Morrell’s Tactical Misstep
Trainer Derek ‘Bozy’ Ennis, known for his astute analysis and experience in the ring, was left puzzled by the approach David Morrell took in his February 1st bout against David Benavidez. Morrell, the former WBA ‘regular’ light heavyweight champion, entered the ring with a record of 11-1 and 9 knockouts, while Benavidez, the undefeated champion, boasted an impressive 30-0 and 24 knockouts. Bozy expected Morrell to use his agility and speed to box and target Benavidez’s body, a strategy that could have proven effective. However, Morrell chose a different path. Instead of moving around and setting traps, he stood in front of Benavidez, covering up and leaning forward. This style played directly into Benavidez’s hands, who is known for his sharp combinations and relentless attacks. Despite Morrell landing some powerful shots and marking Benavidez’s face, he couldn’t capitalize on these moments. The judges scored the fight 118-108, 115-111, and 115-111, with the first score seeming particularly harsh given the closeness of the bout. Bozy’s concerns extend beyond the ring, questioning the coaching Morrell received in his corner, suggesting that a change in trainers might be necessary to correct this issue.
The Importance of Footwork and Body Work
Bozy emphasized the critical role that footwork and body work could have played in Morrell’s strategy. By standing still and covering up, Morrell made himself an easy target for Benavidez. Bozy noted, “He’s not just going to box you. He said, ‘The heck with the boxing.’ Once he gets in there, he’s going to the body and to the head and make everything look spectacular.” Benavidez’s ability to transition seamlessly between different styles of fighting, from boxing to brawling, makes him a formidable opponent. However, Morrell’s static defense and lack of movement allowed Benavidez to dictate the pace and land his most effective combinations. Bozy’s insight highlights the importance of a dynamic fighting style, especially against a boxer with Benavidez’s versatility and power. Morrell hurt Benavidez several times, but these moments were squandered due to his inability to follow up effectively.
Reflecting on the Fight
The fight was a spectacle, with both boxers showing moments of brilliance and resilience. Bozy acknowledged the quality of the bout, stating, “That was a tremendous fight, but I thought Morrell was going to box more and use his legs.” He was particularly critical of Morrell’s defensive stance, which he described as uncharacteristic. Bozy wondered aloud, “I don’t know what type of information he was getting in the corner.” This question underscores the importance of in-ring strategy and the role of a coach in guiding a fighter’s tactics. Morrell’s previous bout against Radivojo Kalajdzic in August also saw him fighting in a similar, less mobile style, which suggests a potential training issue. Bozy’s comments highlight the need for a more dynamic and strategic approach in Morrell’s future fights, especially if he wants to challenge top-tier opponents.
Benavidez’s Resilience and Charisma
David Benavidez’s performance in the fight was a testament to his resilience and fighting spirit. Despite being hurt by Morrell’s powerful punches, Benavidez fought back with the determination of a true champion. Bozy remarked, “When he hit him, he buckled him, but Benavidez came right back like a champ. I mean, he came back throwing those punches, man.” Benavidez’s ability to recover quickly and maintain his aggression is a key factor in his success. He is not just a boxer; he is a crowd-pleaser who thrives on making fights exciting. Bozy noted, “He’s one of those guys that come to fight. He wants to make it an exciting fight, and that’s why people come to see him fight.” Benavidez’s charm and charisma add to his appeal, making him a fan favorite and a formidable opponent in the ring.
The Turning Point
The 11th round marked a significant turning point in the fight. Morrell, who had been struggling to find his rhythm, finally unleashed a relentless attack on a visibly tired Benavidez. The Cuban champion managed to drop Benavidez, showcasing his power and potential. However, by this point, the damage had been done, and Benavidez, though beaten, had maintained his lead on the judges’ scorecards. In the final round, Benavidez was fighting on fumes, relying on arm punches and sheer will to make it through. Morrell, whose power remained as potent as it was at the start of the fight, landed the hardest shots of the bout. This late surge by Morrell was a stark reminder of his capabilities, but it came too late to change the judges’ minds.
Looking Forward
Despite the loss, Morrell’s performance has sparked discussions about his future in the sport. Bozy’s advice is clear: if Morrell wants to succeed against top opponents, he needs to incorporate more movement and body work into his game. The upcoming rematch between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol, with Benavidez as the mandatory challenger for the winner, presents another opportunity for Morrell to re-evaluate his approach. Bozy emphasized, “That would be a good fight because the one thing about Benavidez. He’s got that dog in him. You got to kill him in the ring. He ain’t never going to quit.” Morrell’s next fight will be crucial in determining his trajectory, and if he can implement the changes suggested by Bozy, he has a strong chance of reclaiming his/former glory. For now, the fight against Benavidez serves as a valuable learning experience, one that Morrell can use to grow and improve as a fighter.
