By Norm Frauenheim –

David Benavidez says he wants to be the Face of the Game. He might have to wait on that one too. 

That’s not his choice. Patience, after all, isn’t exactly a virtue in boxing, which has been defined by the pursuit of paydays ever since prize and fighting became one word. But it’s an inescapable factor in the ongoing emergence of Benavidez. 

He waited on Canelo Álvarez, still to no avail. 

Now, he waits on Dmitrii Bivol.

The current round in the waiting game isn’t exclusive to Benavidez. For now, it’s the state of a game waiting on changes Saudi money has brought. 

And bought. 

There’s talk of moving beyond ruling acronyms and a crazy collection of belts named everything but irrelevant. There’s an agreement for a new league, TKO, although nobody seems to know exactly how that one will be much different than any other acronym.

Nearly a month ago, Benavidez was at ringside in Riyadh for Bivol’s narrow rematch decision over Artur Beterbiev. Benavidez was there as the potential next, the so-called mandatory challenger, for the winner after his solid scorecard victory over David Morrell Feb. 1 in Las Vegas.

Mandatory has been attached to Benavidez’ name for years now. He was in that role, the World Boxing Council’s mandatory at super-middleweight, throughout his futile pursuit of a date with Canelo, undisputed at 168 pounds in everybody’s opinion other than than one acronym, the IBF (International Boxing Federation). 

But mandatory didn’t mean much then. It was never enforced, simply because Canelo’s celebrity and pay-per-view clout comes with prerogatives. Canelo, who intends to re-claim the IBF belt against William Scull during the first weekend in May in Riyadh, fights whoever he wants to.

Benavidez moved up the scale and away from Canelo, in part to create his own career and mostly because he didn’t have much choice. At 28 years old, Benavidez is just getting bigger, perhaps big enough to one day fight at heavyweight.

Whether the move from super-middle to light-heavy changed the meaning of mandatory, however, is still anybody’s guess. 

In the wake of Bivol’s majority decision, the WBC did what it did not do at 168 pounds. It ordered Bivol to defend his 175-pound title against Benavidez, a consensus pound-for-pound pick for the first time since beating Morrell. 

But Saudi Prince and promoter Turki Alalshikh, whose bankroll is redefining boxing’s expectations, announced in The Ring — his new acquisition — that he was not interested. 

That much seemed to be clear at the moment Bivol’s narrow rematch victory was announced. Alalshikh waved three fingers, meaning — of course — that a third Bivol-Beterbiev fight was next. In the wake of the WBC order, however, he said in a somewhat tense declaration that he would not bid on Bivol-Benavidez.

What followed was predictable, perhaps even inevitable in this age of disinformation. There was a social-media report that negotiations for Bivol-Benavidez were underway. That proved to be news to both Benavidez promoter/manager Sampson Lewkowicz and Bivol manager Vadim Kornilov.

Lewkowicz called the report “fake news.” Believe him. After Benavidez blew out ex-middleweight David Lemieux in a third-round beat-down in May 2022 at Glendale, AZ, just a few miles of road work from the Phoenix streets where Benavidez grew up, Lewkowicz told 15 Rounds that talk about a Canelo fight was “fantasy.” It still is.

Then, Kornilov told journalist Dan Rafael of Fight Freaks that there was nothing to reports about Bivol-Benavidez. Bivol was with his family, Kornilov said, resting from a busy stretch that included the majority-decision loss to Beterbiev and the rematch victory, all within five months — October and then February.

In the days after Bivol won the rematch, fans took to social media, calling for Bivol to skip a second rematch with Beterbiev. First, they wanted to see Bivol-versus-Benavidez. It’s a fair opinion, but that’s all it is. Saudi money figures to decide this one. Bivol-Beterbiev 3 looks to be next.

The guess is that a third Beterbiev-Bivol fight will be as close as the first two were. Both were decided by identical scores. If the trilogy fight is a draw, will Alalshikh wave four fingers? A fourth fight for the 40-year-old Beterbiev? 

It’s not clear what that might mean for Benavidez, who already is being mentioned in a possible fight against Callum Smith. Then again, it might mean more of the same.

He’s still waiting, which on one level makes him the only relevant Face of a changing game. Waiting is the only mandatory these days.  

By Norm Frauenheim

David Benavidez emerges from his victory over David Morrell in more control of his career than ever because of how he dominated often edgy pre-fight appearances, how he fought and how the boxing business changed wildly in the aftermath of the significant light-heavyweight fight.

Benavidez, a two-time super-middleweight once known for being the youngest champion in the history of the division, is moving on and up the scale, both in weight and wisdom. He’s a grown-up.

That’s the simplest way of saying it. Too simple, perhaps, mostly because there’s still a lot of maturing to do for an instinctive fighter who has an unrivaled upside. At 28 years old and just entering his prime, there’s still lots of time to grow into the stardom he foresees and many project. 

Is he already there? No, and that’s good news, promising in part because Benavidez understands where he is — who he is — at this point in his ongoing transformation from an overweight, unknown Phoenix kid with no expectations to one who believes he can be the Face of the Game.

“I’ll be the Face of the Game soon,’’ he said boldly after his unanimous decision over Morrell a couple of weeks ago in front of a roaring, pro-Benavidez crowd at Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena.

Soon could mean just about anything, of course. There’s a debate about the so-called Face, a mythic title that some have tried to buy and others have tried to steal. For now, at least, it’s fair to argue there is no face. In acronym-speak, it’s vacant. There are choices, but no consensus. The numbers suggest that Canelo Alvarez still gets the nod, despite some support for Terence Crawford, Canelo’s future foe for a projected September date.

The debate is incomplete without at least a mention of Japan’s junior-featherweight whirlwind, Naoya Inoue, the Asian version of The Monster, and heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk, a heroic face amid the Ukraine’s desperate war against the Russians. But if you take a well-worn path and follow the money, it’s Canelo, the only prizefighter to consistently crack the top tier of the Forbes’ list of the world’s wealthiest athletes. Over the last year, however, that changed. Usyk and Tyson Fury surpassed Canelo with two heavyweight title fights last year, both won by Usyk. 

According to Sportico last week, Fury’s total for the two fights was $140 million and Usyk  $120 million, placing both in a different income bracket than Canelo, whose 2024 income was reported to be $73 million. Sportico ranked Fury third, Usyk seventh and Canelo 20th among the world’s highest earning athletes last year.

But it’s a good bet that Canelo will re-take his income supremacy among prizefighters in 2025. Fury says he’s retired. But don’t count on it. Also, don’t count on him getting anywhere close to his 2024 income if he makes a comeback. Meanwhile, Usyk says he’ll fight two more times and retire. But no fight figures to pay him anything approaching the pay he collected against Fury. Meanwhile, Canelo has a rich, multi-fight deal with the Saudis

Add that to his documented command of pay-per-view numbers and the risk-reward ratio, and Canelo’s face still belongs on the game for the same reason George Washington’s face is on the dollar bill. That’s still where the value is. That’s also why Saudi Prince Turki Alalshikh, boxing’s new money man, scrambled to sign him to a four-fight contract and away from a Netflix spectacle with showman Jake Paul in an 11th-hour deal five days after Benavidez secured his own place as a prominent factor on boxing’s board of potential moves over the next couple of years. 

The deal left one significant question. To wit: How much longer will Canelo hold the key to the vault? Like everything else amid the constant chaos, it’s impossible to know. Expectations, the business agenda’s glass jaw, is full of repeated examples. One unforeseen punch changes everything. For now, Canelo’s plans include a perceived tuneup in Riyadh during the first weekend in May against William Scull, a Cuban living in Germany who holds a piece of the 168-pound puzzle that the IBF — Irrelevant Boxing Federation took from Canelo. It’s an opportunity to restore some order, restore Canelo’s undisputed status, both in name and fact. 

Barring that aforementioned punch, Canelo’s business plan then takes him to the intriguing September date with Crawford, perhaps in a ring on the Las Vegas Raiders home field at Allegiant Stadium. It’s a fight between two of the best from different weight classes. Canelo has more size and presumably power; the smaller Crawford has more speed and skill. There’s a reasonable argument for either in what looks to be pick-em fight between the best of a their generation.

Age is a factor. For Crawford, the Canelo challenge — and the payday it’ll include — looks to be a career ender. Crawford is 37. He’ll be 38 on September 28. From Jaron “Boots’’ Ennis to Vergil Ortiz, the former welterweight great, who has fought once at junior-middle, has ignored challenges from the young lions.

Then, there’s Canelo. Between Scull and Crawford, Mexico’s pay-per-view star will celebrate a birthday. He’ll be 35 on July 18. He’s talked about retiring when he turns 37. Beyond the planned Crawford date, there are two more fights on his contract with Alalshikh. What happens against Crawford is sure to dictate what happens to the remaining dates. If Canelo loses to the smaller man, maybe he retires. If he wins, presumably he fights on in a scenario that could include Benavidez. 

If nothing else, Canelo’s deal with Alalshikh has revived some of the talk about Benavidez-versus-Canelo, which for years has been No. 1 on the list of fights the fans most want to see. Those fans haven’t forgotten. Benavidez has moved on, onto light-heavy, after years of calling out Canelo in a futile chase that threatened to define him. He continued to hear the question, even on the night after he proved he could stand on his own — define himself on his own terms — against Morrell.

What about Canelo? The question was inevitable, of course.

“I would love to fight Canelo, it would be a massive, massive, fight,’’ Benavidez said. “But, Canelo says he has other things and he says I’m being ‘too mean’ in the way I’m approaching him. I guess I got to work on my attitude.”

Then, it was a joke, almost said as if it was a parting shot. But the Canelo-Alalshikh deal five days later kept the possibility on the table. It depends on the Crawford-Canelo outcome. It also depends on Benavidez’ next move. He’s expected to be in Riyadh next Saturday (Feb. 22) for the Artur Beterbiev-Dmitrii Bivol rematch of Beterbiev’s narrow victory for the light-heavyweight title last October. Benavidez is in line to face the winner. Even that plan is uncertain, however. Father Time, also like that unforeseen punch, can change everything. Beterbiev had another birthday last month. He turned 40 on January 21. Retirement can’t be too far away.

What remains in place, however, is Benavidez’ current place among the fighters who hold the key to boxing’s future. Benavidez, a consensus pick for the pound-for-pound’s top 10 for the first time this month, is there alongside Tank Davis and Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez. He’s younger than Crawford, Canelo and Beterbiev. He’s younger, too, than Inoue, 31, and Usyk, 38.

Meanwhile, Benavidez is just getting started, a still emerging and maturing force who used his comprehensive victory over Morrell as a way to announce he’ll be around for awhile.

Follow all the action as David Benavidez and David Morrell get it on in a cant-miss Light Heavyweight Battle. The four-fight card begins at 8 PM ET / 5 PM Pt with Jesus Ramos taking on former unified champion Jeison Rosario. In all-Mexican showdown, former world champion Isaac Cruz takes on Angel Fierro. In a rematch for the WBC Featherweight title, Brandon Figueroa takes on former unified champion Stephen Fulton.

NO BROWSER REFRESH NEEDED

Round 1:Body shot from Brnavidez..Body combination..Right hook from Morrell
Round 2 Straight left from Morrell…Left to body..Uppercut from Benavidez…Nice uppercut and right from Morrell…2 hard rights from Benavidez..
Round 3 Combination from Benavidez…Benavidez cut over left eye
Round 4 The Two unloading heavy punches..Left hook to body from Benavidez..Big left from Morrell
Round 5 Counter left from Benavidez..Left to the body..Left..Nice right and right to the body
Round 6 Left uppercut from Morrell..Another uppercut..2 more uppercuts
Round 7 Body shot from Benavidez…Right from Benavidez…Counter left from Morrell..Combination..
Round 8 Counter left from Morrell..Combination..Left from Benavidez…Short left from Morrell
Round 9 Body shots and uppercuts from Benavidez..3 punch combo from Morell…Right hook..Body shot
Round 10 Chopping right from Benavidez…Another right
Round 11 Left hook to body from Benavidez..Chopping right..Morell landing on the ropes…COUNTER RIGHT AND DOWN GOES BENAVIDEZ..POINT DEDUCTED FROM MORRELL FOR HITTING AFTER THE BELL
ROUND 12 Right to body from Benavidez…Uppercut…Left hook…Swelling under both eyes of Morrell

115-111 twice and 118-109 FOR DAVID BENAVIDEZ

ROUND 1 

ROUND 2 Counter right from Fulton..Counter right..Jab and right to body

ROUND 3 Right from Fulton..Sharp right

ROUND 4 Body shot from Fulton…Body shot from Figueroa…Left to head from Fulton…

ROUND 5 Counter uppercut from Fulton..Right and left

ROUND 6 Double right from Figueroa..Counter from Fulton…Right uppercut…Body shot

ROUND 7 Jab from Fulton..And another..Right from Figueroa..

ROUND 8 Double left and right from Figueroa…Fulton Outlanding Figueroa 139-84

ROUND 9 Uppercut on inside from Figueroa..right..

ROUND 10 Nice counter right from Fulton…nice Left hook

ROUND 11 Body shot and left hook from Fulton..Left to body…Counter left from Figueroa

ROUND 12 Body shot from Fulton..Left from Figueroa..Right from Fulton

116-112 TWICE AND 117-111 FOR STEPHEN FULTON

Round 1: They come out wailing away in the center of the ring.  Left to body from Fierro…Big right from Cruz..2 Hard rights..
Round 2 Big Left hook from Cruz..Left hook and right hand…2 left hooks to the live..Combination to the head..Left hook to body from Fierro..Lead left to body from Cruz..left to head..Jab…
Round 3 Body shot…Uppercut…1-2…Right from Fierro..Uppercut..Big right from Fierro…toe-to-toe war…Big right from Fierro..Big right
Round 4 Jab from Cruz..Left…Straight right..Big right..
Round 5 Counter right from Fierro..Right from Cruz..2 rights drives Fierro to the corner…Right to the head..Right from Fierro..4 punch combination
Round 6 Straight right from Cruz
Round 7 Jab from Fierro…2 rights from Cruz
Round 8 Left hook from Cruz…Body work..Leaping left..Hard left…Fierro throwing back
Round 9 Right to head from Cruz. Right upper cut. left to body from Fierro..Lead left hook from Cruz..Big left and big right…
Round 10 Left from Fierro..Big left from Cruz…Uppercut..Left from Fierro..Right..

96-94, 97-93 and 98-92 FOR ISAAC CRUZ

CRUZ Outlanded Fierro 248 of 624  to 238 of 786…Fight was a Fight of The Year Candidate for sure.

Round 1 Right to body from Rosario…2 shots from Ramos…Left…Straight Right
Round 2 Jab from Ramos..Left…Right from Rosario…Right to the body from Rosario,,Right to body
Round 3 3 Body bunches from Ramos..Straight left to the body…Good right to the body. Straight left to the body. Combination featur4ed by a right to th e body
Round 4 4 punch combination from Body..More Body work…3 punch combination
Round 5 Jab and left from Ramos…3 punch combination finished off by a body shot.  1-2..Lead left..  Ramos outlanding Rosario 137-37
Round 6 Uppercut drives Rosario back…Rosario backtracking..Body shots…
Round 7 Punishing body shot..PERFECT LEFT TO THE HEAD AND DOWN GOES ROSARIO
Round 8 Doctor checking out Rosario…Huge right hook from Ramos and THE FIGHT IS STOPPED

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – Before David Benavidez and David Morrell lock horns in a light heavyweight championship eliminator in the main event of a four-bout pay-per-view broadcast, a seven-fight undercard entertained the early arrivals at T-Mobile Arena on Saturday night.

In a WBA featherweight title elimination bout, Mirco Cuello (15-0, 12 KOs) of Arroyo Seco, Santa Fe, Argentina rose from the deck early to stop a determined Christian Olivo (22-2-1, 9 KOs) of San Diego by way of Hermosillo, Mexico late in the tenth round. 

Olivo, 125.6, scored his knockdown in the opening moments of round two as he waited his turn after a Cuello flurry and uncorked a short right inside that dropped the former Argentine Olympian. Cuello, 125.6,  rebounded well in the third round, turning up his output and placing his shots well, while Olivo struggled to maintain the pace. 

The middle rounds were tit-for-tat, as each found their spots in a fight fought at close range. Olivo, the WBA #5 ranked 126-pounder, had a strong seventh round, snapping back Cuello’s head at times during their exchanges. Olivo had another solid round in the eighth, outworking his Argentinian adversary and breaking through with several power punches. 

Sensing perhaps that his opponent had hit a lull in his energy level, Cuello, the WBA #3/IBF #15 ranked featherweight, came on strong in the ninth. With Olivo’s mouth agape, looking for oxygen, Cuello pressed his attack and carried that aggression into the early moments of the tenth, before Olivo stemmed the tide momentarily with some well-placed counters. However, Olivo’s success was fleeting, as before long Cuello placed a left to the liver that dropped the Mexican to his knee. Olivo rose slowly, before Cuello went to the well again and dropped the southpaw with a body shot for a second time. Olivo made it to his feet, but referee Chris Flores waved off the contest anyhow at  2:01 of the tenth and final round. 

At the time of the stoppage, Olivo led on all three scorecards by a wide margin. Judge Max DeLuca had it 88-82, judge Zachary Young had it 87-83 and judge David Sutherland the fight scored 86-84. All Olivo had to do was hang on for 59 more seconds to be declared the winner. With the victory, Cuello puts himself as the next in line for WBA 126-pound kingpin Nick Ball, who fights T.J. Doheny in a fight he should win next month. 

WBA #1/WBC #7 ranked middleweight Yoenli Feliciano Hernandez (7-0, 7 KOs) of Providence, Rhode Island by way of Camaguey, Cuba stayed busy with a fifth-round stoppage over Angel Ruiz (18-4-1, 13 KOs) of Los Angeles, California by way of Culiacan, Sinaloa, Mexico. 

Feliciano Hernandez, 158.4, defending his regional WBA Continental Latin America title, gave Ruiz, 159.6, a tough inside fight for the duration. Despite fighting at the distance Ruiz probably wanted, Feliciano Hernandez was able to create angles and space, which made it difficult for the Mexican fighter to find any success. Feliciano Hernandez began to turn up the offense in the third round, spinning Ruiz’s head around with his right. 

By the fifth, Ruiz began to wither, holding back on his offense to create less counter opportunities. With Feliciano Hernandez landing a flurry in the blue corner, referee Allen Huggins decided he had seen enough and waved the fight off to a mild protest from Ruiz. Time of the stoppage was 1:06 of round five. 

With the win, Feliciano Hernandez, who ascended to the WBA #1 ranking without a recognizable name on his professional resume, continues to bide time until his management team decides to pull the trigger on a fight worthy of a top contender. 

In the first fight of the preliminary broadcast, Curmel Moton (7-0, 6 KOs) of Las Vegas stopped Frank Zaldivar (5-2, 3 KOs) of Miami, Florida by way of Santiago de Cuba, Cuba in the third round of a scheduled eight. 

Moton, 134.8, and Zaldivar, 135.8, traded in the center of the ring for much of the first. Zaldivar took the head shots well, but when Moton found his body late in the round, that seemed to bother the Mexican fighter. Zaldivar continued to show his toughness in the second, withstanding some clean power shots and still offering back as the round came to a close. 

Moton upped his intensity a notch in the third round and quickly had Zaldivar in trouble along the ropes. With Zaldivar backed into a neutral corner and no longer answering back, referee Harvey Dock leapt in to stop the contest at 1:51 of round three. 

In a stirring battle between two previously unbeaten super middleweights, former amateur star Daniel Blancas (12-0, 5 KOs) of Milwaukee, Wisconsin was tested by Juan Barajas (11-1-2, 7 KOs) of Victorville, California before notching what was scored as a wide unanimous decision. 

Blancas, 166.2, a regular David Benavidez sparring partner, and Barajas, 159.6, fought on fairly even terms in the early rounds. Blancas was a successful aggressor, but found a decent counter-puncher in Barajas.  

Blancas came out aggressively to start the fifth, landing a short left hand, followed by a right in close that rocked Barajas momentarily. Blancas kept up the pressure, but Barajas was willing and landed occasionally with his own rights inside, while circling away from his opponent’s power hand. After some clean right hands snapped back the head of Barajas in the sixth, the Victorville native was less apt to counter and more focused on his foot movement and defense. 

Barajas found his second wind early in the eighth, treating the early onlookers to some great two-way action as he engaged with Blancas in the center of the ring for much of the stanza. Each fighter had their moments in an excellent action round. 

In the end, the official scorers did not give Barajas much credit. Patricia Morse Jarman and Don Trella had all but one round for Blancas, 79-73, while judge Cory Santos scored the bout a shutout, 80-72.

Mayweather Promotions’ super middleweight John Easter (8-0, 7 KOs) of Las Vegas remained unbeaten but was taken the distance for the first time as a professional by a tough Joseph Aguilar (6-3-1, 3 KOs) of Portland, Oregon.  

Easter, 169.4, and Aguilar, 171.8, engaged in a rough-and-tumble inside fight for the duration. Accidental headbutts and elbows caused cuts from the early moments. 

Easter turned up the offense as he landed with power combinations late in the fifth. Aguilar had a few moments in the sixth, but ultimately lost the decision wide, as judges Chris Migliore and David Sutherland scored the bout 60-54, while judge Fernando Villarreal had it 59-55, all for Easter. 

Nearly eight hours before he would be sitting ringside in support of his younger brother, Jose Benavidez Jr. (29-3-1, 20 KOs) of Phoenix walked down an unwilling Danny Rosenberger (20-10-4, 10 KOs) of Youngstown, Ohio, eventually forcing a fifth-round stoppage. 

