Benavidez vs Morrell -- How will the fight play out?

[jqSide]

What is your prediction?

[MulaKO]

Morrell by points or even late ko

[Joseph]

Benny is the favorite, but I typically root for the under (mostly), and Morrell just so happens to be the first under with a better chance than most to skew the odds.

I'm picking Morrell by decision.

[Joseph]

Also, call me crazy, but Fan Zhang vs Ben Mahoney on the undercard of Opetai vs Nyika looked like a SWW version of how I see this fight playing in my head. Fan used constant, static pressure and kept coming despite Mahoney's combos, counters and his superior reach. Mahoney got the decision with constant counters even though Fan never stopped moving.

[HisExcellency]

I view this fight the same way as Beterbiev vs. Bivol i.e. KO artist vs. a boxer (even though Morrell can b@ng) and expect the fight to play out the same way i.e. close points victory for Benavidez (his constant pressure and high punch volume will sway the judges) although I wouldn't be surprised by a DRAW or narrow points decision for Morrell either. He's that good!

[champion4ever]

Unless, Morrell throws enough punches, hurt or stops Benavidez. Then he won’t win the fight. Benavidez’ cardio, punch volume and workrate should carry the day.

[CubanGuyNYC]

Conditioning plays a part in any contest. Benny looked fat in a recent photo shoot, while Morrell looks ready to fight right now. While I’m sure Benavidez will be ready come February 2, a late start in training might affect his performance in the later rounds. David’s game is high-volume, so it can hurt him late in the fight. One has to favor the Mexican in this match-up, based on his resume and professional experience, but my boy just might pull it off with superior conditioning. Knockout? I think that’s Morrell’s territory. But it can probably only happen in the championship rounds. This fight is just too close to call with confidence. Can’t wait!

[LA_2_Vegas]

I keep wanting to use Margarito-Paul Williams as the analogue but I don't think it quite fits. My mind just always goes to this fight because: a) both are prime as those two were b) has the orthrodox/southpaw dynamic and c) both will be the tallest the other has faced. I'm still not sure it's the best comparison, but I'll post anyway


DB is not really like Margarito but he is thought to be the pressure guy in this fight. And Morrell is potentially a better "boxer" than Williams was, but maybe not shown the warrior spirit that Paul had to that point.

BUT I think Morrell may have to get into the same mindset as Paul.....which was he had to decide he was going to war and that he should not back down one inch. He can create space in other ways

They fought right in the center of the ring most of the fight, but the difference was Williams kept Margarito turning in tight circles all fight and was able to get off just a bit easier than Margarito was and edged it. It was about as nip-and-tuck as it could be, punch for punch, but it was pretty evident Paul succeeding in what he set out do to more than Marg was. Teh fact that Marg was never able to get any forward momentum really spoke to that fact.

l think Morrell could do the same, but again I am sure plenty of people will take issue with me compariing Marg to Benny, the skillset is pretty different.

[MulaKO]

Unless, Morrell throws enough punches, hurt or stops Benavidez. Then he won’t win the fight. Benavidez’ cardio, punch volume and workrate should carry the day.

Cardio ???
Gvodzyk had him open mouth and exhausted

[MulaKO]

Benny still has all kinds of weight to lose
He was just under 200 less than 30 days to fight night