Brandon Figueroa rematches Stephen Fulton in the co-feature

The highly anticipated super middleweight showdown between David Benavidez and David Morrell Jr. has officially been set for February 1, 2024, and it promises to be one of the most electrifying bouts in boxing in recent memory. The fight, which will take place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, will be broadcast exclusively on Prime PPV—Amazon’s new platform for major sports events, marking another milestone in the boxing world’s transition to streaming services. The bout will feature two of the brightest young stars in the 168-pound division, both with explosive fighting styles and high stakes.

This clash not only features two undefeated fighters but also carries major ramifications for the future of the super middleweight division. The winner could be in line for a shot at one of the titles held by Canelo Álvarez or perhaps even take on a mega-fight with another rising star, like Caleb Plant or Jermall Charlo.

Background

David Benavidez (27-0, 23 KOs) has long been one of the most feared fighters at super middleweight. The 27-year-old Venezuelan-American, known for his relentless pressure, combination punching, and impressive knockout power, has been the WBC interim champion for years but has never quite received the recognition that his skillset deserves, especially with the likes of Canelo and other champions dominating the spotlight. Benavidez is a destructive force in the ring, with a fight style that leaves no room for defensive lapses. His ability to break down opponents with both power and volume makes him one of the most dangerous men in the sport today.

Meanwhile, David Morrell Jr. (9-0, 8 KOs), a Cuban-born southpaw, has quickly established himself as one of the top prospects in the 168-pound division. Since turning pro in 2019, Morrell has been a revelation, and despite his relatively short career, he’s already secured a WBA super middleweight title. The 26-year-old is a well-rounded fighter, blending technical skills with a willingness to engage in the firestorm when necessary. His speed, movement, and counterpunching ability have made him a fan favorite, and he’s been calling for a fight against top competition to further solidify his place in the sport. Morrell’s toughest test came in his most recent bout against the durable Aidos Yerbossynuly, where Morrell displayed maturity and boxing IQ in securing a stoppage victory.

The Stakes

This fight between Benavidez and Morrell isn’t just a battle of unbeatens; it’s a battle of styles and legacies. Both fighters have an almost obsessive hunger to prove themselves against the best in the world, and this fight could be the defining moment of their careers.

For Benavidez, a win over Morrell would cement his position as the most dangerous contender at super middleweight, possibly even taking the throne as the new face of the division. Benavidez has long been vocal about his desire for a showdown with Canelo Álvarez, and a dominant victory here could finally put him in line for that highly lucrative and personal matchup. However, Benavidez must first navigate the tough, skillful challenge that Morrell presents.

Morrell, on the other hand, sees this fight as his opportunity to make a statement. With only 9 professional bouts, he’s still largely untested at the elite level, and a win over a fighter like Benavidez would be the ultimate validation. His quick rise has created a buzz, but this fight represents his first real leap into the upper echelons of boxing, and a victory would elevate him to the level of elite fighters in the division.

Styles and Strategy

Benavidez’s offensive juggernaut is what sets him apart from many other fighters in the super middleweight class. His work rate is relentless, often throwing combinations from multiple angles, keeping opponents constantly on the back foot. One of his trademarks is his ability to throw punches in bunches, wearing down opponents with sheer volume and punishing body shots. His cardio is among the best in the business, allowing him to maintain a high pace throughout the entire 12-round distance.

However, Morrell brings a different dynamic to the table. His southpaw stance, footwork, and slick defensive movement make him hard to pin down, and he has the ability to switch gears in an instant. Morrell’s counterpunching is excellent, and while he isn’t as relentless as Benavidez in terms of output, he is extremely precise and dangerous when he does engage. Morrell’s ability to control the distance and angle his attacks could prove crucial in frustrating Benavidez’s aggression.

The fight is expected to be a chess match of sorts: Benavidez will look to close the distance and apply pressure, while Morrell will look to use his footwork and head movement to create opportunities for counters. The battle of attrition will likely decide who emerges victorious.

The Prime PPV Platform

This fight will be one of the marquee events on Amazon’s Prime PPV, following the success of other high-profile sports content available on the platform. By broadcasting this title fight, Prime is looking to continue its strategy of offering big-time sporting events to attract new subscribers, which is a growing trend in the world of streaming. With Prime PPV’s increasing prominence, fans will be able to access this event on their favorite devices, making it more convenient and accessible than ever before.

Conclusion

As Benavidez and Morrell prepare to clash on February 1, boxing fans can expect a spectacle that will have major implications on the future of the super middleweight division. With both fighters bringing undefeated records and fierce determination, it promises to be a fight for the ages. Fans can catch the action live on Prime PPV, which continues to carve its niche as a platform for big-time boxing events. The stakes are high, and the stakes couldn’t be bigger for the two Davids.

Patrick Stumberg is a freelance writer for SB Nation, first joining the network in 2011 before linking up with Bad Left Hook in 2015.

As expected, WBC interim light heavyweight champion David Benavidez will face fellow unbeaten David Morrell atop a February 1st Prime PPV at T-Mobile Arena.

Benavidez (29-0, 24 KO) is in line for a crack at the winner of Artur Beterbiev’s planned rematch against Dmitry Bivol, who may or may not stay undisputed depending on the IBF’s Michael Eifert demand, but is taking a genuine risk here against a fellow super middleweight emigrant. Though he was a bit shaky in his divisional debut against Radivoje Kalajdzic, Morrell (11-0, 9 KO) is a dazzling mix of speed and power when he’s on. I’ll be shocked if this isn’t a Fight of the Year frontrunner.

The undercard notably features a rematch between Brandon Figueroa (25-1-1, 19 KO) and Stephen Fulton (22-1, 8 KO), who put on a show the first time around. This was supposed to land on next month’s Gervonta Davis vs Lamont Roach Jr show, but thankfully didn’t stay attached when that got bumped to March.

Also on tap is a fun-looking super lightweight slugfest between Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz (26-3-1, 18 KO) and Angel Fierro (22-2-2, 17 KO), plus Jesus Ramos (21-1, 17 KO) against Jeison Rosario (24-4-2, 18 KO). Did you know Rosario isn’t even 30 yet? Wild.