Benavidez, 163, only had trouble with himself, earning warnings for late punches and a low blow that forced a time-out in the first round. Rosenberger, 159, was on his bike for much of the bout, but Benavidez was not in a rush at the start. 

Rosenberger quickly found himself in trouble in the fifth, as Benavidez landed with an uppercut and kept up the pressure until referee Allen Huggins had seen enough. With Rosenberger backed into his own corner, taking punishment, Huggins leaped in to call for the stoppage at 2:39 of round five. 

In a bout which took place before the paying public was allowed inside, Gabriela Tellez (4-0, 1 KO) of San Antonio, Texas had to dig down deep, but managed to get by a willing Abril Anguiano (4-1, 2 KOs) of Garland, Texas via six-round majority decision.  

The southpaw Anguiano, 125.2, was strong to start, landing with regularity in exchanges. Tellez, 127.8, began to really come on in the fifth, sitting down on her punches, while Anguiano appeared to be reaching for a second wind. 

After a competitive sixth that Tellez probably cinched late, judge Chris Migliore scored the bout a draw, 57-57, but was overruled by judges Eric Cheek and Fernando Villarreal, who both scored the bout 58-56, for Tellez.

In the walk-out bout, which took place after the night’s main event concluded, local prospect Kaipo Gallegos (8-0-1, 6 KOs) of Las Vegas outboxed veteran Leonardo Padilla (24-7-1, 17 KOs) of Petare, Venezuela to a six-round unanimous decision. 

Things began to heat up in the third, as Gallegos, 134.6, began to find distance and angles, whereas before Padilla, 129.8, was forcing a rough, inside fight in the opening two rounds. 

Gallegos kept up the attack in the fourth, rocking Padilla along the ropes. After tasting some power shots, Padilla was cautious to close out the fight, helping aid his ability to see the final bell in a bout shortened from eight to six rounds.

Judge Tim Cheatham scored it 59-55, while judges Max DeLuca and Fernando Villareal both had the fight shutout, 60-54.  

Photos by Ester Lin/Premier Boxing Champions

Mario Ortega Jr. can be reached at [email protected] 

LAS VEGAS – February 1, 2025 – Sensational top prospect Curmel Moton will kick off a three-fight PBC on Prime Video lineup tonight, now beginning at a new time of *5:30 p.m. ET/2:30 p.m. PT*, as he takes on Frank Zaldivar in an eight-round lightweight battle from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.  

The streaming presentation will be available via free access to all fans, regardless of Prime membership or purchase of the PPV card and is topped by undefeated Argentine Olympian Mirco Cuello taking on Mexican contender Christian Olivo in a 10-round featherweight matchup, plus WBA No. 1-ranked middleweight contender Yoenli Feliciano Hernandez stepping in against all-action contender Angel Ruiz in a 10-round duel.

These three fights lead into a stacked PBC Pay-Per-View available on Prime Video as Interim WBC Light Heavyweight Champion David “El Monstro” Benavidez and WBA Light Heavyweight Champion David Morrell Jr. meet in a battle of unbeatens in the main event. The pay-per-view begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and also features WBC Featherweight World Champion Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa defending his title against former unified world champion Stephen Fulton Jr. in a rematch of one of 2021’s best fights.

The pay-per-view will also see Mexican star and former world champion Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz dueling the hard-charging contender Angel Fierro in an all-Mexican super lightweight duel, plus rising Mexican star Jesus “Mono” Ramos Jr. steps in against former unified champion Jeison Rosario in a 10-round middleweight fight that opens the pay-per-view.

Tickets for the live event are on sale now through AXS.com.

In addition to the PPV being available for purchase on Prime Video in the US, UK, and now Canada — regardless of Prime membership — fans will also be able to continue to access the telecast through traditional cable and satellite outlets as well as PPV.com. 

Fighting out of the Mayweather Promotions stable, Moton (6-0, 5 KOs) grabbed the boxing world’s attention last March on Prime Video with a dominant eight-round unanimous decision victory over the previously unbeaten Anthony Cuba, going toe-to-toe and controlling the action throughout a scintillating bout. The 18-year-old was born in Salt Lake City, Utah and now trains and resides in Las Vegas, fighting out of the famed Mayweather Boxing Club. Moton has added three more KO’s since the Cuba fight, including most recently stopping Hilario Martinez Moreno in the first round in October. He will take on the 28-year-old Zalvidar (5-1, 3 KOs), who will look to bounce back from a decision loss in his last fight against Yosdiel Napoles in August. Originally from Santiago de Cuba, Cuba and now fighting out of Miami, Zalvidar turned pro in 2019 following a sensational amateur career that included a triumph over Olympic gold medalist Andy Cruz.

#         #         #

ABOUT BENAVIDEZ VS. MORRELL

Benavidez vs. Morrell will see Interim WBC Light Heavyweight Champion David “El Monstro” Benavidez and WBA Light Heavyweight Champion David Morrell Jr. meet in a battle of unbeatens that pits two of the sport’s most exciting fighters against each other in the primes of their careers headlining a PBC Pay-Per-View event on Prime Video taking place Saturday, Feb. 1 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

The co-main event will see WBC Featherweight World Champion Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa defend his title against former unified world champion Stephen Fulton Jr. in a rematch of one of 2021’s best fights.

The pay-per-view will also feature Mexican star and former world champion Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz facing the hard-charging contender Angel Fierro in an all-Mexican super lightweight duel, plus rising Mexican star Jesus “Mono” Ramos Jr. battles former unified champion Jeison Rosario in a 10-round middleweight fight that opens the pay-per-view at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

For more information visit www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #BenavidezMorrell, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, on Instagram @PremierBoxing or become a fan on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions

By Norm Frauenheim

LAS VEGAS — Words, mostly the four-letter variety, have been exchanged. So have threats, insults and all of the rest. David Benavidez and David Morrell played their roles and memorized their lines. It was boxing theater at its best. And its worst. Promoter Tom Brown promises violence, which of course is exactly what you’d expect in a fight.

By Friday, there wasn’t much left to say. After all, there are only so many four-letter combinations. We’ve heard them all, and none of them have really changed any minds. Benavidez-Morrell was a pick-em fight when it was announced. It was virtually a pick-em fight Friday after both stepped off the scale — appropriately enough — without a fraction of a pound separating them.

Their weights were like their first names. Both Davids came in at an identical 174.2 pounds, safely under the 175-pound mandatory for a light-heavyweight fight Saturday night at T-Mobile Arena that is supposed to lead to a shot at the Artur Beterbiev-Dmitrii Bivol winner on Feb. 22 in Saudi Arabia.

The weigh-in, a staged version of the official one earlier Friday, was perhaps noteworthy for what didn’t happen. There were no blows, not even a shove.

Escalating rhetoric, mostly sparked by Benavidez, at news conferences and public appearances had set off more than a few alarms. A few punches the day before opening bell would not have surprised anybody. But it didn’t happen, mostly because of Morrell.

As the two rivals moved toward center stage for the ritual face-off, Morrell suddenly looked down and stepped back, exiting left and away from an impending storm. It’ll happen anyway, sometime around 8 p.m. (PT) in the Amazon streamed bout.

That doesn’t exactly mean that the two camps were suddenly at peace. They’re not. The evident hostility was there, behind closed doors,  at the official weigh-in in a moment best described by Morrell manager Luis De Cubas. 

Benavidez and De Cubas have been insulting each other all week. There have been allegations about performance-enhancing drugs, a knockdown of Morrell in training camp, money and even hand shakes. According to De Cubas, Friday morning’s chapter of discontent started with an attempted hand shake.

De Cubas said Benavidez arrived at the official weigh-in, offering to shake De Cubas’ hand. De Cubas refused. He said he wouldn’t accept anything — not an apology or anything else — from Benavidez. De Cubas called him a “——sucker” at Thursday’s news conference.

“He called me a thief,’’ De Cubas said.

By the time everybody reached the MGM Grand Garden Arena for the staged weigh-in, Benavidez  was only offering promises of pain and peril for the 27-year-old Morrell, an unbeaten Cuban living in Minneapolis.

“I guarantee that I’ll knock him out,’’ the 28-year-old Benavidez (29-0, 24 KOs) said to a crowd of a few thousand, most of whom made the drive up to Vegas from Phoenix, Benavidez’ hometown.

The weigh-in crowd was clearly there for Benavidez, who has gone from fat kid to feared fighter in an unlikely ascent to stardom. Fans at the weigh-in identify with Benavidez and the westside Phoenix streets that produced him.

“Benavidez, Benavidez”, they chanted.

Morrell (11-0, 9 KOs) heard them. His only answer was a gesture. He blew them kisses. It also might have been his way at telling them to kiss off. He and his corner enter Saturday’s fight confident that they can slow down Benavidez, often a freight train in the late rounds of any fight. The Cuban’s left hand, they say, will do to Benavidez what he guaranteed he’ll do to Morrell. A KO is Morrell’s promise.

Best bet?

Violence.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – The first must-see fight of 2025 takes place this coming Saturday night at T-Mobile Arena as power-puncher David Benavidez takes on boxing savant David Morrell to determine the next in line at 175-pounds, as mandated by not only two of the sport’s sanctioning bodies, but by the public as well. Fighters for Saturday’s event weighed-in this morning, but reenacted their trips to the scale before a large gathering on Friday afternoon at the MGM Grand Garden Arena at the MGM Grand. 

Benavidez (29-0, 24 KOs) of Las Vegas by way of Phoenix, Arizona has appeared motivated and agitated in the lead-up to Saturday’s fight, something that looked to be missing in his debut at 175-pounds. If the Arizona native unleashes “The Monster” of previous fights, Morrell will have his hands full once the bell rings. 

Morrell (11-0, 9 KOs) of Minneapolis, Minnesota by way of Santa Clara, Cuba has been waiting for an opportunity at one of the big names at 168 or 175-pounds to agree to put him on the big stage. When a fight with Canelo Alvarez, which has eluded Benavidez as well, was not forthcoming, Morrell’s team switched their focus to the Arizona puncher. Morrell, like Benavidez, did not look like his best self in his debut at the weight, even while scoring a wide decision. 

To many in the boxing world, the matter of who could stake claim as the number one light heavyweight in the world was settled last October when Artur Beterbiev decisioned Dmitrii Bivol to unify the four major world titles. Finding ways to cloud up a clear situation, the WBC and WBA each had anointed additional champions at 175-pounds, prior to the unification bout last fall. Benavidez claimed the interim WBC title in his light heavyweight debut via unanimous decision over Oleksandr Gvozdyk last June. Morrell, in his light heavyweight debut, moved past a tough Radivoje Kalajdzic to claim a secondary version of the WBA title last October. 

While Beterbiev and Bivol are set to meet again later this month, the winner of Saturday’s bout will unequivocally become the clear leading contender for the winner. Benavidez and Morrell both came in at 174.2-pounds. 

In a long awaited rematch, Brandon Figueroa (25-1-1, 19 KOs) of Weslaco, Texas attempts to avenge his lone career defeat while also defending the WBC featherweight title against Stephen Fulton Jr. (22-1, 8 KOs) of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in the co-main event of the evening. 

From the moment Figueroa heard the official cards go against him back in November of 2021, he believed he deserved the nod and wanted the rematch, but at 126-pounds, four pounds north. Figueroa made the necessary move to 126 where he would claim and defend the interim version of the WBC title, before being elevated to full-champion when Rey Vargas was demoted to the title of “champion in recess.” Now in his first defense of the full title, Figueroa will get the second chance at Fulton that he has yearned for since 2021. 

Fulton remained at 122-pounds after his victory over Figueroa, making one successful defense of his unified title before running into the buzzsaw that is Naoya Inoue and falling by way of eighth-round stoppage. Fulton, the WBC #2 ranked featherweight, made this bout a possibility by moving past veteran Carlos Castro via split decision last September here at T-Mobile Arena. Figueroa weighed-in at 125.8-pounds, while Fulton met the division limit of 126. 

Always a crowd favorite, Isaac Cruz (26-3-1, 18 KOs) of Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico hopes to take a step back towards a world title opportunity when he takes on former regional title holder Angel Fierro (23-2-2, 18 KOs) of San Diego, California by way of Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico in a ten-round junior welterweight bout. 

Cruz looks to rebound from a decision defeat to Jose “Rayo” Valenzuela last August and regain the momentum he had accrued since his memorable decision defeat to Gervonta Davis in 2021. Fierro moved up to the 140-pound class two fights back and was unsuccessful in Puerto Rico, before a get-well welterweight victory back home in Tijuana last time out. Cruz scaled 138.6-pounds, while Fierro made 139. 

WBC #6/WBA #7/IBF #8 ranked junior middleweight Jesus Ramos Jr. (21-1, 17 KOs) of Casa Grande, Arizona attempts to get his career rolling again against former champion Jeison Rosario (24-4-2, 18 KOs) of Miami, Floria by way of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic in a ten-round middleweight bout to open the pay-per-view telecast. 

Ramos last saw action in May of last year when he moved past Johan Gonzalez by ninth-round stoppage in this same arena. For Ramos, that victory is the one bout he has had since coming up short against Erikson Lubin the year prior. Rosario, who claimed the IBF light middleweight title, stopping Julian Williams, in January of 2020, is attempting to resurrect his career at Ramos’ expense. Ramos scaled 159-pounds, while Rosario came in at 159.2. The bout is for the vacant WBA North America middleweight title. 

In the final appetizer before the main pay-per-view card, Mirco Cuello (14-0, 11 KOs) of Arroyo Seco, Santa Fe, Argentina will take on Christian Olivo (22-1-1, 9 KOs) of San Diego by way of Hermosillo, Mexico in a ten-round elimination bout, putting the winner potentially next in line to securing a title opportunity against WBA featherweight champion Nick Ball. Cuello, the WBA #3/IBF #15 ranked featherweight, scaled 125.6-pounds. “Kiki” Olivo, the WBA #5 ranked 126-pounder, made 25.6-pounds.

In another of the broadcasted preliminaries, Yoenli Feliciano Hernandez (6-0, 6 KOs) of Providence, Rhode Island by way of Camaguey, Cuba will aim to get his countrymen in attendance warmed-up for the main event when he meets Angel Ruiz (18-3-1, 13 KOs) of Los Angeles, California by way of Culiacan, Sinaloa, Mexico in a ten-round middleweight fight. Feliciano Hernandez, who scored an eighth-round stoppage of a previously unbeaten opponent last time out in October, weighed-in at 158.4-pounds. Ruiz, who in 2021 stunted the career of Kazak Bobirzhan Mominov by decision, scaled 159.6-pounds. Feliciano Hernandez’s regional WBA Continental Latin America title is at stake. 

A late addition to the preliminary broadcast, which is free to all on Prime Video, Mayweather Promotions’ budding star Curmel Moton (6-0, 5 KOs) of Las Vegas returns to the ring against Frank Zaldivar (5-1, 3 KOs) of Miami by way of Santiago de Cuba, Cuba in an eight-round lightweight bout. Moton, returning to the scheduled eight-round distance for the first time since his second pro bout, came in at 134.8-pounds. Zaldivar, who dropped a ten-round decision in his last bout, made 135.8-pounds. 

Homegrown prospect Kaipo Gallegos (7-0-1, 6 KOs) of Las Vegas makes his second career appearance at T-Mobile Arena when takes on Leonardo Padilla (24-6-1, 17 KOs) of Petare, Venezuela in an eight-round lightweight bout on Saturday. Gallegos, reportedly an 18-time national champion as an amateur, scaled 134.6-pounds. Padilla, who scored his signature win over Andy Vences in 2023, but has struggled to see the final bell against the majority of his class opponents, weighed-in at 129.8. 

In a pairing of unbeaten super middleweights, former amateur star Daniel Blancas (11-0, 5 KOs) of Milwaukee, Wisconsin battles Juan Barajas (11-0-2, 7 KOs) of Victorville, California in an eight-round fight. Blancas, a regular David Benavidez sparring partner, scaled 166.2-pounds, while Barajas, entering the contest off of two consecutive draws, weighed-in 166.6. 

The elder of the fighting Benavidez brothers, Jose Benavidez Jr. (28-3-1, 19 KOs) of Phoenix is back in action against former Nico Ali Walsh adversary Danny Rosenberger (20-9-4, 10 KOs) of Youngstown, Ohio in an eight-round middleweight bout. Benavidez, looking to rebound from his one-sided defeat to Jermall Charlo back in November of 2023, came in at 160.8-pounds. Rosenberger, who notably fought Ali Walsh to a draw, only to have the decision changed to a no contest when the Ohio native’s random drug test came back with high levels of testosterone, scaled 159-pounds. 

Mayweather Promotions’ super middleweight John Easter (7-0, 7 KOs) of Las Vegas takes a step-up in class in just his second fight on U.S. soil when takes on Joseph Aguilar (6-2-1, 3 KOs) of Portland, Oregon in a six-rounder. Easter, in his first action since taking on award-winning trainer Bob Santos, weighed-in at 169.4-pounds. Aguilar, who has more wins than Easter’s previous seven opponents combined, made 171.8-pounds, which was 1.8 over the contracted limit. 

In a battle for Lone Star State bragging rights, Gabriela Tellez (3-0, 1 KO) of San Antonio, Texas will meet Abril Anguiano (4-0, 2 KOs) of Garland, Texas in a six-round featherweight bout. Tellez, a standout amateur before turning professional in July of last year, weighed-in at 127.8-pounds. Anguiano, who won a six-round decision in her last official bout over a solid fighter in Melissa Holguin last March, but also logged four rounds over two nights in Team Combat League last summer, came in at 125.2-pounds. 

Quick Weigh-in Results:

WBC Interim Light Heavyweight Championship

WBA Light Heavyweight Championship

WBC Light Heavyweight Championship & WBA Light Heavyweight Championship Elimination Bout, 12 Rounds

Benavidez 174.2

Morrell 174.2

WBC Featherweight Championship, 12 Rounds

Figueroa 125.8

Fulton Jr. 126

Light welterweights, 10 Rounds 

Cruz 138.6

Fierro 139

WBA Continental North America Middleweight Championship, 10 Rounds

Ramos Jr. 159

Rosario 159.2

WBA Featherweight Championship Elimination Bout, 10 Rounds

Cuello 125.6

Olivo 125.6

WBA Continental Latin America Middleweight Championship, 10 Rounds

Feliciano Hernandez 158.4

Ruiz 159.6

Lightweights, 8 Rounds

Gallegos 134.6

Padilla 129.8

Super middleweights, 8 Rounds

Blancas 166.2

Barajas 159.6

Lightweights, 8 Rounds

Moton 134.8

Zaldivar 135.8

Middleweights, 8 Rounds

Benavidez Jr. 160.8

Rosenberger 159

Super middleweights, 8 Rounds

Easter 169.4

Aguilar 171.8*

Featherweights, 6 Rounds

Tellez 127.8

Anguiano 125.2

*Aguilar 1.8-pounds over contracted weight 

Tickets for the Premier Boxing Champions event, promoted by TGB Promotions, Warriors Boxing Promotions, Sampson Boxing and Mayweather Promotions, are available online at Ticketmaster.com 

Photos by Ester Lin/Premier Boxing Champions 

Mario Ortega Jr. can be reached at [email protected] 

LAS VEGAS, NV (January 31, 2025) – Rising middleweight power puncher, John “The Candyman” Easter (7-0, 7 KOs) will make his Las Vegas debut on February 1, 2025, at the T-Mobile Arena. Fighting in a scheduled six-round bout on the stacked undercard of David Benavidez vs. David Morrell Jr. event, Easter will face a rough, durable opponent in Joseph Aguilar (6-2-1, 3 KOs), who has never been stopped.

Originally from Charleston, South Carolina, the undefeated knockout artist now calls Las Vegas home, where he trains under the guidance of the highly acclaimed Bob Santos, the 2022 Ring Magazine and Sports Illustrated Trainer of the Year. Promoted by Floyd Mayweather’s TMT Promotions, Easter has quickly become one of the rising stars in boxing, with all seven of his victories coming by way of knockout.

“Fighting in Las Vegas, the fight capital of the world, has been very instrumental in my development,” said Easter. “This is my chance to make a statement and show the world what ‘The Candyman’ is all about. I’ve been putting in the work, and I’m ready to deliver an explosive performance.”

Training with Bob Santos has taken Easter’s game to the next level. “Working with Bob has been incredible. He’s one of the best minds in the sport, and we’ve built a great connection. He knows how to bring out the best in me, and I can’t wait to show the results of our hard work on fight night.”

Easter also credits Floyd Mayweather for playing a pivotal role in his career. “Floyd has been an amazing mentor. His advice and support have been invaluable, both inside and outside the ring. He’s always pushing me to be the best version of myself, and having his guidance means the world to me.”

With his perfect record and a reputation for electrifying knockouts, Easter urged fans to arrive early to catch his fight. “If you haven’t watched me fight before, you’re in for something special. My power and style do all the talking. Be sure to grab your seat early because this fight will nothing short of amazing.”

Easter’s upcoming bout against Aguilar represents a significant step forward as he continues march up the rankings in the middleweight division. Fans and critics alike will be watching closely as “The Candyman” looks to make an impression on one of the year’s biggest boxing stages.

By Norm Frauenheim

LAS VEGAS — Two days before opening bell, promoter Tom Brown promises violence. Minutes later, David Benavidez says enough to enrage David Morrell and his manager, Luis DeCubas, pushing Brown’s promise ever closer to reality during a contentious news conference Thursday. 

Benavidez turned up the rhetoric, elevating the potential hostility by several octaves, with everything from profane threats to personal insults during an angry hour in a ballroom at the MGM Grand.

Ordinarily, trash talk at a boxing news conference is a redundancy. It’s all part of the show. Increasingly however, a method in Benavidez’ madness is apparent. It’s in his words, to be sure. But it’s also in his eyes. Again and again Thursday, the Phoenix-born fighter looked  across the table at Morrell and De Cubas with eyes that flashed like sparks off flint. Benavidez, nicknamed The Monster and sounding like one, looks to be serious in the final hours before his light-heavyweight clash with Morrell Saturday at T-Mobile Arena.

