan. We shall see what happens.”
Canelo Alvarez may be the undisputed super middleweight champion, but Morrell believes he is the best fighter at 168 pounds.
Morrell does hope a fight against Alvarez takes place one day.
“No doubt I’m the best super middleweight in the world. In due time, everyone will know that about me.
“Canelo calls the shots on who he fights as he’s earned that right, obviously. All I can do is keep winning and hope the fans demand the fight. But, I’m confident, that if I keep winning, he will accept the challenge. Only God knows.”
Francisco A. Salazar has written for BoxingScene since September 2012 and has covered boxing in Southern California and abroad since 2000. Francisco also covers boxing for the Ventura County (California) Star newspaper. He can be reached by email at santio89@yahoo.com or on Twitter at FSalazarBoxing