Trainer Robert Garcia has described a possible David Benavidez versus David Morrell as one of the best fights to expect next year.
Benavidez, 27, and 26-year-old Morrell have reportedly agreed to fight in January, with the winner expected to get a shot at Artur Beterbiev’s undisputed titles.
With the contest yet to be announced, Garcia is already looking forward to what he believes would be one of the greatest fights today.
“That's gonna be another one that the boxing world's gonna be waiting for just like we were waiting for Bivol versus Beterbiev,” Garcia said in an interview with Fight Hub TV. “I think that another is gonna be just as good or even better.”
Arizona’s Benavidez (29-0, 24 KOs) made his debut at 175lbs four months ago against of Ukraine, recording a 12-round decision win and annexing the WBC interim light heavyweight belt in the process.
Benavidez was forced to move up in weight following Canelo Alvarez’s decision to defend his unified IBF, WBC, and WBO belts against last May. However, the Arizona native could land himself a shot at Artur Beterbiev’s undisputed light heavyweight title if he’s able to go past Cuba’s Morrell (11-0, 9 KOs).
Garcia expects an action-packed fight between the two young fighters.
“Can't wait for that one. Honestly, whatever we get, I think it's gonna be exciting. This is gonna be an instafight. It's gonna be a war. This will be a fight that’s gonna have everybody screaming and on their feet, jumping because there's gonna be a fight full of action.”
Bernard Neequaye is a sports journalist with a specialty in boxing coverage. He wrote a boxing column titled “From The Ringside” in his native Ghana for years. He can be reached on X (formerly Twitter) at @BernardNeequaye, LinkedIn at Bernard Neequaye and through email at bernardneequaye@gmail.com.