The trash talk is like another training session, one that further sharpens the edge on his mind and emotion. Ask him about it, and he acknowledges that the verbal exchanges help channel his energies and maybe his anger, too.

That wasn’t apparent in his last fight, a light-heavyweight debut, a bout with former 175-pound champion Oleksandr Gvozdyk in June. Benavidez won, but without any of the dynamic energy that has been a trademark for so long. He liked Gvozdyk, a quiet and skillful Ukrainian.

“We spoke different languages and we respected each other, unlike this effing guy, who I don’t effing respect at all,’’ Benavidez told The Boxing Hour/15 Rounds as he waved a dismissive gesture toward Morrell’s side of the stage.

One thing became loudly clear at the newser. Benavidez and Morrell understand each other. Both are fluent in profanity. But there were signs that Morrell wanted to insert a little civility to the pre-fight proceedings.

“Peace and love,’’ Morrell, a Cuban living in Minneapolis, said at the end of his first turn at the bully pulpit.

Benavidez reacted to that like a predator pursuing prey.

“Peace and love, what’s the hell is that?’’ Benavidez said. “But I’m not surprised, because I know he’s effing afraid of me.’’

The hostility, sparked by Benavidez, began with a barrage of insults aimed at De Cubas. De Cubas tried to keep his cool as he spoke amid one interruption after another. But it was to no avail. Finally, De Cubas answered, profanity-for-profanity.

“—-sucker,’’ he yelled, throwing out an obscene insult that set the stage for an X-rated show.

It got so bad that Benavidez manager and promoter, Sampson Lewkowicz actually admonished De Cubas.

 “I want to apologize for De Cubas’ behavior,’’ said Lewkowicz, who isn’t exactly known for diplomacy. “We didn’t need anybody to scream. This fight sells it itself.’’

But the screaming continued anyway for an intriguing light-heavyweight bout between young fighters, both entering their primes and both unbeaten. They’re both cocksure, which isn’t exactly the word De Cubas used to describe Benavidez. But you get the idea.

After the newser, De Cubas said he wasn’t surprised at how Benavidez went at him.

“We know all about Benavidez’ bullying and all of that other stuff,’’ De Cubas said in the relative calm just outside the doors to the MGM Grand’s media room. “I knew it was coming. But when you behave like that, it’s because of fear. I saw that fear in him. Look, I think he knows that some time during the fight he’s going to realize that he shouldn’t have taken this fight in the first place.

“He’s complaining about not shaking hands. Before that, there was all this stuff about steroids. But we were the first to agree to VADA testing. There’s always something. Why? Because he’s afraid he’s gonna get knocked out.”

Who’s afraid of who? Brown’s promise suggests that nobody is afraid at all. In part, that’s why he’s forecasting violence.

“At the end of the day, we’re selling fights, right?’’ said Benavidez, who lives in Miami these days yet continues to honor his Phoenix roots with PHX boldly stitched onto the waistband of his trunks. “Would I rather say he’s a good fighter? I’m trying to sell the fight. I’m trying to sell pay-per-views. I’m trying to generate interest because if I don’t say anything, this effing guy’s not going to say anything. People are paying hard-earned money for this fight. 

“They want to see something. Let’s give them something to see.”

Angry words, but they’re also words from a fighter who hopes to be a peoples champ. Perhaps, The Peoples Champ

“I want to be the Face of Boxing,’’ said Benavidez, who on Thursday was a face hard to ignore. 

Harder to silence. 

By Norm Frauenheim

LAS VEGAS — If trash talk is a reliable way to measure David Benavidez’ readiness, it’s at the top of the scale and climbing  just a few days before he faces David Morrell Saturday in a bout as big as any in his career.

Benavidez welcomed a crowd of gamblers, guests and fans on the MGM Grand’s casino floor Wednesday with promises and threats about what he intends to do to Morrell at the nearby T-Mobile Arena in a light-heavyweight eliminator streamed by Amazon Prime.

“I’m going to beat the bleep out of him,’’ Benavidez (29-0, 21 KOs) shouted as he stepped into the ring for a public workout that included three-year-old son, Anthony, who imitated his father with a display of fast hands and a playful look.

Subtract a bleep or two, and Morrell (11-0, 9 KOs) said pretty much the same thing to a crowd of fans anxious to see the former Cuban amateur, now a left-handed light-heavyweight living in Minneapolis.

If the trash-talk exchange sounds familiar, it is. Benavidez, a Phoenix fighter now living in Miami, shouted some of the same insults with the same intensity at Caleb Plant before he scored a punishing super-middleweight decision over Plant in March 2023 at the MGM Grand. 

Benavidez and Plant exchanged profane threats then. They also exchanged hugs after it was all over.

“Truth is, I always hate the guys I’m about to fight,’’ said Benavidez, whose older brother, Phoenix-born fighter Jose Benavidez Jr. (28-3-1, 19 KOs), is also scheduled for the undercard in an eight-rounder against Danny Rosenberger (28-9-4, 10 KOs), a junior-middleweight from Youngstown, Ohio. “But this time, the guy is promising to beat me up, knock me out. All of that makes me respond. I never been more ready to beat the bleep out someone more than I am this guy.’’

Benavidez, who said he was ready for Morrell’s southpaw style, also enters the clash — David-versus-David — with some intriguing help from one of the best light-heavyweights ever. 

Andre Ward, who retired unbeaten, spent some time with Benavidez in a training camp that was divided between Miami and Las Vegas.

“It was good,’’ said Benavidez, who spent time with Ward during the Vegas half of the camp. “We talked about a lot of stuff. The biggest thing is something you’ll see Saturday. He told me to keep my lead hand up. There were other things. But that’s help I’ll use right away.’’

LAS VEGAS – January 29, 2025 – Interim WBC Light Heavyweight Champion David “El Monstro” Benavidez and WBA Light Heavyweight Champion David Morell Jr. kicked off fight week events on Wednesday with a grand arrivals and media workout event before they meet in a battle of unbeaten stars this Saturday, February 1 headlining a PBC Pay-Per-View event on Prime Video taking place Saturday, Feb. 1 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Wednesday’s event also featured fighters competing on the loaded four-fight pay-per-view, including WBC Featherweight World Champion Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa and former unified world champion Stephen Fulton Jr., who square off in the co-main event in a rematch of one of 2021’s best fights.

Rounding out the lineup Wednesday were Mexican star and former world champion Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz and hard-charging contender Angel Fierro, who compete in an all-Mexican super lightweight pay-per-view attraction, plus rising Mexican star Jesus “Mono” Ramos Jr. and former unified champion Jeison Rosario, who duel in a 10-round middleweight fight that opens the pay-per-view at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

Tickets for the live event are on sale now through AXS.com.

In addition to the PPV being available for purchase on Prime Video in the US, UK, and now Canada — regardless of Prime membership — fans will also be able to continue to access the telecast through traditional cable and satellite outlets as well as PPV.com. 

Here is what the fighters had to say Wednesday from MGM Grand:

DAVID BENAVIDEZ

“I’ve been working extremely hard. I told you all I was going to break David Morrell’s face and that’s exactly what I’m going to do on Saturday.

“Everyone is gonna see a great fight. I’ve prepared extremely well for this fight. Don’t blink, because this fight is gonna end early.

“There’s nothing left to say, David Morrell is gonna see what’s up. I don’t care what he has to say, I just hope he’s ready to fight.

“I’m very grateful for all of the love and support from the fans. That’s why I do it and that’s what’s gonna make Saturday night such an incredible event.”

DAVID MORRELL JR.

“I don’t care what he brings into the ring. They call him the monster, but I’m not worried about any of that. I have my team behind me and I’m ready.

“I’m 100% confident. I have Ronnie Shields in my corner and we had a great training camp in Texas. I feel great and I’m not worried about what anyone else is saying. I’m going to get the last word on Saturday.

“Inside of the ring, nobody can stop what we’re gonna do to each other, just the referee. I promise that I’m here to knock him out.

“I have everything I need to win. This is my time and my moment. 2025 is my year.

“I’m excited for this big opportunity. This is going to open the door for other Cuban fighters to follow me. I’m extremely happy to have this moment almost be here.”

BRANDON FIGUEROA

“I’m very excited and can’t wait to get my lick back. It’s going to be a fun fight. I’m focused and ready.

“This preparation was different. I feel stronger and sharper. I’m a different fighter at this weight and everyone will see on Saturday.

“I come to steal the show. I want to take over boxing and go down in the history books as one of the greats.

“What happened in the first fight isn’t important anymore. I have a new opportunity on Saturday and we’re going to make the most of it.

“This card is stacked. It’s elite level boxing all night. You don’t want to miss this card, because I’m coming for the knockout.

STEPHEN FULTON JR.

“Being a two-division world champion would mean a lot for my career and mean a lot to me. I had great preparation for this fight and everything is on track for me to be prepared on Saturday night. I’m going to be ready.

“My mindset, my body and how I’m feeling going into this ring will be different this time, but the outcome will be the same. I will be victorious and I will leave no doubters. I’m not worrying about anything but getting the win.

“We’re both going to be better this time, but I feel like I’m the better man overall. I’m more intelligent in the ring and I feel like I have a better skill set. When I utilize those things, it all lands my way.”

ISAAC CRUZ

“I’m very happy to be back here in Las Vegas once again. This is going to be a great fight that will be etched in Mexican boxing history. I have to give everyone a show they’ll remember.

“I worked extremely hard with my team in Mexico City. I have to be at my best to come out with the victory on Saturday night.

“You’re going to see a renewed version of Isaac ‘Pitbull’ Cruz. I wouldn’t be here without these fans and I promise that I’ll be the best version of myself on Saturday night.

“We’re in a powder keg right now and Saturday night it’s gonna be an explosive show for everyone watching.”

ANGEL FIERRO

“I’m elated to be here because this is going to be a great fight on Saturday night. I’m going to prove that I’m up to this kind of challenge. I’m here to beat ‘Pitbull’ Cruz.

“I love being the underdog and upsetting the favorite. I’ve done it before and I’m here to do it again.

“Everyone is going to see a hungry fighter who wants to be a world champion. In order to be the champion you have to beat the champion. I’m coming to shine and show that I’m the next big thing in boxing.

“To all the fans, and to ‘Pitbull’ Cruz as well, get ready, because it’s gonna be an all-out war.”

JESUS RAMOS JR.

“I’m going to come out strong on Saturday. I’m motivated. My approach from now on is to deliver knockouts. It’s nothing against him, but that’s what the fans want and that’s what I want as well.

“I have to be explosive being on a card like this. I’m opening the show, so I have to set the tone for the rest of the fighters and make sure we all bring exciting fights. I’m trying to steal the show.

“I was a fan of Rosario’s when he became a world champion. I studied his style and watched a lot of him, and that’s how the business goes sometimes. I have to do my job on Saturday night.

“Without the fans none of this is possible. They make fight week exciting and get me more motivated to be back in the ring. I can’t wait for Saturday night.”

JEISON ROSARIO

“I’m 100% ready for this fight. I had a great training camp. I’m here to rip Jesus Ramos’ head off. That’s what it’s all about. I’m gonna show up on Saturday.

“I’m really happy and excited to be here on the big stage. This is a great fight on a great card and I can feel the energy.

“I don’t feel pressure. I’m just committed to doing what I came here to do. We have to give the fans a great fight and that’s what they’ll see on Saturday.

“Ramos said he’s gonna knock me out. I think he’s getting too cocky. That’s gonna make his fall even harder.

“I’m a different person inside of the ring. I’m going to be at my best. The past is the past and I’m just here to shine on Saturday night.”

#         #         #

ABOUT BENAVIDEZ VS. MORRELL

Benavidez vs. Morrell will see Interim WBC Light Heavyweight Champion David “El Monstro” Benavidez and WBA Light Heavyweight Champion David Morrell Jr. meet in a battle of unbeatens that pits two of the sport’s most exciting fighters against each other in the primes of their careers headlining a PBC Pay-Per-View event on Prime Video taking place Saturday, Feb. 1 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

The co-main event will see WBC Featherweight World Champion Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa defend his title against former unified world champion Stephen Fulton Jr. in a rematch of one of 2021’s best fights.

The pay-per-view will also feature Mexican star and former world champion Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz facing the hard-charging contender Angel Fierro in an all-Mexican super lightweight duel, plus rising Mexican star Jesus “Mono” Ramos Jr. battles former unified champion Jeison Rosario in a 10-round middleweight fight that opens the pay-per-view at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

Preceding the pay-per-view, Prime Video will stream a two-fight prelims card at 6:00 p.m. ET/3:00 p.m. PT that will be available via free access to all fans, regardless of Prime membership or purchase of the PPV card.

The streaming presentation will feature undefeated Argentine Olympian Mirco Cuello taking on Mexican contender Christian Olivo in a 10-round featherweight matchup, plus WBA No. 1-ranked middleweight contender Yoenli Feliciano Hernandez stepping in against all-action contender Angel Ruiz in a 10-round duel that opens up the live stream.

For more information visit www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #BenavidezMorrell, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, on Instagram @PremierBoxing or become a fan on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions

 LAS VEGAS – January 28, 2025 – With fight week underway and a titanic showdown looming, boxing’s top fighters, trainers and media members have weighed-in to offer predictions and analysis for this Saturday’s matchup between Interim WBC Light Heavyweight Champion David “El Monstro” Benavidez and WBA Light Heavyweight Champion David Morrell Jr. as they headline a PBC Pay-Per-View event on Prime Video from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

This main event showdown is years in the making as Benavidez and Morrell will meet with a chance to not only establish themselves as the future of the light heavyweight division, but as a potential force on pound-for-pound lists and one of the faces of the sport for years to come.

Tickets for the live event are on sale now through AXS.com.

In addition to the PPV being available for purchase on Prime Video in the US, UK, and now Canada — regardless of Prime membership — fans will also be able to continue to access the telecast through traditional cable and satellite outlets as well as PPV.com. 

The boxing pundits have unanimously expressed their anticipation for this matchup, with most seeing paths to victory for either fighter. The oddsmakers agree on the 50-50 nature of the fight, with DraftKings Sportsbook listing the odds as Benavidez -190 and Morrell +155. See below for an expansive gathering of fight analysis from the boxing world before this rivalry between Benavidez and Morrell is settled in the ring on Saturday night:

Juan Manuel Marquez, Boxing Legend & ProBox Analyst

“This is going to be a complicated fight for Benavidez across the first few rounds. However, Benavidez’s speed and the level of his past opponents are better than Morrell’s. Benavidez has shown us his speed, his power and his conditioning, which will be very important and allow him to overcome Morrell and win this fight by a decision.”

Stephen A. Smith, ESPN (Via Sean Zittel, @Sean_Zittel on X)

“David Benavidez vs. David Morrell Jr. is a big fight. I’m a huge David Benavidez fan and I applaud him because he ducks no one. He’s ready to fight at all times. He is the Mexican Monster. Sometimes I wonder if someone is going to hurt him, because he doesn’t really move. He’s shown that he can take a punch and he can damn sure give one, with either hand. He’s got speed, he’s got power, he’s got boxing ability and he’s got heart. I don’t know if there’s a bigger fan of David Benavidez than me. I have a lot of love for his skills and I want to see him on the big stage.”

Lamont Roach, WBA Super Featherweight World Champion

“Benavidez vs. Morrell is a very interesting fight and one of the better fights of the year coming up in 2025. It’s a barnburner of a fight. Morrell is a flash Cuban fighter, but he’s also got the power. With David Benavidez, he’s a monster. He overwhelms his opponents, punches hard, has good shot selection and good defense that people sleep on. I’m going with David Benavidez by late stoppage. I think he wears Morrell down and hurts him to the body.”

Large, Barstool Sports

“Some people think that Morrell has been moved along too quickly, but it’s not like Benavidez is the master of the light heavyweight division just yet. Morrell has more than a puncher’s chance and I’m going to buck the trend and take the upset. One of the reasons why is that I’m hoping for a trilogy out of this one, because this first fight is probably gonna be a banger.”

Jesus Ramos Jr., Rising Contender

“I’m very excited for this David Benavidez vs. David Morrell Jr. main event, but I do have Benavidez pulling it off based on his experience. I see him taking over in the later rounds in a competitive fight.”

Raheem Palmer, The Ringer

“Many fans and analysts see this as a 50-50 fight, with two guys in their prime risking it all in a fight that has Fight Of The Year potential. Nonetheless, David Benavidez is anywhere from a

-166 favorite to a -220 over David Morrell according to the Vegas odds, denoting that he has anywhere from a 62% to a 68% chance of winning. I think the oddsmakers have this one pegged correctly as Benavidez should have the edge in terms of experience, as he’s faced top notch competition like Oleksandr Gvozdyk, Demetrius Andrade, Caleb Plant and David Lemieux.

“While Morrell has the size, power, reach advantage and speed to make this a tough fight for Benavidez, his experience is lacking as he made his mark as an amateur, but only has 11 fights as a pro for a total of 54 rounds. Coming off a lackluster performance against Radivoje Kalajdzic, it’s tough to imagine him winning here against the more seasoned fighter. This fight is a huge step up in class against an aggressive high volume puncher like Benavidez who can smother an opponent with his offense and yet also has the ability to move, box and make adjustments. That said, Benavidez also left a lot to be desired in his first fight at 175 and you have to wonder if Benavidez has the same power at light heavyweight as he did at Super Middleweight? I’m not sure he does but the top tier experience and pedigree should win out here. I’m picking Benavidez to win this by decision.”

Chris Mannix, Sports Illustrated & Boxing with Mannix & Mora

“Tremendous fight and kudos to both guys for taking it. Two reasons I favor Benavidez: Experience and activity. Benavidez’s pro resume is significantly better and that matters, particularly in the later rounds. That’s also where Benavidez’s motor will become a factor. I see this being a competitive fight over the first half with David taking over to win a clean decision in the second.”

Chava Rodriguez, ESPN Deportes

“This is not an easy fight to predict, but I believe that the experience that David Benavidez has gained the last couple of years will work in his favor. It’s a great fight and I wouldn’t be surprised if Morrell won, but I’m going with Benavidez on February 1.”

Keith Idec, Ring Magazine; Uncrowned.com

“Morrell might be the most complete opponent of Benavidez’s 11-year professional career. The skillful, strong southpaw should make the first several rounds very competitive, but his inexperience in this type of battle of attrition will eventually lead to Benavidez breaking down the unbeaten Cuban and stopping him before the championship rounds.”

Jake Donovan, Ring Magazine

“There are some days where I feel like David Benavidez is just too much for David Morrell Jr., and he’s going to properly grow into light heavyweight and stop Morrell. There are other days where I feel we didn’t see the best David Morrell Jr. last August and that he’s going to be even better on February 1 and show that Benavidez bit off more than he could chew. As much as I go back and forth, I’m going with my original instinct of David Benavidez finding a way to win. I don’t see a stoppage either way though. I could see Morrell having a lot of success early, and Benavidez staying in the fight and not falling too far behind before eventually pulling away in the second half. I think he edges out a decision in a very very good fight.”

Brian Campbell, Host of “Morning Kombat”

“How good is David Benavidez vs. David Morrell Jr.? It’s easily one of the best five fights you can make in all of boxing. Two unbeatens in their physical primes ready to face off against one another to see who gets the shot at the undisputed light heavyweight crown. Plus, they don’t like each other. It’s also a perfect style contrast in many ways. They’re both going to bring the passion, intensity and big-time power in both hands. You’ve got the southpaw Morrell with the crafty technical skills and the well-rounded game against the monster himself in Benavidez, who once he starts going downhill on you, it comes down to whether you can handle the heat in the kitchen. This is the epitome of a 50-50 fight at the highest level. I can certainly see a decision that looks like it could go either way, but until I see David Benavidez lose, I’m not going against the monster.”

Dan Rafael, Fight Freaks Unite

“Benavidez vs. Morrell is one of the best fights that could have been made. It’s a 50-50 fight on paper, it has high significance and it’s been brewing for a while. In the ring, both guys are very skilled, but they also usually make for entertaining fights, so I am really looking forward to it. It’s a hard pick but I’m going with Benavidez by decision in a tough fight.”

Mark Anderson, Associated Press

“I expect David Benavidez to go for the knockout in the early rounds, with his aggressiveness also opening him up to taking shots on his end. If David Morrell Jr. can get through those first rounds and land his own share of punches, I like his chances the later the fight goes on. He would either rack up enough points to win on the judges’ cards or deliver a KO late against a worn-down Benavidez.”

Ricardo Celis, ProBox Anchor

“I think that Benavidez vs. Morrell will be a real war between two fighters that come forward. Benavidez may have a slight edge because of his experience and because he uses his jab well. Morrell is going to feel things get harder as he starts to feel the ‘Mexican Monster’s’ power.”

Tris Dixon, Boxing Scene

“What a terrific fight. You always know a match is good when you aren’t sure if it’s actually been made or if it’s fake news doing the rounds. Is it too early for Morrell? Is it too risky for Benavidez? Regardless of the above, it’s hard not to see the styles gelling. We know what we get from both fighters: skill, ambition, power, and the will to fight the best. I’m hoping that the bad blood that’s manifested itself in the build-up means they will come out fast and we get the breathless firefight we crave. If that’s the case, I’m picking Benavidez to ride out some unpleasant moments, and maybe even climb off the deck, to win a battle in which volume and courage see him cross the finish line.”

