David Morrell learned valuable lessons against David Benavidez earlier this year. That experience, he believes, will lead to a statement on Saturday night.
Morrell hopes to show these lessons to Imam Khataev at Louis Armstrong Stadium in Queens, New York. The bout will continue even after a pre-fight controversy with Khataev - triggered by the IBA’s claims that he failed a drug test last year.
Morrell, 11-1 (9 KOs), tasted his first defeat in February, losing to David Benavidez on pay-per-view. Morrell, a light heavyweight from Cuba, who now trains in Houston, is back in tough as he faces the unbeaten 2020 Olympic bronze medalist Khataev. Morrell referenced experience as a vital teaching from his previous bout with “The Mexican Monster,” Benavidez
“That fight taught me humility, patience, and the importance of experience at the highest level,” Morrell told BoxingScene. “Benavidez is a great fighter – no excuses – but I didn’t fight the smartest fight. I let emotions take over in moments when I needed to be composed.
“Every fight is a step back to the top, I’ve been in the gym every day since that night [loss to Benavidez],” Morrell said. “I know what’s at stake, and I know how close I am.”
Khataev, 10-0 (9 KOs), started his career with nine straight stoppage wins. In March, he went to the final bell for the first time, winning a unanimous decision against Durval Elias Palacio. Khataev, a 30-year-old Russian who resides in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, turned professional in 2021, two years after Morrell’s professional debut.
“My mindset is sharp, focused, and hungry,” Morrell said. “I respect what Khataev brings, his power, his hunger, but I’m coming in with the mentality of a champion.”
This week there was speculation that Khataev wouldn’t be allowed to compete but with both fighters weighing an identical 174.8lbs on Friday, it appears - somewhat surprisingly - that the contest will indeed go ahead.
“Khataev is no joke, man,” Morrell said. “Strong guy, comes forward, has a solid amateur background. He hasn’t tasted defeat yet, but I plan on changing that.”
There is clear respect from Morrell but he’s got one eye on the wider light heavyweight landscape.
“It’s one of the most stacked divisions in boxing,” Morrell said. “You’ve got legends, rising stars, power punchers, technicians, everything. That’s what makes it exciting, and that’s why I moved up.”
If successful, questions will be asked about what’s next. Naturally, he’s targeting the best, which means both Benavidez and the Dmitry Bivol-Artur Beterbiev are firmly in his sights.
“Listen, I’ll take either, I want both of them,” Morrell said. “Benavidez is personal, unfinished business, but if Bivol and Beterbiev get it on again and there’s a chance to challenge the winner, I’m taking that fight. I’ll be ready for whoever. But let’s not get ahead, Khataev is first, and I plan to make a statement.”