Elie Seckbach, ESNews

“I can’t wait for February 1, it’s one of the biggest fights of the year. I used to watch Benavidez when he was 11-years-old in the gym with Manny Pacquiao and I’ve seen him grow from there, and now he’s fighting the very very tough David Morrell Jr., who’s also a tremendous fighter. I’m picking Benavidez by late stoppage, but it’s gonna be a great fight. It’s must-see TV. Every second will be exciting.”

Sean Zittel – Sean Zittel YouTube Channel

“In this fight you have two guys with speed, power, undefeated records and a real belief that they can knock the other guy out. I have to favor David Benavidez because he has something that David Morrell Jr. does not, and that’s championship experience in 12 round fights. I think that experience will pay dividends and make Benavidez the savvier fighter. It’s asking a lot of Morrell, who hasn’t lost a lot of rounds or been hurt as a pro, to have to navigate the deep waters against a seasoned and in his prime professionally. I have Benavidez winning this fight between rounds seven and 10 by TKO.”

Marcos Villegas – Fight Hub

“First off, what a great matchup between two of the top 175-pound fighters in the world. This fight for me really comes down to if David Morrell Jr. can handle the volume and pressure of Benavidez over the course of 12 rounds and if can maintain his poise and fight his fight. He’s been uncharacteristically emotional in the build up to this fight and if he decides to mix it up with Benavidez it won’t end well for him. I predict a very close fight and a split decision for either.” 

Bob Santos, Trainer of Mario Barrios, Jeison Rosario & More

“It doesn’t get any better than this fight. You have two elite, young athletes in their primes. This is great for the sports world. Benavidez has fast hands, an unbelievable jab, high ring IQ and savviness from his plethora of fights. David Morrell Jr. has those superior Cuban skills, with his hand speed, foot speed and athleticism to burn. Get your popcorn ready, because it’s gonna be unbelievable. I know both guys very well and I’m rolling with David Morrell Jr. It’s gonna be a great fight, a 50-50 fight.”

Naji Grampus, Cigar Talk

“The best fight of 2025 so far is David Benavidez vs. David Morrell Jr. What more could you ask for? This is truly a 50-50 fight. When I’m looking at it and breaking it down, I have to give the edge to David Benavidez. I think in David Morrell’s last fight, he struggled against the jab and foot movement. I didn’t see the necessary adjustments from him that he needs to overcome the volume and intensity of David Benavidez. Benavidez wasn’t at his best in his last fight, but he still dominated the fight. I’m going with Benavidez by decision, but I could be wrong, because this is a 50-50 fight.”

Jose Romero, Arizona Republic

“I feel like David Morrell will be David Benavidez’s toughest opponent that he’s faced to date. He’ll definitely land some shots here and there and some of them might serve as a wakeup call for Benavidez. But in the end I think that Benavidez will come out on top because he’s faced better opponents and he knows what the bright lights feel like.”

Derrick James, Trainer of Jermell Charlo, Frank Martin, Ryan Garcia & More

“I believe that Benavidez has the faster hands and better foot movement, while Morrell could be the bigger puncher. Morrell has to cut the ring off and set Benavidez up. Whoever implements their strategy best will be the winner.”

Kevin Iole, KevinIole.com

“I love this light heavyweight title fight on February 1 between David Benavidez and David Morrell Jr. Both guys are in their primes, both guys are unbeaten and both guys deserve to be right there at the top of the division. I’m going to take David Benavidez because I believe he has more ways to win the fight. He can box, he can punch, he can make adjustments in the fight and I believe he’s fought better competition. I think Benavidez wins an excellent fight by decision.”

Manouk Akopyan, Ring Magazine

“David Benavidez vs. David Morrell Jr. is a welcome breath of fresh air for boxing featuring two undefeated light heavyweights in their prime squaring off for supremacy in a highly competitive fight. The 50-50 matchup sells itself, but the disdain between the Davids has been a surprising development throughout the buildup of their bout. Benavidez, 28, and Morrell, 27, both understand the magnitude of their high-stakes meeting. The winner is sitting pretty and pounding the table for the undisputed light heavyweight championship and even Canelo Alvarez. The loser potentially toils with middling opposition over the next 18 months as they rebuild their stock. This matchup presents a classic clash of styles: Benavidez’s relentless and aggressive offensive approach against the crafty southpaw Morrell’s technical yet prodigious finesse. Like oddsmakers, I edge a thrilling fight toward Benavidez, who has more experience and a proven track record at the elite level.

Joe Santoloquito, Ring Magazine

“I like David Morrell in this one. I will admit he has a lot going against him, given Benavidez’ championship-rounds pedigree. Morrell, I feel, has dimensions to his skillset that we have yet to see and feel someone as talented as Benavidez will make them surface.”

Jeandra Labeuf, Best Women’s Boxing Show

“David Benavidez’s relentless pressure and physicality will eventually overwhelm David Morrell Jr. While Morrell may have early success with his technical skills and athleticism, Benavidez’s ability to cut off the ring and impose his will will begin to wear him down. By the later rounds, Benavidez pace and power will dominate, leaving Morrell struggling to keep up. I’m expecting to see Benavidez take over decisively as the fight progresses, potentially securing a late stoppage or a dominant decision victory.”

Matt Lenihan, Boxing Social

“For David Benavidez vs. David Morrell Jr. I have to favor Benavidez, but only slightly. Both guys are fighting in their primes and putting it all on the line, but I believe David Benavidez has the crucial edge in big fight experience. He’s fought at a higher level with significant victories over world class operators like Caleb Plant and Demetrius Andrade. I also believe his power could come into play down the stretch. So for me, I lean David Benavidez by late stoppage.”

Ron Goodall, FightHype

“I think on paper, this is the perfect fight for each Benavidez and Morrell. Although both fighters possess similar size attributes, I have Benavidez winning. His experience will produce a dominant second half, which could lead to a potential late stoppage.”

Jamil Parker, YSM Sports Media

“First I would like to commend David Benavidez for taking on tough challenges again and again, but stylistically David Morrell Jr. is a bad matchup for him. Benavidez thrives on pushing the pace, punching in bunches and overwhelming opponents with his size and volume. Morrell is bigger, faster and more skilled than Benavidez. In those early rounds when Caleb Plant and Demetrius Andrade out boxed Benavidez, Morrell will have the same success, but will hurt him in the process, constantly turning him and using angles while punching in between Benavidez’s punches. I see Morrell stopping Benavidez in either round nine or 10.”

Cynthia Conte, Best Women’s Boxing Show

“Benavidez vs Morrell is a mouth-watering fight. They both are undefeated dangerous fighters that both need to work behind their jabs. I expect Morrell to be flashy and quick with his hands and feet in the first couple rounds, but once Benavidez finds his rhythm and figures out Morrell’s timing, I believe Benavidez’s volume punching, non-stop pressure and punishing Morrell’s body will break Morrell’s will. I’m taking Benavidez by late TKO.”

Ricardo Lopez, La Opinion

“David Benavidez vs. David Morrell is, in a word, an explosion. Two dynamic and talented sluggers who guarantee an awesome match. It can be said that Benavidez hasn’t faced an opponent as good as Morrell, and for sure the Cuban hasn’t been in the ring with a champion like the Mexican-American Benavidez. Both fighters are really stepping up for the fans with this one. This will be one spectacular fight where both guys will be punched… and hurt. Benavidez prevails by a close decision where his big heart will be proven.”

Ronnie Duncan, Sports Rap Network

“It’s going to be a good one…and for a moment, Morrell’s awkwardness will cause some problems, however Benavidez’s work rate and intestinal fortitude will stop Morrell by knockout in round seven.”

Rob Tebbutt, Boxing News

“This is a bout that is fraught with danger for both men, which is why it brings such intrigue. For Benavidez, a relentless pressure fighter who throws punches in bunches, the explosive offense of Morrell could spell danger, particularly early on in the fight. Benavidez won’t be able to rely on sheer brute force to grind Morrell down, and will have to be switched on defensively from the outset. He will not be able to give any free shots away to Morrell. Morrell, on the other hand, must try and make his power count early in the contest. We’ve seen Benavidez overwhelm opponents as the rounds go on, and Morrell has only been the twelve round distance twice in his career.

“I think Benavidez will struggle early on with the angles and variety of Morrell’s offense, but should he survive the first four rounds without taking too much damage, I’m banking on the experience and engine over the longer distance to be enough to outlast Morrell. Make no mistake, this is a fight that could go either way, but I’m edging towards Benavidez weathering an early storm before finishing strong and rallying to a competitive decision victory.”

2ToneDaSupastar, 2ToneDaSupastar YouTube Channel

“I am going with the Mexican Monster David Benavidez. He’s got too much experience. Morrell has never fought in a fight of this magnitude, while Benavidez has faced Demetrius Andrade and Caleb Plant. So I have to go with David Benavidez.”

Frank Sanchez, Heavyweight Contender

“This fight on February 1 will be very difficult for both fighters. However, I predict that David Morell Jr. will win. He has everything he needs to win and become champion. He has the desire and is very hungry and eager to prove himself. I know he’s going to achieve his goals for Cuba.”

ShowBizzAdult, ShowBizzTheAdult YouTube Channel

“I’m going with the Mexican Monster because of his experience. Morrell doesn’t have the same kind of pro experience that Benavidez has. Now we have seen fighters with very little pro experience make a huge splash as a pro. But those fighters were all Olympic champions, and while Morrell has a great Cuban amateur background, Benavidez just has more pro experience on his resume.”

EzRaw, Brunch Boxing

“To me this fight is a top three matchup that you can make in boxing right now. These are two guys in their physical primes and it promises a violent outcome. I think Morrell will look to do damage from a distance, while Benavidez will look to go inside and break his opponent down. That’s where Benavidez has been successful and I think he’ll do it again with a stoppage in the ninth round.”

Yoenli Hernandez, WBA No. 1 Middleweight Contender

“I’ve been in training camp with David Morrell and with the way everything is going, I think he’s going to get the knockout in the eighth round.”

Liliana Ulloa, Xicana Boxing

“What was already a salivating matchup at 168 pounds now reaches a boiling point at 175. Both looked mortal in their debuts at 175, each going the distance. But as Benavidez told me in our interview, not all performances are created equal. Morrell went 12 rounds with an unheralded opponent, while Benavidez fought a former WBC light heavyweight champion and Olympic medalist, dominating despite injuries. Morrell’s footwork and Cuban-style boxing make the early rounds tricky for Benavidez, who might struggle to close the distance. But once Benavidez finds his rhythm, ‘El Monstro’ delivers. Expect ‘RoboCop’ to eventually cut off the ring with relentless pressure, corner Morrell, and unleash his trademark lightning-fast combinations for a late stoppage.”

Steven Cureño III, K.O. Artist Sports

“Benavidez vs. Morrell is a true 50/50 fight! Both guys were monsters at 168 and had debuts at 175 that left the public wondering if they would be the same menacing powerhouses they were at the lighter weight class. This fight comes down to experience, and with over double the amount of fights, Benavidez has that in his pocket. I see ‘The Mexican Monster’ edging out a close, tactical but violent decision after 12 rounds.”

#         #         #

ABOUT BENAVIDEZ VS. MORRELL

Benavidez vs. Morrell will see Interim WBC Light Heavyweight Champion David “El Monstro” Benavidez and WBA Light Heavyweight Champion David Morrell Jr. meet in a battle of unbeatens that pits two of the sport’s most exciting fighters against each other in the primes of their careers headlining a PBC Pay-Per-View event on Prime Video taking place Saturday, Feb. 1 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

The co-main event will see WBC Featherweight World Champion Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa defend his title against former unified world champion Stephen Fulton Jr. in a rematch of one of 2021’s best fights.

The pay-per-view will also feature Mexican star and former world champion Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz facing the hard-charging contender Angel Fierro in an all-Mexican super lightweight duel, plus rising Mexican star Jesus “Mono” Ramos Jr. battles former unified champion Jeison Rosario in a 10-round middleweight fight that opens the pay-per-view at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

Preceding the pay-per-view, Prime Video will stream a two-fight prelims card at 6:00 p.m. ET/3:00 p.m. PT that will be available via free access to all fans, regardless of Prime membership or purchase of the PPV card.

The streaming presentation will feature undefeated Argentine Olympian Mirco Cuello taking on Mexican contender Christian Olivo in a 10-round featherweight matchup, plus WBA No. 1-ranked middleweight contender Yoenli Feliciano Hernandez stepping in against all-action contender Angel Ruiz in a 10-round duel that opens up the live stream.

For more information visit www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #BenavidezMorrell, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, on Instagram @PremierBoxing or become a fan on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions

LAS VEGAS, NV (January 28, 2025) – Undefeated WBA and WBO Youth Super Featherweight Champion Kaipo Gallegos (7-0-1, 6 KOs), is set to make his highly anticipated 2025 debut on February 1, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Fighting on the undercard of the blockbuster David Benavidez vs. David Morrell Jr. event, Gallegos will face veteran Leonardo Padilla (24-6-1, 17 KOs) in an eight-round bout.

This marks Gallegos’ first fight of the year, and the Las Vegas native is eager to perform at home in front of a passionate crowd. The 18-year-old star on the rise, co-promoted by Boxlab Promotions and Shuan Boxing, is quickly ascending through the ranks with his combination of explosive power and technical skill. Now, he’ll take on his most experienced opponent yet in Padilla, who has over 30 professional fights under his belt.

“Fighting at the T-Mobile Arena in my hometown is always a good feeling, as I know I’ll have the support of family and friends,” said Gallegos. “Padilla is a tough, experienced opponent, and I know he’ll come to fight. But these are the challenges I need to grow as a fighter and show everyone what I’m capable of.”

The Benavidez-Morrell card is one of the biggest boxing events to kick off 2025, and Gallegos is thrilled to be part of it. “This is a huge event, and I’m honored to be on the same stage as some of the best fighters in the world. It’s an opportunity to show fans what I bring to the table.”

Gallegos also urged fans to get to the arena early to catch his fight. “If you’ve never seen me fight, you’re in for a treat. I promise to bring excitement, power, and action. Don’t miss it.”

“Kaipo has all the tools to become a top contender in the super featherweight division,” said Amaury Piedra, President of Boxlab Promotions, in regard to Gallegos’ future. “Fighting tough opposition like Padilla is exactly what he needs at this stage of his career. We’re excited to see him continue to grow and make a statement on a massive stage like this.”

Coming off an impressive 2024 campaign, Gallegos plans to stay active this year and build on his momentum. “Staying busy is very important. I want to keep improving and fighting the best competition available. Every fight is a step toward my ultimate goal of becoming a world champion.”

With a perfect record and a growing reputation as one of boxing’s most exciting young talents, Kaipo Gallegos is poised for a breakout year. Fans won’t want to miss his first fight of 2025 at the T-Mobile Arena on February 1st.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – It can be debated when Vegas became the boxing capital of the world. Of course, New York was once the city the boxing world revolved around, but when hotel-casino moguls needed something to pull patrons to the desert to visit their City of Lost Wages, big time boxing became one of the major drawing cards. By the time George Foreman exchanged knockdowns with Ron Lyle, before a national television audience, in the 1976 Fight of the Year, from the Sports Pavilion at Caesar’s Palace, big time boxing had found its new permanent home. Despite that fact, it took 37 years before Ishe Smith defeated Cornelius Bundrage for the IBF light middleweight title to become widely recognized as Las Vegas’ first homegrown world champion. Very few have followed in the years since, but one young rising star, in super featherweight Kaipo Gallegos, aims to make certain that drought does not last much longer. 

The 18-year-old Gallegos (7-0-1, 6 KOs) returns to fight in his hometown for just the second time as a professional, taking on well-traveled veteran Leonardo Padilla (24-6-1, 17 KOs) of Petare, Venezuela in an eight-round bout this coming Saturday night at the T-Mobile Arena on the undercard of the light heavyweight unification bout between David Benavidez and David Morrell. For the aspiring 130-pound wunderkind, it will be his second time fighting at the big arena in his hometown, a moment that is not lost on Gallegos. 

“It feels good, because ever since I was a little kid, I wanted to fight in my hometown, in front of my family and just put on a good show for them,” says Gallegos. 

Gallegos’ family is as deeply involved in the sweet science as a family can be. His father, Jayson, is his trainer and the long-time proprietor of the Las Vegas Fight Club, a gym that serves young school-age boxers-to-be, as well as professionals, such as Kaipo and his older brother Jayson, an undefeated 130-pound pro as well. 

“It has been a long journey,” explains Kaipo’s father-trainer. “I was a really bad kid growing up, so I guess I am giving back. I give back to the kids that I work with everyday, almost 80 kids a day and adults. God put me in this situation to give back after all the bad I did.” 

Whatever wrongs the elder Jayson may have had in his past, he has done many things right since, as evidenced by the success of his sons. Kaipo was one of the most decorated U.S. amateur boxers in recent years, claiming 18 national titles during his time in the unpaid ranks. All that success came with great sacrifices, as Kaipo followed his father’s instruction, giving up on many of the pleasures most of us enjoy during our youth. 

“We’ve been doing this so long, ever since he was five,” says his father. “I’m also his nutritionist, I’m his trainer, I make sure he goes to sleep on time, I make sure he recovers on time. We’ve been doing this so long, I don’t even have to tell him. He does everything on his own. He knows what he needs to do. He’s a very disciplined kid.” 

Gallegos was able to amass an incredibly full trophy collection, despite leaving the amateur game behind for the paid ranks at the ripe age of 16. With few exceptions, most commissions in the United States will not even license a fighter at that age. For Kaipo, who began fighting at the age of five, moving to the pros was just the next natural step in his progression. 

“We have been doing this since I was little,” explains Kaipo. “Through the amateurs, where I became an 18-time national champion. Now, we just are going to take it on in the professionals and keep moving forward.” 

With his long and successful amateur pedigree, Gallegos’ father and team did not take any baby steps out of the gate in the pros, despite his young chronological age. 

“He started his career off in the Dominican Republic until he had four fights, but every fight was a hard fight, it wasn’t easy,” explains Jayson. “We never went to Mexico. We never took those easy fights. They haven’t given us anybody easy. His first fight, on the BoxRec rating, he had a star-and-a-half match rating. Even in the Dominican Republic, those guys he fought were hungry. It is not like going to Mexico and they fall down or take a knee so they can get paid. In the Dominican Republic, everybody over there is hungry and they want to kill you.”

Gallegos jumped into deep waters right away during his stretch of fights in the Dominican Republic. After scoring a fourth-round stoppage in his pro debut in April of 2023, Gallegos returned and jumped up to the six-round distance against a fighter in Misael Vazquez that was eleven years older and a veteran of 17 pro fights at the time. The hometown fighter was able to force a split decision draw, which represents the only thing resembling a blemish on Gallegos’ ledger to date. Failing to come away with the victory did not slow Gallegos’ career trajectory, as he immediately jumped up to the eight-round distance for his next outing. 

“Ever since Kaipo was young, he’s had a pro style,” explains Jayson. “He takes his time and round-by-round he gets stronger, so having more rounds helps him. He had his first eight-rounder at 17, he won the WBO Youth title. He fought two eight-rounders last year and got them out of there early. He was ready for eight-rounders.” 

In his last fight, this past November, Gallegos picked up a WBA Youth title against another durable and game opponent in Iron Alvarez, who managed to hang in there in stretches, but ultimately was stopped standing in the seventh round in Orlando, Florida. 

“I felt like it was a tough fight,” says Kaipo. “He was a durable guy that was not just in there to lay down. So I feel like that was a good fight for me and a good step up in my career.” 

On Saturday, Gallegos will take on Padilla before the early arrivers T-Mobile Arena, in what could be one of his last eight-round contests before moving up to the ten-round distance.

“I feel like I am going to put on a good performance this time because I fought recently, so I am ready,” explains the young fighter. “I expect a tough fight, but I feel that I have what it takes to beat him. I feel like I am going to break him down and bring him to the later rounds and get him out of there. I picked up some stuff [from watching footage,] but once we get into the ring, I will find out more about him.” 

Having fought at T-Mobile Arena a little under a year ago, early in the night on the undercard of Sebastian Fundora’s bloody war with Tim Tszyu, should serve Gallegos well this coming Saturday. The 18-year-old fighter will know what to expect, but one thing his local following in attendance can expect is that the Gallegos family will make them proud. 

“When we were in the amateurs, people would come up to us and ask us about being from Vegas and I would say, ‘Yes, born and raised.’ We were all so proud to be representing Las Vegas,” recalls Gallegos’ father. “My boxing gym is called Las Vegas Fight Club, so we represent that with pride. This is his hometown. Family, friends will all be there. We grew up representing Vegas for his whole life. Vegas is our home, both my sons were born and raised here.” 

Those who decide to show up early for the marathon night of boxing this weekend could be treated to seeing the next step in the career of Las Vegas’ next homegrown world champion.  

“Watch out for me and tune-in on February 1st at T-Mobile Arena,” says Kaipo. “And just be ready for me to put on a great performance.”

Photo by Damon Gonzalez/Boxlab Promotions

Mario Ortega Jr. can be reached at [email protected]

LAS VEGAS – January 27, 2025 – An exciting lineup featuring all-action contenders, top prospects and rising talent will round out a loaded event headlined by the showdown between light heavyweight stars David “El Monstro” Benavidez and David Morrell Jr. taking place Saturday, February 1 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

The Interim WBC Light Heavyweight Champion Benavidez and the WBA Light Heavyweight Champion Morrell will meet in the main event of a four-fight PBC Pay-Per-View event on Prime Video beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. Preceding the pay-per-view, Prime Video will stream a two-fight prelims card at 6:00 p.m. ET/3:00 p.m. PT that will be available via free access to all fans, regardless of Prime membership or purchase of the PPV card.

Highlighting the non-televised action will be exciting contender Jose Benavidez Jr. in an eight-round middleweight tilt against Danny Rosenberger, and Mayweather Promotions’ top prospect Curmel Moton in an eight-round lightweight matchup battling Frank Zaldivar.

The undercard will also include a battle of unbeatens as rising prospect Daniel Blancas (11-0, 5 KOs) duels California’s Juan Barajas (11-0-2, 7 KOs) in an eight-round fight, undefeated super featherweight Kaipo Gallegos (7-0-1, 6 KOs) facing Venezuela’s Leonardo Padilla (24-6-1, 17 KOs) in an eight-round affair, unbeaten super middleweight John Easter (7-0, 7 KOs) in a six-round bout against Joseph Aguilar (6-2-1, 3 KOs) and San Antonio’s Gabriela Tellez (3-0, 1 KO) looking to remain undefeated against fellow unbeaten Abril Anguiano (4-0, 2 KOs) in their six-round featherweight matchup.

Tickets for the live event are on sale now through AXS.com.

In addition to the PPV being available for purchase on Prime Video in the US, UK, and now Canada — regardless of Prime membership — fans will also be able to continue to access the telecast through traditional cable and satellite outlets as well as PPV.com. 

Phoenix’s Benavídez (28-3-1, 19 KOs) is the older brother of headliner David Benavídez and is trained by his father Jose Sr. A long-established contender who was a highly decorated amateur, Benavídez moved up to super welterweight after dropping a 2018 world title challenge to Terence Crawford, concluding a long run at 147 pounds. He moved up to 154 pounds in July 2022, battling two-division champion Danny Garcia for 12 rounds before losing by a close majority decision. Benavídez made his 160 pound debut in August of 2023, blasting out veteran Sladan Janjanin in round five before dropping a November challenge to two-division champion Jermall Charlo. He’ll be challenged by Youngstown, Ohio’s Rosenberger (20-9-4, 10 KOs), who enters this bout on an impressive 14-fight winning streak. The 34-year-old put together a big 2024 campaign, winning four fights including most recently earning a decision victory over Gabriel Escalante in August.

Fighting out of the Mayweather Promotions stable, Moton (6-0, 5 KOs) grabbed the boxing world’s attention last March with a dominant eight-round unanimous decision victory over the previously unbeaten Anthony Cuba, going toe-to-toe and controlling the action throughout a scintillating bout. The 18-year-old was born in Salt Lake City, Utah and now trains and resides in Las Vegas, fighting out of the famed Mayweather Boxing Club. Moton has added three more KO’s since the Cuba fight, including most recently stopping Hilario Martinez Moreno in the first round in October. He will take on the 28-year-old Zalvidar (5-1, 3 KOs), who will look to bounce back from a decision loss in his last fight against Yosdiel Napoles in August. Originally from Santiago de Cuba, Cuba and now fighting out of Miami, Zalvidar turned pro in 2019 following a sensational amateur career that included a triumph over Olympic gold medalist Andy Cruz.

#         #         #

ABOUT BENAVIDEZ VS. MORRELL

Benavidez vs. Morrell will see Interim WBC Light Heavyweight Champion David “El Monstro” Benavidez and WBA Light Heavyweight Champion David Morrell Jr. meet in a battle of unbeatens that pits two of the sport’s most exciting fighters against each other in the primes of their careers headlining a PBC Pay-Per-View event on Prime Video taking place Saturday, Feb. 1 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

The co-main event will see WBC Featherweight World Champion Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa defend his title against former unified world champion Stephen Fulton Jr. in a rematch of one of 2021’s best fights.

The pay-per-view will also feature Mexican star and former world champion Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz facing the hard-charging contender Angel Fierro in an all-Mexican super lightweight duel, plus rising Mexican star Jesus “Mono” Ramos Jr. battles former unified champion Jeison Rosario in a 10-round middleweight fight that opens the pay-per-view at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

Preceding the pay-per-view, Prime Video will stream a two-fight prelims card at 6:00 p.m. ET/3:00 p.m. PT that will be available via free access to all fans, regardless of Prime membership or purchase of the PPV card.

The streaming presentation will feature undefeated Argentine Olympian Mirco Cuello taking on Mexican contender Christian Olivo in a 10-round featherweight matchup, plus WBA No. 1-ranked middleweight contender Yoenli Feliciano Hernandez stepping in against all-action contender Angel Ruiz in a 10-round duel that opens up the live stream.

Tickets for the live event are on sale now through AXS.com.

In addition to the PPV being available for purchase on Prime Video in the US, UK, and now Canada — regardless of Prime membership — fans will also be able to continue to access the telecast through traditional cable and satellite outlets as well as PPV.com. 

For more information visit www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #BenavidezMorrell, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, on Instagram @PremierBoxing or become a fan on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions

MEDIA ADVISORY

Prime Video to Distribute Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) Pay-Per-View Events in Canada, Beginning with Interim WBC Light Heavyweight Champion David “El Monstro” Benavídez and WBA Light Heavyweight Champion David Morrell Jr. in a battle of unbeatens

LIVE: Saturday, February 1 at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT

Prime Video will distribute Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) pay-per-view cards in Canada, beginning Saturday, February 1 at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT with a battle of unbeatens that pits two of the sport’s most exciting fighters against each other in the primes of their careers. Interim WBC Light Heavyweight Champion David “El Monstro” Benavídez and WBA Light Heavyweight Champion David Morrell Jr. will meet at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

The co-main event will see WBC Featherweight World Champion Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa defend his title against former unified world champion Stephen Fulton Jr. in a rematch of one of 2021’s best fights.

The pay-per-view will also feature Mexican star and former world champion Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz facing the hard-charging contender Angel Fierro in an all-Mexican super lightweight duel, plus rising Mexican star Jesus “Mono” Ramos Jr. battles former unified champion Jeison Rosario in a 10-round middleweight fight that opens the pay-per-view at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

This lineup features a bevy of the sport’s top talent, all topped by a showdown years in the making as Benavídez and Morrell meet with a chance to not only establish themselves as the future of the light heavyweight division, but as a potential force on pound-for-pound lists and one of the faces of the sport for years to come.

The PPV is available for purchase on Prime Video for all customers in Canada, regardless of Prime membership.

Tune-in to www.primevideo.com for all the boxing action.

DAVID BENAVIDEZ VS. DAVID MORRELL JR.

The two-time super middleweight world champion David “El Monstro” Benavidez will step in to face the toughest opponent of his career in the undefeated Cuban sensation David Morrell Jr. in the 12-round main event that will be contested for both Benavidez’s Interim WBC Light Heavyweight Title and Morrell’s WBA Light Heavyweight Championship belt.

The 27-year-old undefeated Benavidez (29-0, 24 KOs) followed up a standout 2023 campaign by moving up to light heavyweight in 2024 with a dominant unanimous decision victory over the former world champion Oleksandr Gvozdyk in June that earned him his interim title. Benavidez’s 2023 began with him besting longtime rival Caleb Plant via unanimous decision in a March slugfest before stopping the previously unbeaten two-division champion Demetrius Andrade in six rounds in November. A Phoenix-native who now trains in Miami, Benavidez became the youngest-ever 168-pound world champion at just 20-years-old when he defeated Ronald Gavril by split decision for the vacant WBC title in 2017. When he was 15 years old, Benavidez went from weighing 250 pounds to a boxing prodigy under the watchful eye of his father and trainer, Jose, Sr., and his brother and veteran contender Jose Jr., as he famously held his own in sparring against middleweight champions Gennady Golovkin and Peter Quillin as a teenager. Benavidez rode a string of six straight knockout victories heading into the bout against Plant, including KOs of former world champions Anthony Dirrell and David Lemieux.

“I can’t wait for this challenge on February 1 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas,” said Benavidez. “David Morrell Jr. is a great boxer, but come fight night, I will be the better man and show the world why I’m an elite fighter. I always take on the toughest opponents that are willing to step into the ring with me, because I know that I have to prove myself each and every time. When that bell rings, everyone will see that I’m the best fighter in the world.”

A Cuban-native who came to Minneapolis to begin his pro career in 2019, Morrell (11-0, 9 KOs) has quickly shown off the talents that made him a standout in Cuba’s storied amateur scene. The 26-year-old also debuted in the light heavyweight division this year after an extended and successful run at super middleweight, defeating Radivoje Kalajdzic by unanimous decision in August to capture his WBA title. Morrell had scored seven-straight knockouts before that fight, including a violent first-round stoppage of Olympic Bronze medalist Yamaguchi Falcao in April 2023 and a second-round destruction of Sena Agbeko in December of that same year. During his super middleweight run, Morrell won an interim title by dominating the then-unbeaten Lennox Allen in August 2020 in just his third pro fight. Now trained in Stafford, Texas by the legendary trainer Ronnie Shields, Morrell will finally get the opportunity to face a top-flight opponent after calling for the opportunity against Benavidez ever since he arrived stateside and began his professional boxing journey.

“This is the fight the fans have been waiting for, and I’m ready to give them a show they’ll never forget,” said Morrell. “This is two undefeated fighters in their prime, stepping into the ring and giving everything we’ve got. That’s what boxing is all about. Everyone should be getting this pay-per-view, because you’re going to see something special. I believe this will go down as one of the most memorable fights in boxing history and I’m excited to make it happen. I’m knocking David Benavidez out!.”

BRANDON FIGUEROA VS. STEPHEN FULTON JR.

The 12-round co-main event will see the much-anticipated rematch of a memorable 2021 clash as WBC Featherweight World Champion Brandon Figueroa takes on former unified world champion Stephen Fulton Jr. Their first showdown was a super bantamweight world title unification that pitted the relentless forward attack of Figueroa against the slick skills of Fulton, with the bout ending in a majority decision for Fulton (116-112 twice and 114-114).

The 27-year-old Figueroa (25-1-1, 19 KOs) was recently elevated to world champion after former champion Rey Vargas was declared champion in recess. Figueroa won the Interim WBC Featherweight Title in a 2023 Fight of the Year contender that saw him score a unanimous decision over former champion Mark Magsayo. He returned this May to successfully defend his interim title with a ninth-round knockout of former champion Jessie Magdaleno, increasing his winning streak to three straight since the first Fulton fight. A native of Weslaco, Texas, Figueroa’s relentless pressure and youthful enthusiasm helped him become the first person to defeat former two-division champion Luis Nery in their May 2021 championship clash, as he stopped Nery with a body shot in round seven. Figueroa added to his family’s legacy by capturing the WBC 122-pound world title against Nery, joining his brother Omar Figueroa Jr., who previously held the WBC Lightweight World Championship.

“Training is going great and I’m very excited to return on another big fight card against a championship caliber opponent,” said Figueroa. “I expect Fulton to be at his best, but I will go into that ring very prepared to convince everyone who really won the first time. I don’t plan on letting it go to the judges this time around.”

Born and raised in West Philadelphia, Pa., Fulton (22-1, 8 KOs) made a successful featherweight debut in September, rising from an early knockdown to defeat all-action contender Carlos Castro by decision. It was Fulton’s first fight since a July 2023 challenge that saw him travel to Japan to take on undefeated Japanese superstar Naoya Inoue, eventually dropping the road contest in round eight. In his previous 14 professional fights before facing Inoue, the 30-year-old had established himself on pound-for-pound lists by beating eight previously undefeated fighters. Fulton first became a world champion by taking the super bantamweight title from Angelo Leo in January 2021, before unifying against Figueroa. Trained in his hometown, Fulton has displayed sublime boxing skills that have allowed him to dominate opponents of varying styles and control fights from start to finish.

“I’m feeling strong and ready to return to the ring on a wonderful pay-per-view card to win my third world title in my second division,” said Fulton. “I expect Figueroa to make it a rough fight, just like he did in the first fight. But everyone saw what happened the first time, so I predict I’ll become three-time world champion and a two-division champion come fight night. Whatever I have to do to get my hand raised, I’ll be ready.”

ISAAC CRUZ VS. ANGEL FIERRO

One of the most popular active fighters from Mexico, Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz will return to action to face the hard-charging Angel Fierro in a super lightweight duel that marks Cruz’s first appearance in the ring since he lost his WBA Super Lightweight World Championship to Jose Valenzuela via split-decision in August.

Buoyed on by his passionate fan base, Cruz (26-3-1, 18 KOs) became a world champion in March as he hurt Rolando Romero badly in round one before eventually ending the fight in round eight via TKO to claim the WBA title. A native of Mexico City, Cruz shot up the rankings in 2020, announcing his presence with an electrifying first-round knockout over veteran Diego Magdaleno in October before adding dominant decisions over Francisco Vargas and Jose Matias Romero. This rise led to the 26-year-old challenging undefeated superstar Gervonta Davis in December 2021, a fight that saw Cruz lose by decision to become just the second fighter to see the final bell against Davis. Trained by his father Isaac Cruz Sr., Cruz also owns stoppage wins over former champion Yuriorkis Gamboa and veteran contender Eduardo Ramirez, in addition to a 12-round decision over the then-unbeaten Giovanni Cabrera.

“I’m very happy to be back in the ring on February 1 and in the fight capital of the world in Las Vegas,” said Cruz. “I’m facing a real Mexican warrior like myself and I’m excited to give fans the type of fight that they love. It will be a lot more entertaining than my last fight, when my opponent ran all night long and the judges made a terrible decision. This time, I will not leave it up to the judges, because I’m going for the knockout. Fierro and myself are going to show what Mexican style is all about and go toe-to-toe until someone gets knocked out.”

Originally from Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico, Fierro (22-2-2, 17 KOs) now fights out of San Diego and has made a name for himself with his aggressive style and power punching prowess. The 26-year-old has fought professionally since 2015 and was undefeated in his first 17 outings. He announced his presence as a world contender in 2021 with a career-best victory as he rose from the canvas to stop former world champion Alberto Machado in round six. Most recently, Fierro had a three-fight winning streak snapped when he lost a June decision against Alfredo Santiago, with the only other loss of Fierro’s career coming via split-decision in January 2020 against Alex Martin. February 1 will mark Fierro’s third career fight stateside, and his first since a majority draw against Juan Carlos Burgos in March 2022.

“Ever since I turned professional, my dream was to fight in Las Vegas,” said Fierro. “Spending time training with my mentor and idol Erik Morales really taught me how to fight under pressure and now I have the perfect opponent to display those skills against in ‘Pitbull’ Cruz. I’m from Tijuana and we love facing fighters from Mexico City, it’s a tremendous rivalry. On February 1, the fans will be the winners, because I won’t take a step back. I’m coming to knock out ‘Pitbull’ and prove who is the best 140-pounder in Mexico.”

JESUS RAMOS JR. VS. JEISON ROSARIO

Rising Mexican star Jesus “Mono” Ramos Jr. will look to make it back-to-back victories when he faces his most accomplished opponent to date in the former unified world champion Jeison Rosario, as they meet in a 10-round middleweight fight that opens the pay-per-view action.

After coming up on the wrong end of a contested decision against top contender Erickson Lubin in September 2023, Ramos (21-1, 17 KOs) returned to the ring in style this May, stopping Johan Gonzalez in round nine to reaffirm his status as a world championship contender. A native of Casa Grande, Ariz., Ramos had worked his way up the rankings by defeating a slew of contenders including Brian Mendoza, Javier Molina, Vladimir Hernandez and an emphatic stoppage of the then-unbeaten Joey Spencer. Trained by his father Jesus Sr., and the nephew of veteran contender Abel, the 23-year-old Ramos entered the Lubin fighting having stopped seven of his last 10 opponents.

“I’m grateful to be back in the ring on February 1,” said Ramos. “I’m facing an experienced opponent in Jeison Rosario who’s got nothing to lose, and that makes him dangerous. He wants to get back in the mix and I’m preparing to make sure that doesn’t happen. It’s exciting to have this platform to display my talent and show how much I’ve grown since my last fight. This is going to be a great card from top to bottom and I can’t wait to take my place on that big stage.”

Having faced a who’s-who of top contenders throughout his career, Rosario (24-4-2, 18 KOs) will once again go toe-to-toe with a highly touted foe when he takes on Ramos on February 1. Born in the Dominican Republic and fighting out of Miami, Rosario captured the WBA and IBF 154-pound belts by stopping Julian Williams in his hometown in one of 2020’s biggest upsets, earning the title opportunity by defeating a litany of contenders including Jamontay Clark, Marcos Hernandez and Jorge Cota. After beating Williams, Rosario would go on to lose a three-belt unification against Jermell Charlo in 2020 before also challenging top contenders Erickson Lubin and Brian Mendoza. Most recently, Rosario squared off against former unified champion Jarrett Hurd in August as the two fought to a split-draw.

“I’m very thankful to my team for getting me this opportunity and I feel blessed to be in this position,” said Rosario. “With Bob Santos in my corner, I’m extremely motivated to get back on top. Ramos is a good fighter, but I’ve faced the best in this sport and I’m going to use all that experience to get my hand raised on February 1.”

NEW YORK—January 17, 2025—Today, Prime Video announced a Saturday, January 18 premiere date for Gloves Off: David Benavidez vs David Morrell, the fifth installment of the compelling docuseries. As momentum builds for an epic night of PBC Pay-Per-View action on Prime Video on Feb. 1 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, this two-part edition explores the motivations behind the main event fighters in a highly anticipated, 12-round light heavyweight championship clash between undefeated stars.

A former two-time Super Middleweight champion, David “El Monstro” Benavidez sports a record of 29-0, 24 KOs, while David Morrell Jr. boasts a mark of 11-0, 9 KOs. They will meet for Benavidez’s Interim WBC Light Heavyweight Title and Morrell’s WBA Light Heavyweight Title in the main event of the stacked PBC Pay-Per-View card on Prime Video.

Narrated by Barry Pepper, the program takes fans far beyond the ring. The series blends footage and stories of the fighters’ lives, families, training camp team members, and training camp activity as the build-up intensifies for this can’t miss 175-pound encounter.

By Norm Frauenheim

Benavidez-Morrell, David-versus-David, is intriguing on several levels in a fight primarily significant because it’s a new year’s first real stage-setter for a potential light-heavyweight showdown between the best of a new generation and the best in an aging one.

Three weeks after the Davids, both in their late 20s and entering their primes, meet on Feb. 1 at Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Center, the 175-pound establishment’s leading faces, Artur Beterbiev and Dmitrii Bivol, meet again on Feb 22 in a rematch of Beterbiev’s narrow scorecard victory in Saudi Arabia in October.

The winner in the first is supposed to meet the winner of the second in what could be a generational showdown. That’s the plan, anyway. That might be the problem, too. In the boxing biz, plans are just another glass jaw. They get shattered all the time.

The good news is that Benavidez-Morrell is a pick-em fight. The 28-year-old Benavidez has been a slight favorite since it was announced, probably because the unbeaten, yet former two-time super-middleweight champion has more professional experience. But Morrell, also unbeaten, has the amateur pedigree that comes with being a Cuban-born boxer. Morrell, who turns 27 this Saturday (Jan. 18) — the day after Muhammad Ali’s birthday, had a reported amateur record of 130-5. 

That suggests he knows his way around the ring, a skill he might need in countering Benavidez, a Phoenix-born fighter known for his energy and ferocious pursuit in the later rounds. That’s just one element in a fight close enough to perhaps lead to a rematch, a sequel that could also get replayed in calls for a trilogy fight between the 34-year old Bivol and Beterbiev.

If Bivol wins the second, then expect a third against Beterbiev, who will be 39 years old on Tuesday, January 21 in a month that should include boxing gloves on the hooves of its traditional zodiac sign, a goat. Or is that GOAT?

Nobody, perhaps, will be more interested in each fight more than Canelo Álvarez, who has fallen out of the pound-for-pound debate, yet continues to be the pay-per-view leader. Canelo is the biggest reason for the Benavidez-Morrell fight. 

He wouldn’t fight either, forcing both to move up the scale, from 168 pounds to 175. Each is 1-0 at the heavier weight in respective debuts that they won, yet each with a mixed performance. Their second appearance at light-heavy is also considered too-close-to-call in part because it’s hard to judge their debuts — an injured Benavidez, in a unanimous decision over former champion Oleksandr Gvozdyk in June and a tentative Morrell, also in a unanimous decision over Radivoje Kalajdzic in August.

Most of Canelo’s attention figures to be on Bivol-Beterbiev. A Bivol victory in that rematch might convince him to seek his own rematch with the Russian, who upset him, scoring a unanimous decision over the heavily-favored Mexican in May 2022.

For Canelo, each fight figures to be something of a scouting mission. He’s 34, presumably entering the last stage in his brilliant career. Reportedly, he’s looking for options. If he doesn’t find one in the light-heavyweight double-header in February, there’s persistent talk that he’ll turn to Terence Crawford, the welterweight great who won a junior-middleweight title in his first fight at 154 pounds in August.

Talk about that possibility, rumored ever since Crawford’s defining welterweight stoppage of Errol Spence in July 2023, was all over social media this week. This time, there was talk that an agreement was in place for Crawford to challenge Canelo, undisputed at 168 pounds, some time later in the year, perhaps in September in Las Vegas. 

But none of that talk came from Canelo.

Until it does, it’s still speculation. Fair or not, his pay-per-view supremacy comes with perks, including the final say-so. If he sees an option or options in February, the Crawford possibility might get postponed or eliminated altogether. 

Still, it is a potential story, part of the Goliath-sized stakes that could be there for a February twin bill that starts with the Davids.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA (Jan 15, 2025) — PPV.COM, which does not require a subscription, returns to the ring in its 2025 season debut when it live streams to boxing fans, in the U.S. and Canada, an explosive battle between unbeaten world champions.  Interim WBC light heavyweight champion David “El Monstro” Benavidez (29-0, 24 KOs),from Phoenix, AZ, and WBA light heavyweight champion David Morrell, Jr. (11-0, 9 KOs), a Cuban native who hails from Minneapolis, MN, will go mano a mano in the main event of an action-packed pay-per-view event, live from T-Mobile Arena, in the ‘Fight Capital of the World,’ Las Vegas, Nevada!  TheBenavidez vs. Morrell world championship pay-per-view event will take place Saturday, February 1, beginning at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT.  Priced at $79.99, it can be ordered by clicking here: PPV.COM – Benavidez vs. Morrell.

“As soon as I agreed, fifteen months ago, to return to ringside doing live viewer chat with PPV.COM, I began hearing speculation on the exciting possibility of David Benavidez vs. David Morrell.  The ringside consensus is that they are two of the biggest punchers in the light heavyweight neighborhood, and the winner may be in position for a megadollars summit meeting with another big puncher, Artur Beterbiev.  I’m packing to go to Las Vegas for Benavidez vs. Morrell February 1.” said Hall of Fame boxing commentator Jim Lampley, who returns to ringside to co-host the exclusive and wildly popular viewer chat, in real time, throughout the PPV.COM Benavidez-Morrell world championship event HD live stream.  Jim’s eagerly anticipated memoir,  It Happened!: A Uniquely Lucky Life in Sports Television, will be released on April 15. 

Joining Lampley on the live viewer chat will be award-winning boxing journalist Lance Pugmire, popular podcast hosts Dan Canobbio, and former WBO junior welterweight world champion Chris Algieri.  Jim, Lance, Dan, and Chris will also be providing exclusive fight week commentary and reports from Las Vegas forPPV.COM‘s website and social platforms.

The Benavidez vs. Morrell pay-per-view live stream undercard will feature three exciting bouts, including: the rematch between WBC featherweight world champion Brandon Figueroa (25-1-1, 19 KOs), from Weslaco, TX, looking to avenge his only professional loss, and Stephen Fulton, Jr. (22-1, 8 KOs), the former WBC/WBO junior featherweight world champion from West Philadelphia, PA; on a mission to become a two-division world champion; one of Mexico’s favorite fighters, Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz (26-3-1, 18 KOs), a former WBA super lightweight world champion, from Mexico City, vs. Angel Fierro (22-2-2, 17 KOs), from Tijuana, in an all-Mexican 10-round super lightweight duel; and opening up the pay-per-view live stream will be a 10-round middleweight rumble between rising Mexican star Jesus “Mono” Ramos, Jr. (21-1, 17 KOs), from Casa Grande, AZ, and. former IBF/IBO junior middleweight world champion Jeison Rosario (24-4-2, 18 KOs), from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic  .

PPV.COM, which does not require a subscription, will offer Benavidez vs. Morrell for $79.99 in the U.S. and Canada.  iNDEMAND, the parent company of PPV.COM, will also be carrying the event through its network of cable and telco operators in the U.S. and Canada via providers including Xfinity, Spectrum, Contour, Optimum, Fios, Rogers, Bell, SaskTel, and Telus, among others.

JIM LAMPLEY

Jim is the recipient of the Boxing Writers Association of America’s (BWAA) Sam Taub Award for Excellence in Broadcasting Journalism and was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in its 2015 class.  He served as anchor and commentator for HBO World Championship Boxing for 30 years and has covered a combined 14 Winter and Summer Olympic Games during his long and distinguished career in sports broadcasting and journalism.

LANCE PUGMIRE

Lance is a recipient of the Nat Fleischer Award for Excellence in Boxing Journalism, the Boxing Writers Association of America’s highest honor.  He brings over 30 years of experience covering the sweet science for the Los Angeles Times, USA Today, and The Athletic.  Lance currently serves as senior U.S. writer for BoxingScene.

DAN CANOBBIO AND CHRIS ALGIERI

The popular podcast, Inside Boxing Live, hosted byDanand Chris, can be found at PPV.COM, where they produce two fresh episodes weekly, provide onsite coverage during major pay-per-view fight weeks, host their own weekly live chat every Wednesday at 3 p.m. ET, and join fight night live viewer chats.  For the latest episodes of Inside Boxing Live presented by PPV.COM, click hereInside Boxing Live – YouTube. 

About iNDEMAND and PPV.COM

iNDEMAND is an innovative partnership among three of the leading cable companies in the U.S.– Charter Communications, Comcast Cable, and Cox Communications. iNDEMAND is a company of trusted content aggregators and licensing experts, with unparalleled technical expertise and long-standing relationships with MVPDs, major sports leagues, Hollywood studios, and other entertainment and sports companies across North America. iNDEMAND delivers great content to more than 60 million cable homes and has distribution deals with more than 90 companies.  In December 2021, iNDEMAND launched PPV.COM, an innovative streaming PPV service and the first of its kind to offer interactive fan engagement during live-action sports.  With the addition of PPV.COM, which does not require a subscription, to its existing cable PPV infrastructure, iNDEMAND has consolidated all forms of PPV distribution under one roof, making the company the only provider of turnkey PPV solutions for both industry partners and consumers.  For more information, go to indemand.com.

LAS VEGAS – January 10, 2025 – Mexican star and Interim WBC Light Heavyweight Champion David “El Monstro” Benavidez, WBC Featherweight World Champion Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa and former unified world champion Jeison Rosario held a Las Vegas media workout on Thursday before their respective showdowns on Saturday, February 1 on a stacked PBC Pay-Per-View event on Prime Video live from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas as Benavidez takes on fellow unbeaten star David Morrell Jr. in the main event.

Figueroa will defend his world title against former unified world champion Stephen Fulton Jr. in the co-main event rematch of one of 2021’s best fights, while Rosario takes on rising Mexican star Jesus “Mono” Ramos Jr. in the opener of a four-fight pay-per-view at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

Tickets for the live event are on sale now through AXS.com.

In addition to the PPV being available for purchase on Prime Video, regardless of Prime membership, fans will also be able to continue to access the telecast through traditional cable and satellite outlets as well as PPV.com.

Here is what the fighters had to say Thursday from Pound 4 Pound Gym in Las Vegas:

DAVID BENAVIDEZ

“This camp has been amazing and it’s gonna be my best performance yet. This is the strongest I’ve ever been.

“I’m excited to really showcase my skills in this fight. I had a lot of injuries and adversity going into that fight, but I went in there against one of the best in the world and showed I have a lot of heart.

“I’ve been in big fights since I was 20-years-old, so to be out there representing the Mexican and Mexican-American people on this stage, it’s everything I’ve wanted out of this sport. I have to show people that I’m the real ‘Mexican Monster’.

“The way I fight, I always try to take my opponents out. It doesn’t mean you always get it, but we’re definitely going to be pushing for it. David Morrell has made it personal for me.

“I’m glad he’s confident in himself. It’s all speculation until we get in there. On February 1, I’ll show why I’m at this level.

“Right now I’m 100% focused on February 1. After that we can talk about getting all of those light heavyweight belts.”

BRANDON FIGUEROA

“This is gonna be an action-packed fight and an action-packed card. I think everyone on this card is really hungry to prove themselves, and that’s gonna make this a great night.

“I’m coming into this fight hungry and prepared 110%. Every opponent is dangerous when given the opportunity. That’s my whole mentality. I over prepare, because you can’t be sure of anything in this sport.

“I’ve had good wins since our first fight and I’ve continued to grow as a fighter for sure. But I don’t take anything away from Fulton for his recent performances either. I know that I make him better as a fighter, just like he makes me better. I know that he’s gonna be at his best because he knows what I bring to the ring.

“I’m always evolving as a fighter. I have to make my style better and get sharper and sharper. To fight the top level guys like this, I have to keep getting better. I have to show that I can do everything.

“This is going to be a big year for me and I’m very excited to keep taking every opportunity that I get. I’m definitely in my prime right now. I feel strong and I can’t wait to put it all together in the ring.”

JEISON ROSARIO

“Training camp is going great here in Las Vegas with Bob Santos. I have big plans for February 1. I’m gonna shock the world and bring home the victory.

“My last fight really tested me. It gave me what I needed going into this fight with Ramos. I’m ready to seize this moment and make the most of it.

“I’m very grateful for this opportunity and most of all, I can’t wait to show the fans what I’ve been working on. My plan is to make it a great night. I can’t wait for the bell to ring.”

#         #         #

ABOUT BENAVIDEZ VS. MORRELL

Benavidez vs. Morrell will see Interim WBC Light Heavyweight Champion David “El Monstro” Benavidez and WBA Light Heavyweight Champion David Morrell Jr. meet in a battle of unbeatens that pits two of the sport’s most exciting fighters against each other in the primes of their careers headlining a PBC Pay-Per-View event on Prime Video taking place Saturday, Feb. 1 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

The co-main event will see WBC Featherweight World Champion Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa defend his title against former unified world champion Stephen Fulton Jr. in a rematch of one of 2021’s best fights.

The pay-per-view will also feature Mexican star and former world champion Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz facing the hard-charging contender Angel Fierro in an all-Mexican super lightweight duel, plus rising Mexican star Jesus “Mono” Ramos Jr. battles former unified champion Jeison Rosario in a 10-round middleweight fight that opens the pay-per-view at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

Tickets for the live event are on sale now through AXS.com.

In addition to the PPV being available for purchase on Prime Video, regardless of Prime membership, fans will also be able to continue to access the telecast through traditional cable and satellite outlets as well as PPV.com.

For more information visit www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #BenavidezMorrell, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, on Instagram @PremierBoxing or become a fan on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions

LAS VEGAS – January 7, 2025 – A pair of exciting showdowns featuring a bevy of up-and-coming talent will highlight a two-fight PBC on Prime Video lineup on Saturday, February 1 leading up to the PBC Pay-Per-View event on Prime Video headlined by a clash between light heavyweight superstars David “El Monstro” Benavidez and David Morrell Jr. from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

The live-streaming of prelims action will begin at 6:00 p.m. ET/3:00 p.m. PT and be available via free access to all fans, regardless of Prime membership or purchase of the PPV card it leads into.

The streaming presentation will feature undefeated Argentine Olympian Mirco Cuello taking on Mexican contender Christian Olivo in a 10-round featherweight matchup, plus WBA No. 1-ranked middleweight contender Yoenli Feliciano Hernandez stepping in against all-action contender Angel Ruiz in a 10-round duel that opens up the live stream.

These two fights lead into a stacked PBC Pay-Per-View available on Prime Video as Interim WBC Light Heavyweight Champion David “El Monstro” Benavidez and WBA Light Heavyweight Champion David Morrell Jr. meet in a battle of unbeatens in the main event. The pay-per-view begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and also features WBC Featherweight World Champion Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa defending his title against former unified world champion Stephen Fulton Jr. in a rematch of one of 2021’s best fights.

The pay-per-view will also see Mexican star and former world champion Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz dueling the hard-charging contender Angel Fierro in an all-Mexican super lightweight duel, plus rising Mexican star Jesus “Mono” Ramos Jr. steps in against former unified champion Jeison Rosario in a 10-round middleweight fight that opens the pay-per-view.

Tickets for the live event are on sale now through AXS.com.

In addition to the PPV being available for purchase on Prime Video, regardless of Prime membership, fans will also be able to continue to access the telecast through traditional cable and satellite outlets as well as PPV.com.

“Saturday, February 1 is a boxing fan’s dream with a card that promises high-stakes action all night long leading into a main event between David Benavidez and David Morrell Jr. that is sure to produce a dramatic conclusion,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “These four fighters appearing on Prime Video prelims have a golden opportunity to make a name for themselves with a signature victory on what will be one of the best cards of the year, all happening from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.”

**MIRCO CUELLO VS. CHRISTIAN OLIVO**

Topping the prelims lineup will be the fast-rising Argentinian contender Mirco Cuello taking on a young but experienced opponent in Christian Olivo as the two 126-pounders look to make a statement in their 10-round clash.

Representing his native Arroyo Seco, Argentina, Cuello (14-0, 11 KOs) turned pro in 2020 after a stellar amateur career that included an appearance in the 2020 Olympic Games and a bronze medal at the 2018 Summer Youth Olympics. The 24-year-old has shown impressive power to match his well-regarded skillset since turning pro, including knockouts in 11 of his first 12 fights, earning his number three ranking in the WBA. After dispatching of the previously unbeaten Rudy Garcia via unanimous decision in September 2023, Cuello returned last March to best the always-tough veteran Sulaiman Segawa with another unanimous decision triumph.

“I’m excited to have the chance to show what I’m capable of in front of a large audience against a very skilled opponent,” said Cuello. “I will win this fight because I know what it takes to win at the highest levels. This is the most important fight of my professional career so far and I will be coming into the ring ready to make a name for myself and put the featherweight division on notice.”

“Mirco Cuello already beat a top featherweight contender in the world by defeating Sulaiman Segawa, who beat the then No. 1 contender Ruben Villa last July and then lost a very controversial decision against the new No. 1 Bruce Carrington, in his last fight in September,” said Sampson Lewkowicz of Sampson Boxing. “After Mirco wins, he will be putting out a challenge to any other featherweight in the world. Mirco Cuello’s time has come.”

The 25-year-old Olivo (22-1-1, 8 KOs) has fought professionally since turning pro as a teenager in 2017, and went undefeated in his first 21 pro fights, with just one draw during that run. A native of Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico, he now fights out of San Diego as he steps into the ring stateside for the second time on February 1. His previous U.S. outing saw him drop a decision to undefeated top contender Luis Nunez in April 2023. Olivo bounced back in his last two fights, defeating the previously unbeaten Kevin Barron Crespo by decision in September 2023, before most recently stopping Javier Carrillo Montes in September 2024.

“I know that I’m in a tough fight against an accomplished opponent, but every great fighter becomes known by stepping up to their greatest challenges,” said Olivo. “I will be returning to fight in the U.S. as an all-new fighter in the best shape of my life and ready to do whatever it takes to have my hand raised.”

**YOENLI FELICIANO HERNANDEZ VS. ANGEL RUIZ**

Opening up the prelims will be the highly-touted WBA No. 1-ranked middleweight contender Yoenli Feliciano Hernandez, who looks to keep his perfect knockout rate intact against the hard-hitting action fighter Angel Ruiz in this 10-round middleweight affair.

Hernandez (6-0, 6 KOs) is yet another in a long line of sensational amateur fighters to come from the Cuban program, with his long resume before turning pro featuring a 2021 gold medal at AIBA World Boxing Championships. Originally from Camaguey, Cuba and now fighting out of Miami, Hernandez turned pro in May 2022 with a pair of stoppage victories and continued to dominate his competition on his way to earning his WBA ranking. The 27-year-old returned in 2024 with four U.S. fights, including a stoppage of the veteran contender Alejandro Barrera in June and a TKO over the previously unbeaten Bryce Henry in October.

“I’m very thankful for this great opportunity to showcase my skills on the big stage on this great card with my Cuban brother David Morrell Jr. headlining,” said Hernandez. “I’m working hard in the gym every day to be at my best and show the world why I’m the future of the middleweight division.”

The 27-year-old Ruiz (18-3-1, 13 KOs) has faced either an unbeaten fighter or a former world champion in five of his last six outings, including an April 2023 sixth-round knockout of the former champion Luis Collazo, for a 2-2-1 record with 1 no contest during that stretch. A native of Culiacan, Sinaloa, Mexico who now fights out of Los Angeles, Ruiz has fought professionally since 2015. He made a successful U.S. debut in 2017 and has gone on to compete stateside in nine of his last 10 bouts.

“I’m very motivated by this opportunity to compete and display my talent on such a great card with so many of the best fighters in boxing,” said Ruiz. “Everyone who’s seen me in the ring knows that my fights are never boring, and I’ll be aiming to bring fans non-stop action once again on February 1.”

#         #         #

ABOUT BENAVIDEZ VS. MORRELL

Benavidez vs. Morrell will see Interim WBC Light Heavyweight Champion David “El Monstro” Benavidez and WBA Light Heavyweight Champion David Morrell Jr. meet in a battle of unbeatens that pits two of the sport’s most exciting fighters against each other in the primes of their careers headlining a PBC Pay-Per-View event on Prime Video taking place Saturday, Feb. 1 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

The co-main event will see WBC Featherweight World Champion Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa defend his title against former unified world champion Stephen Fulton Jr. in a rematch of one of 2021’s best fights.

The pay-per-view will also feature Mexican star and former world champion Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz facing the hard-charging contender Angel Fierro in an all-Mexican super lightweight duel, plus rising Mexican star Jesus “Mono” Ramos Jr. battles former unified champion Jeison Rosario in a 10-round middleweight fight that opens the pay-per-view at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

Tickets for the live event are on sale now through AXS.com.

In addition to the PPV being available for purchase on Prime Video, regardless of Prime membership, fans will also be able to continue to access the telecast through traditional cable and satellite outlets as well as PPV.com.

For more information visit www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #BenavidezMorrell, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, on Instagram @PremierBoxing or become a fan on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions

MIAMI – December 17, 2024 – Undefeated light heavyweight stars David “El Monstro” Benavidez and David Morrell Jr. continued their heated rivalry at a media workout in Miami on Tuesday, nearly coming to blows during their face-off before ultimately being separated by their respective teams. They will meet in the ring for Benavidez’s Interim WBC Light Heavyweight Title and Morrell’s WBA Light Heavyweight Title in the main event of a PBC Pay-Per-View event on Prime Video taking place Saturday, February 1 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

The showdown between Benavidez and Morrell pits two of the sports’ most exciting fighters against each other in the primes of their career, with the winner not only establishing himself as the future of the light heavyweight division, but as a potential force on pound-for-pound lists and one of the faces of boxing for years to come. After a heated press conference in Los Angeles last month, the two combatants again expressed their mutual distaste for each other throughout Tuesday’s event. 

Tickets for the live event are on sale now through AXS.com.

The pay-per-view lineup features a bevy of the sport’s top talent, as WBC Featherweight World Champion Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa and former unified world champion Stephen Fulton Jr. meet in a much-anticipated rematch in the co-main event. Plus, fan-favorite and former world champion Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz takes on hard-charging contender Angel Fierro in an all-Mexican pay-per-view undercard attraction, and rising Mexican star Jesus “Mono” Ramos Jr. and former unified champion Jeison Rosario square off in the pay-per-view opener at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

Here is what the fighters had to say Tuesday from BOXR Gym in Miami:

DAVID BENAVIDEZ

“I don’t care about his trash talk. I’m ready for February 1. I’m super focused on one objective, and that’s inflicting damage on David Morrell. I’m coming for the knockout.

“This is all more fuel to the flame to go in there and do what I have to do. Now I’m really gonna put a beating on him.

“This guy is trying to act hard. It is what it is. On February 1, none of this matters. I’m gonna break his mouth.

“I got the experience, I got the belt and I got everything I need. It’s good he’s got the Cubans with him today, because when he gets knocked out, they’re all gonna leave him.

“He better do what he says he’s gonna do. We’re gonna see on February 1. I’m glad he’s talking about this being an easy fight.

We’ve been in the gym and we’re working hard. When I get in the ring, I’m gonna be 100%. Everyone better get ready.

“They all say the same nonsense before they get in the ring with me. Then they get in there, and it’s a different story.

“The thing about this is that it’s not fake. We don’t like each other. We have everything we need for a great fight. Nobody is gonna stop me. This is my year and this is the era of David Benavidez.”

DAVID MORRELL JR.

“He didn’t respect me at our first press conference, so I’m giving it back to him. This is my time. I don’t need to show him any respect.

“He looks like RoboCop in there. He’s got no head movement or anything. This is really an easy fight for me. I’m gonna show him the Cuban boxing skills.

“I feel great and I’m very excited to be here in Miami, because it always feels like home. I can’t wait for this moment on February 1.

‘I’m 100% focused in training camp and I’ve got great support from my team and my family down in Texas with me. This is the fight of my life. A win can change everything for me. This is my moment.

“I’m going to have Cuba on my mind when I enter the ring. I’m fighting for my family and for Cuba. Everything in my career has led to this.

“I have to be aggressive and make sure that I make my people proud and show that Cuba is number one. On February 1, I’ll make sure everybody knows who the real boogeyman is in this division” 

“Everyone says things, but I’m trying to stay even keeled and work on the fundamentals. If I do that, then I’m gonna succeed.”

#         #         #

ABOUT BENAVIDEZ VS. MORRELL

Benavidez vs. Morrell will see Interim WBC Light Heavyweight Champion David “El Monstro” Benavidez and WBA Light Heavyweight Champion David Morrell Jr. meet in a battle of unbeatens that pits two of the sport’s most exciting fighters against each other in the primes of their careers headlining a PBC Pay-Per-View event on Prime Video taking place Saturday, Feb. 1 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

The co-main event will see WBC Featherweight World Champion Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa defend his title against former unified world champion Stephen Fulton Jr. in a rematch of one of 2021’s best fights.

The pay-per-view will also feature Mexican star and former world champion Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz facing the hard-charging contender Angel Fierro in an all-Mexican super lightweight duel, plus rising Mexican star Jesus “Mono” Ramos Jr. battles former unified champion Jeison Rosario in a 10-round middleweight fight that opens the pay-per-view at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

In addition to the PPV being available for purchase on Prime Video, regardless of Prime membership, fans will also be able to continue to access the telecast through traditional cable and satellite outlets as well as PPV.com.

For more information visit www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #BenavidezMorrell, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, on Instagram @PremierBoxing or become a fan on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions

By Norm Frauenheim –

It’s the first significant fight in a New Year. That’s mere coincidence, but it’s also appropriate.

David Benavidez-versus-David Morrell on February 1, formally announced this week, is all about timing, a theme sure to unfold as both fighters step into their respective primes in only their second fight at light-heavyweight.

In part, it’s a potential stage-setter, both for the sport and the 175-pound division. On the calendar, at least, it’s a chance to move beyond a dreary year, one that figures to be remembered mostly for the Mike Tyson-Jake Paul fiasco. Maybe, the Oleksandr Usyk-Tyson Fury rematch on Dec. 21 changes all of that. We can hope. Make that pray.

At 175 pounds, it’a a chance for the Benavidez-Morrell winner at Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena to move into a shot at perhaps the undisputed title against Artur Beterbiev, although even he is talking about Jake Paul.

Paul is calling himself the Face of the Game, mostly because he’s got the key to the vault. There’s speculation he might even coax Andre Ward out of retirement. Big money can do that, and that’s what Paul’s face brings to prize-fighting, more prize than fight these days. Forget the scars, skills and courage. Cash is the only feature that matters anymore. 

Even Saudi Prince Turki Al-Sheikh, who has brought even more cash into the sport, claimed to be the Face after his promotional role in a card featuring accomplished Terence Crawford’s debut victory at junior-middleweight in Los Angeles last summer. Apparently, Al-Sheikh forgot that Crawford had more rights to the Face than just about anybody. When reminded that the reigning Face has to risk that face in the ring, Al-Sheikh — to his credit — backed off.

Meanwhile, Paul’s face eluded most of Tyson’s punches. Then again, there weren’t many to elude. Eighteen landed, for a pathetic average of fewer than three per round over the eight-round farce last Friday in Arlington, Tex. More punches land in shadow boxing. 

It was sad because Tyson used to be The Face. But it’s unrecognizable anymore, bought off by anybody with only cash in his skill set.

Can it be restored? Hard to say. But it’s worth a try and maybe Benavidez-Morrell is a place to start.

Start over. 

I remember an exchange I had with Paul more than two years ago before he fought mixed-martial-arts legend Anderson Silva at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, AZ, just a few miles of roadwork from the mean streets where Benavidez grew up near downtown Phoenix.

At the news conference in October 2022, I welcomed Paul to Benavidez’ hometown. At the time, Paul was calling out Canelo Álvarez. He still is. So, I asked him if he wanted to fight Benavidez, too. Paul stopped, looked at me intensely and said: “I’m not ready for that.’’

It was an honest answer, a real moment in a business turning into a carnival, a Hall of Mirrors. Nobody knows what they’re looking at anymore. 

Last week, I had a theory that most in the crowd of 72,000 at AT&T Stadium and a Netflix audience — estimated at 75 million viewers, worldwide — would not know that Usyk and Fury are fighting a rematch for the undisputed heavyweight title next month. Wouldn’t care either. Now, I’m not even sure many would know who Usyk or Fury are. 

To them, the craft is no longer the attraction. Only $pectacle is. They got one, but now there are weird, wild conspiracy theories. $pectacle and conspiracy go together like show and business. 

At last report, a class-action lawsuit has been filed by fans unhappy at Netflix’s production of the event. No word on whether they’re unhappy at themselves from buying into the hype.

The Sweet Science?

Nothing Sweet or Scientific about it.

From this corner, the formal announcement of the Benavidez-Morrell date in the aftermath of Tyson-Paul was a relief. It’s something real, old-school and fundamental in a world gone awry. 

Maybe, I’m expecting too much from Benavidez and Morrell. But all of the time-honored elements are there for a real fight. A memorable one, too. Nobody 58-years-old will be answering an opening bell. Benavidez is 27. He’ll be 28 on Dec. 18. Morrell is 26. He’ll be 27 on Jan. 17. They’re both unbeaten — Benavidez (29-0, 24 KOs) and Morrell (11-0, 9 KOs).

They’re the face of the future. 

For now, that’s the only face we’ve got.

NOTES

Jesus Ramos Jr., a promising junior-middleweight from Casa Grande AZ, will fight on the Benavidez-Morrell undercard. The 23-year-old Ramos was last seen in the corner for his brother Abel in his spirited draw with welterweight champion Mario Barrios on the Paul-Tyson undercard. Jesus Ramos (21-1, 17 KOs) will fight former champion Jeison Rosario (29-4-2, 17 KOs). “I’ve learned my lesson about leaving things up to the judges,’’ Ramos said during a news conference this week in Los Angeles. “I can’t do that anymore. I’m coming to knock him out.”

Emanuel Navarrete is a slight favorite to again beat Oscar Valdez in their junior-lightweight rematch Dec. 7 at Footprint Center in downtown Phoenix. Navarrete is coming off a disappointing performance at a new weight, a split-decision loss at lightweight to Denys Berinychk. Meanwhile, Valdez was impressive in a stoppage of Aussie Liam Wilson, who many believe got robbed of victory over Navarrete in a controversial bout, also in Arizona in 2023. Navarrete is talented, yet erratic. Meanwhile, consistency defines Valdez, whose seemingly inexhaustible resilience continues to make him dangerous.

I’ve already said this on other platforms and I’ll say it again: Tyson-Paul generated real numbers. Real money, too. Here’s a real question: Why was Tyson licensed? In a post after the bout, he talked about dying, saying that he underwent transfusions for excessive bleeding in May from an ulcer that postponed the bout. Yet, the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation licenses him anyway? Texas regulators must have known about Tyson’s condition. He talked about it in ominous detail in a story published by New York Magazine before opening bell. Did Texas listen, decide he was exaggerating and license him anyway? If so, we’re fortunate we witnessed only an embarrassment. 

LOS ANGELES – November 19, 2024 – Undefeated light heavyweight stars David “El Monstro” Benavidez and David Morrell Jr. went face-to-face Tuesday at a press conference in Los Angeles before they meet for Benavidez’s Interim WBC Light Heavyweight Title and Morrell’s WBA Light Heavyweight Title in the main event of a PBC Pay-Per-View event on Prime Video taking place Saturday, February 1 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

The press conference also featured WBC Featherweight World Champion Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa and former unified world champion Stephen Fulton Jr., as they meet in a much-anticipated rematch in the co-main event.

Also at Tuesday’s press conference was fan-favorite and former world champion Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz, who meets hard-charging contender Angel Fierro in an all-Mexican pay-per-view undercard attraction, and rising Mexican star Jesus “Mono” Ramos Jr. and former unified champion Jeison Rosario, who square off in the pay-per-view opener.

**Pre-sale tickets are AVAILABLE NOW until 10 p.m. PT through AXS.com by using the code: PBC. The public on-sale is scheduled for tomorrow, Wednesday, November 20 at 10 a.m. PT with tickets available through AXS.com.

The event is promoted by Sampson Boxing and Warriors Boxing.

This lineup features a bevy of the sport’s top talent, all topped by a showdown years in the making as Benavidez and Morrell meet with a chance to not only establish themselves as the future of the light heavyweight division, but as a potential force on pound-for-pound lists and one of the faces of the sport for years to come. The two undefeated titans had a heated stare down and engaged in frequent verbal back-and-forths during the event, promising to end their February 1 clash with a knockout.

Here is what the fighters had to say Tuesday from The NOVO at L.A. Live:

DAVID BENAVIDEZ

“Here we are again. I told you that I was going to give you the fights you want to see, and now we’re here. Morrell has been talking about me for a while and disrespecting me. He wanted to make it personal with me, so I’m personally going to break his mouth. That’ll give him something to remember me by.

“These are the type of fighters I want to fight. I want to face guys who think that they’re going to go in there and knock me out. He’s never fought anyone like me and I’m going to show everyone there’s levels to this.

“I want the props that I deserve when I beat the crap out of him. I love that he’s confident. I love facing guys like this.

“He knows what he said and that’s exactly what I needed to get me going for this fight. He thinks he’s big and bad, but he’s nothing. I’m gonna show him who’s the best on February 1.

“It’s not time to play anymore. It’s really time to see who the best David is. I want to show everyone where I stand. I want to take over and show everyone I’m the most ferocious fighter out there.”

DAVID MORRELL JR.

“I’m getting the knockout. 100%. He’s all talk and no bite. He can’t do what he thinks he’s gonna do.

“For a long time I’ve waited for this opportunity to fight Benavidez. On Saturday, February 1

I promise Benavidez and I promise everyone watching, it’s going to be a great fight.

“I know it’s not going to be an easy fight, but nothing is easy in life. I promise that I’m ready to fight.

“Everybody says that Benavidez is the bogeyman and that no one wants to fight him, and I want to face the best. That’s why I went straight for him.

“He has no idea what he’s talking about, but he’s provoking me and now I want to go out there and beat the crap out of him. I’m here now and none of that talk matters.

“This is a huge moment for me. I’m putting everything into this fight on February 1.”

BRANDON FIGUEROA

“I want to fight the best, so shoutout to Fulton for stepping up to the plate. I’m here to fight the best and I’m not overlooking anyone. This is the fight that I’ve been waiting for the last three years and I don’t plan to leave it to the judges this time.

“I learned a lot from the loss. It lit a fire in me that hasn’t been unlit. We both come to fight and I’m excited that the rematch is even bigger and better now on one of the best cards of the year.

“This means everything. I get to get my lick back and give fans another exciting show. It was fun the first time with a controversial decision, but I don’t plan to leave it to the judges. He had trouble with Carlos Castro and I got him out of there in six rounds.

“I’m growing and evolving as a fighter. My fire is burning bigger and bigger. I just want to prove that I’m the best 126-pounder and one of the best fighters in the world period.

“I’m gonna fight my fight. I come forward and I’m aggressive. I have a unique style. This time around I’m just hungry to make a statement. I want to challenge Naoya Inoue, that’s the goal.

“On February 1 he’s gonna see that I hurt him at 122 pounds and at 126 pounds I’m gonna put him away. I’m making a statement and it won’t go 12 rounds.”

STEPHEN FULTON JR.

“Round 13 coming soon. I’m thankful that he took the fight again and I can’t wait to get in the ring.

“I know how he fights. We’re familiar with each other, and when you are, you know what to expect from your opponent. I expect it to be action-packed again.

“I’m gonna get the job done on February 1 and make any adjustments I have to. I have the power to hurt him. Whoever steps foot in the ring with me going forward will see that.

“People forget who I am. I can do whatever I want in that ring. I have to remind everyone at this point. Can I knock him out? Yes, because he runs into things. There are many ways I know I can beat this guy. On February 1 I will be a two-division world champion. I’m going to make this one look more clear.

“I felt cool in my last fight. Even when I got dropped, I wasn’t hurt. Being at the bigger weight class gave me the extra strength and energy that I need.

“I won the fight, so I don’t really care what anyone says about my last fight. I know that I’m gonna be victorious. I’m bigger and stronger and I’ve learned a lot now. He’s gonna find out.

“I’m here to become world champion again. Trust me.”

ISAAC CRUZ

“This fight means everything to me because it’s Mexico vs. Mexico, and everyone knows what happens when two Mexicans collide. It’s gonna be a war for sure.

“I’m very excited for this opportunity. It’s going to be a great showcase and I can’t wait for February 1.

“I don’t want to be too eager in the ring, I just want to achieve my goal on February 1 and get my hand raised. I’m sharpening my tools so I can be at my best when that bell rings.

“I learn from every fight, so I don’t ever consider a fight a loss. It’s given me the opportunity to look at things from another perspective. I promise that I’m coming back even stronger.”

JESUS RAMOS JR.

“Rosario is a veteran who’s been champion and knows what it feels like at the top, and that’s what I want. I’m grateful to have a tough opponent and I’m ready to put on a show like always.

“I’m expecting the best version of Jeison Rosario, because he knows his back is against the wall. This fight is going to define his career, and that makes him dangerous. I’m going to prepare for the best Jeison Rosario there could possibly be.

“I’m coming to knock him out. I’ve learned not to leave things up to the judges, so I’m preparing myself for the knockout. I respect him as a fighter and I thank him for the opportunity, but I have to do my job. That’s the way this business goes.”

JEISON ROSARIO

“This fight is even bigger for me than when I won the world titles against Julian Williams. This is going to be a war and a showcase of my best abilities. I’m going to take full advantage of this opportunity.

“Ramos is a hungry fighter and I took this fight happily because I know it will be exciting. I’ve fixed my mistakes and I’m ready to show Ramos that there’s nowhere to hide in that ring.

“This is the most important fight of my life and the most significant fight of my career. This will catapult me to fight for the world championship again. My story is not over, not yet.”

#         #         #

ABOUT BENAVIDEZ VS. MORRELL

Benavidez vs. Morrell will see Interim WBC Light Heavyweight Champion David “El Monstro” Benavidez and WBA Light Heavyweight Champion David Morrell Jr. meet in a battle of unbeatens that pits two of the sport’s most exciting fighters against each other in the primes of their careers headlining a PBC Pay-Per-View event on Prime Video taking place Saturday, Feb. 1 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

The co-main event will see WBC Featherweight World Champion Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa defend his title against former unified world champion Stephen Fulton Jr. in a rematch of one of 2021’s best fights.

The pay-per-view will also feature Mexican star and former world champion Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz facing the hard-charging contender Angel Fierro in an all-Mexican super lightweight duel, plus rising Mexican star Jesus “Mono” Ramos Jr. battles former unified champion Jeison Rosario in a 10-round middleweight fight that opens the pay-per-view at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

In addition to the PPV being available for purchase on Prime Video, regardless of Prime membership, fans will also be able to continue to access the telecast through traditional cable and satellite outlets as well as PPV.com.

For more information visit www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #BenavidezMorrell, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, on Instagram @PremierBoxing or become a fan on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions

 

LAS VEGAS – November 19, 2024 – Interim WBC Light Heavyweight Champion David “El Monstro” Benavidez and WBA Light Heavyweight Champion David Morrell Jr. will meet in a battle of unbeatens that pits two of the sport’s most exciting fighters against each other in the primes of their careers headlining a PBC Pay-Per-View event on Prime Video taking place Saturday, Feb. 1 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

The co-main event will see WBC Featherweight World Champion Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa defend his title against former unified world champion Stephen Fulton Jr. in a rematch of one of 2021’s best fights.

The pay-per-view will also feature Mexican star and former world champion Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz facing the hard-charging contender Angel Fierro in an all-Mexican super lightweight duel, plus rising Mexican star Jesus “Mono” Ramos Jr. battles former unified champion Jeison Rosario in a 10-round middleweight fight that opens the pay-per-view at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

This lineup features a bevy of the sport’s top talent, all topped by a showdown years in the making as Benavidez and Morrell meet with a chance to not only establish themselves as the future of the light heavyweight division, but as a potential force on pound-for-pound lists and one of the faces of the sport for years to come.

In addition to the PPV being available for purchase on Prime Video, regardless of Prime membership, fans will also be able to continue to access the telecast through traditional cable and satellite outlets as well as PPV.com.

Pre-sale tickets are AVAILABLE NOW until 10 p.m. PT through AXS.com by using the code: PBC. The public on sale is scheduled for TOMORROW, Wednesday, Nov. 20 at 10 a.m. PT with tickets available through AXS.com.

The event is promoted by Sampson Boxing and Warriors Boxing.

“I’m very proud to help deliver this fantastic super fight to the fans,” said Sampson Lewkowicz of Sampson Boxing. “The boxing world has been anticipating the David Benavidez vs. David Morrell Jr. showdown between these two heated rivals who don’t like each other at all, and now it is here on February 1. The stakes will be high and both fighters will be in great shape, as the winner will be an interim unified light heavyweight champion, as well as the final mandatory for the WBC and WBA titles. T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas will be packed for this Mexico vs. Cuba matchup for the ages.”

“These are two great fighters going against each other in their primes, what could be better?” said Luis DeCubas Sr. of Warriors Boxing. “This is a fight Morrell has wanted for years and we’re very happy that these two great young guys are fighting each other now. It’s gonna be the aggressive boxer in Benavidez against the boxer-puncher in Morrell. It could very easily turn into a Hagler vs. Hearns type of fight, because both guys can punch and aren’t afraid to trade.”

**DAVID BENAVIDEZ VS. DAVID MORRELL JR.**

The two-time super middleweight world champion David “El Monstro” Benavidez will step in to face the toughest opponent of his career in the undefeated Cuban sensation David Morrell Jr. in the 12-round main event that will be contested for both Benavidez’s Interim WBC Light Heavyweight Title and Morrell’s WBA Light Heavyweight Championship belt.

The 27-year-old undefeated Benavidez (29-0, 24 KOs) followed up a standout 2023 campaign by moving up to light heavyweight in 2024 with a dominant unanimous decision victory over the former world champion Oleksandr Gvozdyk in June that earned him his interim title. Benavidez’s 2023 began with him besting longtime rival Caleb Plant via unanimous decision in a March slugfest before stopping the previously unbeaten two-division champion Demetrius Andrade in six rounds in November. A Phoenix-native who now trains in Miami, Benavidez became the youngest-ever 168-pound world champion at just 20-years-old when he defeated Ronald Gavril by split decision for the vacant WBC title in 2017. When he was 15 years old, Benavidez went from weighing 250 pounds to a boxing prodigy under the watchful eye of his father and trainer, Jose, Sr., and his brother and veteran contender Jose Jr., as he famously held his own in sparring against middleweight champions Gennady Golovkin and Peter Quillin as a teenager. Benavidez rode a string of six straight knockout victories heading into the bout against Plant, including KOs of former world champions Anthony Dirrell and David Lemieux.

“I can’t wait for this challenge on February 1 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas,” said Benavidez. “David Morrell Jr. is a great boxer, but come fight night, I will be the better man and show the world why I’m an elite fighter. I always take on the toughest opponents that are willing to step into the ring with me, because I know that I have to prove myself each and every time. When that bell rings, everyone will see that I’m the best fighter in the world.”

A Cuban-native who came to Minneapolis to begin his pro career in 2019, Morrell (11-0, 9 KOs) has quickly shown off the talents that made him a standout in Cuba’s storied amateur scene. The 26-year-old also debuted in the light heavyweight division this year after an extended and successful run at super middleweight, defeating Radivoje Kalajdzic by unanimous decision in August to capture his WBA title. Morrell had scored seven-straight knockouts before that fight, including a violent first-round stoppage of Olympic Bronze medalist Yamaguchi Falcao in April 2023 and a second-round destruction of Sena Agbeko in December of that same year. During his super middleweight run, Morrell won an interim title by dominating the then-unbeaten Lennox Allen in August 2020 in just his third pro fight. Now trained in Stafford, Texas by the legendary trainer Ronnie Shields, Morrell will finally get the opportunity to face a top-flight opponent after calling for the opportunity against Benavidez ever since he arrived stateside and began his professional boxing journey.

“This is the fight the fans have been waiting for, and I’m ready to give them a show they’ll never forget,” said Morrell. “This is two undefeated fighters in their prime, stepping into the ring and giving everything we’ve got. That’s what boxing is all about. Everyone should be getting this pay-per-view, because you’re going to see something special. I believe this will go down as one of the most memorable fights in boxing history and I’m excited to make it happen. I’m knocking David Benavidez out!.”

**BRANDON FIGUEROA VS. STEPHEN FULTON JR.**

The 12-round co-main event will see the much-anticipated rematch of a memorable 2021 clash as WBC Featherweight World Champion Brandon Figueroa takes on former unified world champion Stephen Fulton Jr. Their first showdown was a super bantamweight world title unification that pitted the relentless forward attack of Figueroa against the slick skills of Fulton, with the bout ending in a majority decision for Fulton (116-112 twice and 114-114).

The 27-year-old Figueroa (25-1-1, 19 KOs) was recently elevated to world champion after former champion Rey Vargas was declared champion in recess. Figueroa won the Interim WBC Featherweight Title in a 2023 Fight of the Year contender that saw him score a unanimous decision over former champion Mark Magsayo. He returned this May to successfully defend his interim title with a ninth-round knockout of former champion Jessie Magdaleno, increasing his winning streak to three straight since the first Fulton fight. A native of Weslaco, Texas, Figueroa’s relentless pressure and youthful enthusiasm helped him become the first person to defeat former two-division champion Luis Nery in their May 2021 championship clash, as he stopped Nery with a body shot in round seven. Figueroa added to his family’s legacy by capturing the WBC 122-pound world title against Nery, joining his brother Omar Figueroa Jr., who previously held the WBC Lightweight World Championship.

“Training is going great and I’m very excited to return on another big fight card against a championship caliber opponent,” said Figueroa. “I expect Fulton to be at his best, but I will go into that ring very prepared to convince everyone who really won the first time. I don’t plan on letting it go to the judges this time around.”

Born and raised in West Philadelphia, Pa., Fulton (22-1, 8 KOs) made a successful featherweight debut in September, rising from an early knockdown to defeat all-action contender Carlos Castro by decision. It was Fulton’s first fight since a July 2023 challenge that saw him travel to Japan to take on undefeated Japanese superstar Naoya Inoue, eventually dropping the road contest in round eight. In his previous 14 professional fights before facing Inoue, the 30-year-old had established himself on pound-for-pound lists by beating eight previously undefeated fighters. Fulton first became a world champion by taking the super bantamweight title from Angelo Leo in January 2021, before unifying against Figueroa. Trained in his hometown, Fulton has displayed sublime boxing skills that have allowed him to dominate opponents of varying styles and control fights from start to finish.

“I’m feeling strong and ready to return to the ring on a wonderful pay-per-view card to win my third world title in my second division,” said Fulton. “I expect Figueroa to make it a rough fight, just like he did in the first fight. But everyone saw what happened the first time, so I predict I’ll become three-time world champion and a two-division champion come fight night. Whatever I have to do to get my hand raised, I’ll be ready.”

**ISAAC CRUZ VS. ANGEL FIERRO**

One of the most popular active fighters from Mexico, Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz will return to action to face the hard-charging Angel Fierro in a super lightweight duel that marks Cruz’s first appearance in the ring since he lost his WBA Super Lightweight World Championship to Jose Valenzuela via split-decision in August.

Buoyed on by his passionate fan base, Cruz (26-3-1, 18 KOs) became a world champion in March as he hurt Rolando Romero badly in round one before eventually ending the fight in round eight via TKO to claim the WBA title. A native of Mexico City, Cruz shot up the rankings in 2020, announcing his presence with an electrifying first-round knockout over veteran Diego Magdaleno in October before adding dominant decisions over Francisco Vargas and Matias Romero. This rise led to the 26-year-old challenging undefeated superstar Gervonta Davis in December 2021, a fight that saw Cruz lose by decision to become just the second fighter to see the final bell against Davis. Trained by his father Isaac Cruz Sr., Cruz also owns stoppage wins over former champion Yuriorkis Gamboa and veteran contender Eduardo Ramirez, in addition to a 12-round decision over the then-unbeaten Giovanni Cabrera.

“I’m very happy to be back in the ring on February 1 and in the fight capital of the world in Las Vegas,” said Cruz. “I’m facing a real Mexican warrior like myself and I’m excited to give fans the type of fight that they love. It will be a lot more entertaining than my last fight, when my opponent ran all night long and the judges made a terrible decision. This time, I will not leave it up to the judges, because I’m going for the knockout. Fierro and myself are going to show what Mexican style is all about and go toe-to-toe until someone gets knocked out.”

Originally from Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico, Fierro (22-2-2, 17 KOs) now fights out of San Diego and has made a name for himself with his aggressive style and power punching prowess. The 26-year-old has fought professionally since 2015 and was undefeated in his first 17 outings. He announced his presence as a world contender in 2021 with a career-best victory as he rose from the canvas to stop former world champion Alberto Machado in round six. Most recently, Fierro had a three-fight winning streak snapped when he lost a June decision against Alfredo Santiago, with the only other loss of Fierro’s career coming via split-decision in January 2020 against Alex Martin. February 1 will mark Fierro’s third career fight stateside, and his first since a majority draw against Juan Carlos Burgos in March 2022.

“Ever since I turned professional, my dream was to fight in Las Vegas,” said Fierro. “Spending time training with my mentor and idol Erik Morales really taught me how to fight under pressure and now I have the perfect opponent to display those skills against in ‘Pitbull’ Cruz. I’m from Tijuana and we love facing fighters from Mexico City, it’s a tremendous rivalry. On February 1, the fans will be the winners, because I won’t take a step back. I’m coming to knock out ‘Pitbull’ and prove who is the best 140-pounder in Mexico.”

**JESUS RAMOS JR. VS. JEISON ROSARIO**

Rising Mexican star Jesus “Mono” Ramos Jr. will look to make it back-to-back victories when he faces his most accomplished opponent to date in the former unified world champion Jeison Rosario, as they meet in a 10-round middleweight fight that opens the pay-per-view action.

After coming up on the wrong end of a contested decision against top contender Erickson Lubin in September 2023, Ramos (21-1, 17 KOs) returned to the ring in style this May, stopping Johan Gonzalez in round nine to reaffirm his status as a world championship contender. A native of Casa Grande, Ariz., Ramos had worked his way up the rankings by defeating a slew of contenders including Brian Mendoza, Javier Molina, Vladimir Hernandez and an emphatic stoppage of the then-unbeaten Joey Spencer. Trained by his father Jesus Sr., and the nephew of veteran contender Abel, the 23-year-old Ramos entered the Lubin fighting having stopped seven of his last 10 opponents.

“I’m grateful to be back in the ring on February 1,” said Ramos. “I’m facing an experienced opponent in Jeison Rosario who’s got nothing to lose, and that makes him dangerous. He wants to get back in the mix and I’m preparing to make sure that doesn’t happen. It’s exciting to have this platform to display my talent and show how much I’ve grown since my last fight. This is going to be a great card from top to bottom and I can’t wait to take my place on that big stage.”

Having faced a who’s-who of top contenders throughout his career, Rosario (24-4-2, 18 KOs) will once again go toe-to-toe with a highly touted foe when he takes on Ramos on February 1. Born in the Dominican Republic and fighting out of Miami, Rosario captured the WBA and IBF 154-pound belts by stopping Julian Williams in his hometown in one of 2020’s biggest upsets, earning the title opportunity by defeating a litany of contenders including Jamontay Clark, Marcos Hernandez and Jorge Cota. After beating Williams, Rosario would go on to lose a three-belt unification against Jermell Charlo in 2020 before also challenging top contenders Erickson Lubin and Brian Mendoza. Most recently, Rosario squared off against former unified champion Jarrett Hurd in August as the two fought to a split-draw.

“I’m very thankful to my team for getting me this opportunity and I feel blessed to be in this position,” said Rosario. “With Bob Santos in my corner, I’m extremely motivated to get back on top. Ramos is a good fighter, but I’ve faced the best in this sport and I’m going to use all that experience to get my hand raised on February 1.”

#         #         #

For more information visit www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #BenavidezMorrell, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, on Instagram @PremierBoxing or become a fan on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions

By Norm Frauenheim –

David Benavidez, who continues to search for an opponent for his second light-heavyweight fight, is interested in David Morrell amid confusing, often contradictory posts that quote him as saying he’ll fight Jesse Hart next.

The Boxing Hour confirmed a report early Thursday by Boxing Scene that Benavidez asked his management to send an offer to Morrell for a fight, perhaps in December. It’s not clear how Morrell will respond. The two exchanged some trash talk when both were still at super-middleweight.

Benavidez, who was still a mandatory challenger at 168 pounds and hopeful for a shot at champion Canelo Alvarez, ignored Morrell. Morrell accused Benavidez of ducking him. If that sounds familiar, it is. Benavidez has accused Canelo of ducking him for a couple of years.

But things have changed. Both Benavidez (29-0, 24 KOs) and Morrell (11-0, KOs) have moved up to light-heavy and each are coming off victories that left doubts about how they would do at 175 pounds. The 27-year-old Benavidez, troubled by hand injuries and a healing cut over one eye, scored a unanimous decision over former champion Oleksandr Gvozdyk June 15 in Las Vegas. Morrell, a 26-year-old Cuban living in Minneapolis, also won a unanimous decision in his light-heavy debut, beating Radivoje Kalajdzic August 3 in Los Angeles.

There was also talk throughout Thursday in media and reportedly from Benavidez himself that his next opponent would be Jesse Hart, a Philadelphia fighter and former super-middleweight challenger who has been at light-heavy since 2019. Hart, 35, is 3-1 at 175 pounds, losing a split decision to popular Joe Smith in January 2020. 

As of Thursday, however, there was no announcement of a Benavidez-Hart or Benavidez-Morrell fight from PBC (Premier Boxing Champions), which represents Benavidez.

Benavidez posted on social media that he would be fighting Hart next instead of Morrell, who he did say would be a future opponent. Then, Benavidez deleted the post, but not before a couple of web sites quoted him as saying Hart, not Morrell, was next. 

That’s when Hart responded on X, formerly Twitter, twice:

First, Hart posted: “I dont know nothing about fighting  

david benavidez i haven’t spoken to anybody involving details about us fighting i dont know where yall getting this narrative”

Then, in response to somebody who posted the Hart-instead-of-Morrell scenario as if it were fact, Hart countered: “Fake news”

The Hart possibility has been rumored for a few weeks. If there were any talks, however, they didn’t go far. Sources have told The Boxing Hour that Hart wants more money than he has been offered for a fight with Benavidez, the World Boxing Council’s so-called mandatory challenger at light-heavy.

Presumably, that would put Benavidez in line to fight the Artur Beterbiev-Dmitry Bivol winner.  Beterbiev and Bivol fight for the undisputed light-heavy title in one of the division’s biggest bouts in history Oct. 12 in Saudi Arabia. 

If Bivol wins, however, Canelo could get in the way of Benavidez’ pursuit of a light-heavyweight title. Canelo has mentioned Bivol repeatedly since his one-sided decision over Edgar Berlanga Sept. 14 at Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena. He has talked about avenging his scorecard loss to Bivol in May 2022. Beating Bivol, he says, would do more for his legacy than a big-money fight against ex-welterweight great and pound-for-pound claimant Terence Crawford, now at junior-middleweight.

Canelo gets whatever he wants. No fake news there. The WBC did not strip Canelo of its 168-pound belt when Benavidez was still it’s mandatory challenger at that weight. Instead, it gave Benavidez a so-called option. Really, he had no choice. He had to move to 175-pounds and beat Gvozdyk. Then, he was installed as the mandatory at the heavier weight. But it’s safe to assume the WBC will grant Canelo’s wish and find a way to give him a shot at another undisputed title if Bivol beats Beterbiev.

No matter what happens, Benavidez has to win his next one whether it’s against Hart, or Morrell, or Fill In The Blank Here. For now, at least, the date is not clear. A few weeks ago, it was thought Benavidez’ next fight would be in Los Angeles on Dec. 14 or Dec. 21. Now, however, there are conflicting dates. 

On Dec. 14, popular Jaime Munguia, coming off a solid decision over Eric Bazinyan in Glendale AZ last Friday, is reportedly interested in fighting at home, Tijuana, and Golden Boy Promotion plans to stage a card featuring welterweight Alexis Rocha in Ontario, Calif.

On December  21, most of the boxing audience will be watching the live-stream of the Oleksandr Usyk-Tyson Fury heavyweight rematch in Saudi Arabia.

Benavidez might have to wait until early next year. There’s been talk of Vegas’ MGM Grand. There’s also talk that it’s time for him to return to Phoenix, his hometown and the heart of his fan base. 

He hasn’t fought in his hometown since a third-round blowout of David Lemieux at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, a few miles of roadwork from where grew up on the streets of Phoenix.

GLENDALE, Ariz. — Knockout is the first word in the second chapter to Jamie Munguia’s career.

It sums up what he hopes to do.

It defines the promotional plans Top Rank has for him.

The KO was authored and patiently executed by Munguia in his first fight, post-Canelo, against an unknown, yet skilled Eric Bazinyan Friday in front of a roaring crowd of about 6,500 at Desert Diamond Arena.

In a super-middleweight fight full of twists and turns, ebbs and flows, a bigger and quicker Munguia finally delivered the final word with a succession of punches that left an exhausted Bazinyan on all fours, looking exhausted and beaten late in the 10th. He was finished, a loser by KO at 2:36 of the round.

“It was a great experience,’’ Munguia (44-1, 35 KOs) said in a tone that suggested he anticipates even greater ones in  a career that is just entering its prime.

It was also a victory that put him one fight beyond his last one, a scorecard loss to fellow Mexican Canelo Alvarez. There were questions about how the 27-year-old Munguia would respond to the loss to boxing’s  so-called Face of the Game.

Would he be tentative?

Would he be over-anxious?

No. 

And no.

Munguia’s evident poise was very much intact against Bazinyan (32-1-1, 23 KOs), an Armenian living in Canada. Bazinyan tested Munguia repeatedly in the middle round. 

“I felt like I was winning,’’ Bazinyan said.  “I felt he was very frustrated with my jab, right hand, and counters. He was getting tired. All of a sudden, I got caught. I don’t know what happened there.”

Munguia rocked him in the sixth, seventh and eighth. Each time, it looked as if Munguia was about to take control. But the well-conditioned Bazinyan came charging back, repeatedly rocking him with a solid right hands that he threw behind a consistently accurate jab.

A tentative Munguia would not have known how to respond. An overanxious Munguia would have rushed in and perhaps walked right into knockout blow. But Munguia carefully measured his punches and perhaps his energy, all in an effort to score a KO he had to envision in a comeback from his lone loss.

What’s next? Predictably, Munguia, a quiet fighter from Tijuana, wouldn’t be specific. He was asked about about the Top Rank-promoted Christian M’billi. He was asked by Caleb Plant, who is coming off a bruising victory over Trevor McCumby.

Then, he was asked by Edgar Berlanga, who lost a one-sided decision to Canelo at Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena last Saturday.

“If I had to pick, I’d pick Berlanga,’’ he said.

Sounds like that one could produce the second word in that second chapter. 

ReplyForwardAdd reaction

Torrez stays unbeaten, Dawejko’s mouthpiece gets him DQed

Richard Torrez Jr. threw most of the punches in a fight dominated by his movement and Joey Dawejko’s mouthpiece.

In the end, it was the mouthpiece that proved to be decisive.

In a heavyweight fight with no knockdowns, Dawejko’s mouthpiece hit the canvas five times. The fifth time resulted in his disqualification in the fifth round of the final fight before the main event, a super-middleweight clash between Jaime Munguia and Eric Bazinyan Friday night in front of an estimated crowd of 7,000 at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale Arena.

The DQ will go down as a victory for Torrez, pushing the prospect’s unbeaten record to 11-0 with 10 knockouts.

“Joey was a vet, just like I said,” Torrez said.  “He didn’t give up. That mouthpiece came out a little too much. That’s a veteran move, but at the end of the day, congratulations to him. He put up a good fight.

“I think we were able to show more boxing ability that I was telling you about.”

Torrez was clearly on his way to victory with quick hands and agile feet. On The Boxing Hour’s card, he won the first three rounds easily. He was winning the fourth, too, when Dawejko’s mouthpiece began to dominate the round. Referee Wes Melton picked it up once, twice and then a third time. That’s when he issued his first one-point penalty. A fourth time resulted in a second one-point penalty  for Dawejko (28-12-4  16 KOs), a Philadelphia roofer when not in the ring.

In the fifth, Melton had seen enough of Dawejko’s mouthpiece and the fight. He waved off the fight at 2:02 of the round.

El General marches on to another battle won

In the opening bout of the ESPN+ telecast “El General” Emiliano Vargas 11-0(9Kos) of Las Vegas, NV faces “Lethal” Larry Fryers 13-6-1(5Kos) of Clones, Ireland. Coming in the fight Larry made a bold prediction stating he was going to knock out Vargas in the 5th round. Missing majority of the year Larry is making his 2024 debut looking to mirror 2023 were he went undefeated in his 2 matches. Fans made sure to be in their seats prior to the start of this one. As most AZ fight fans are very familiar with Vargas, this will make it his fourth time fighting in front of them at the Desert Diamond Arena. It also does not hurt that he comes to fight which make him a fan friendly fighter. In a town known for fighter such as the legend Micheal Carbajal, Jose Benavidez jr, and David Benavidez AZ loves to see in all out war. The El “General” has the perfect tactics to keep them happy and on the edge of their seats.

In the opening round emiliano came out with a combo of a left and right to the head of Fryers which caught him by surprise and stunned. Vargas did not let up from the punishment landing at will knocking back Fryers to ropes with a series of jabs. More importantly Vargas was showing off his defense with great footwork and head movement, making his opponent miss many of his punches.

Focusing on the body in round 2 Vargas landed some vicious body shots to the right of fryers ribs. As the round came to an end at the sound of the 10 second mark, Vargas lands a straight left hand wobbling fryers to the ropes with a few significant punches following. Best exchange of the fight to this point

Larry has no answer for Emiliano’s left hook to the head nor to the body. Just as you think Fryers is done he comes back with a punch of his own but no damage being done. As a repeat of the previous round Vargas came with a late rally hurting Larry to the point if there was more time the referee might had to save him.

In the mid point of the fifth round Vargas landed 2 perfect body shots to set up the furious knock out punch a over hand left hook ending the night for Lethal Larry Fryers. The stoppage come at 1:38 of the fifth round.

Emiliano stated that this is his best performance to date and will enjoy crumbl cookies for his hard work. Vargas is showing that he can knockout out his opponents but now adding that he can make them miss as well. The prediction of a 5th round KO was right just the fighter who said it was not. Emiliano “El General” Vargas improves to 12-0(10KOs).

Charly Suarez scores third-round stoppage

Speed is power and Filipino junior-lightweight Charly Suarez proved it repeatedly in overwhelming Jorge Castaneda in the final bout before the ESPN telecast Friday of the card featuring Jaimie Munguia-Erik Bazinyan Friday at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale AZ.

Suarez (18-0, 10 KOs) dropped Castaneda (17-4, 13 KOs), of Laredo TX, twice in the third round, finishing him at 2:23 of the third for a fringe World Boxing Organization belt.

Not in Kansas anymore

Alan “Kid Kansas” Garcia 14-0(11KOs) from Ulysses, Kansas took on Ricardo Fernandez 15-13(1KO) from Santa Cruz de la sierra, Bolivia in a scheduled 8 round bout. Garcia is coming off a very short break just fighting a little over a month ago when he KOd his opponent in 3 rounds. Coming into this fight should not be nothing new to “Kid Kansas” this past year fighting on average every 2 months, each time taking care of business

Coming to the ring paying homage to Mexico wear the colors of the flag Green, white, and red  during Hispanic heritage month. As the action started Garcia quickly Established the jab, connecting flush on his opponent’s face.

Picking up the activity in the 2nd utilizing more of his arsenal going to the body more often. Towards the end of the round Garcia briefing stunned Fernandez with a left hook to his right temple.

Settling down for the start of the 3rd  Garcia again picked it up carrying all the action as his dance partner did not come out to tangle. Very solid round for Kid Kansas as he did a little of everything  head shots, body shots and movement in the ring

Sensing he has nothing to lose Fernandez came out his Corner swinging, throwing as many punches as all of the previous rounds combine. That was short lived as Garcia took control of the fight once again simply out boxing Fernandez

Garcias body  shots have been landing effectively throughout the fight so far. In a wild turn of event with 45 seconds left in the 5th round Garcia left his guard down and was caught with a powerful right over hand. Before even hitting the canvass Garcia was out, unfortunately his head bounced off the mat. Not being able to get up the referee stops the fight at 35 seconds left in the fifth round.

This is a huge upset for top prospect Alan Garcia, maybe all those miles he put on his body this year is what failed him tonight. There is still a very bright future for Kid Kansas. In his post fight interview Fernandez stated that he was not surprised of the knockout and he knew that he was not getting up. Fernandez improves to 16-13(2KOs) while Garcia suffered his first defeat now at 14-1(11KOs)—-By David Galaviz

DJ Zamora wins decision in tough junior-lightweight bout 

DJ Zamora calls himself The War Machine. 

He got the war. 

Got the victory, too.

Zamora (14-0, 9 KOs), a junior-lightweight from Las Vegas, won a unanimous decision, yet was forced into an intense battle during the middle to late rounds of a scheduled eight-rounder by Argentine Gerenardo Antonio Perez (12-6-1, 3 KOs) Friday on a card featuring Munguia-Bazinyan at Desert Diamond Arena Friday.

Zamora’s superior reach and hand speed controlled the early rounds. In the fourth, however, Perez adjusted, slipped under Zamora’s long  punches and landed repeated uppercuts in a bout cheered by a small, yet lively crowd. 

Unbeaten Steven Navarro scores third-round TKO

Steven Navarro, an unbeaten Super Flyweight from Los Angeles, combined power and speed for a two-fisted demolition of Oscar Arroyo in the third fight — all one-sided — Friday on the card featuring Jaime Munguia-Eric Bazinyan at Glendale’s Desert Diamond Arena.

Navarro (4-0, 3 KOs) overwhelmed Arroyo (3-3, 2 KOs), of Virginia, knocking him down twic , once in the first round and again in the second. Late in third, Navarro unleashed a succession of punches from countless angles, prompting the referee to step in and end it at 2:35 of the round.  

Jorge Perez scores first-round KO

ia Essaoudi walked into the ring, answered an opening bell and had to be helped through ropes and into his dressing forty-six seconds later.

It was quick work, all delivered by Mexican middleweight Jorge Perez (31-4, 26 KOs) in the second fight on a card featuring Munguia-Bazinyan at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, a Phoenix suburb.

Perez, of Los Mochis, landed a lethal hook to Essaoudi’s left side. Essaoudi (22-3, 15 KOs), of Germany, reacted as if he had suffered a fractured rib. In evident pain, he dropped his hands. Then, Perez landed a head-rockincombo. At :46 of the first round, it was over — Perez, winner by knockout.

First Bell: Unbeaten Sebastian Hernandez forces aging foe to quit 

It was a matinee surrender.

The ESPN show featuring Jaime Munguia-Erik Bazinyan opened Friday at Desert Diamond Arena with junior-featherweight  Sebastian Hernandez (17-0, 16 KOs), of Tijuana, landing punches at will against a retreating Yenfrez Parejo (24-7-1, 12 KOs) a middle-aged Venezuelan with a receding hair line. 

Parejo’s age was listed  at 37-years-old. By the third, he looked 50. After the fourth, he was finished, a senior citizen who couldn’t continue.

By Norm Frauenheim –

Canelo Alvarez isn’t going to strengthen his position in the pound-for-pound debate, no matter what he does against Edgar Berlanga on Sept. 14 in a fight that has been dismissed by exasperated fans who only want to see him against David Benavidez or Terence Crawford.

But the public consensus, as damning as it is noisy, is further evidence that Canelo isn’t going anywhere, no matter who he fights or where he stands in the various ratings. He doesn’t even have all of the super-middleweight belts anymore. An acronym stripped him of one, which I guess means he’s been demoted from undisputed to unified. 

But don’t dispute his power to dictate — to get what, when and whoever he wants — in a business otherwise ruled by chaos. I’ll leave it up to somebody else as to whether Canelo’s long powerbroker reign is good for boxing. There’s an old line worth repeating: Absolute power corrupts absolutely

Nevertheless, his latest controversy with boxing’s nouveau riche, Saudi Prince Turki Alalshikh, only manages to re-affirm that power. Alalshikh took offense when Canelo appeared to rebuff his attempts to put together a much-talked-about date with Crawford after Crawford’s narrow decision over Israil Madrimov in his junior-middleweight debut on August 3.

Canelo talked about respect, which usually means he believes he wasn’t getting enough of it.  Then, he told Alalshikh to talk to him after his title defense against Berlanga on a night when the UFC will stage a mixed martial-arts event at Las Vegas’ Sphere, just a few blocks of neon from T-Mobile Arena.

In the middle of the edgy exchange, Alalshikh posted a photo of himself, declaring he was the Face of Boxing. That precipitated a backlash. The game’s Face is reserved for those who are willing to risk that face. In other words, only the fighters qualify. In a craft where virtually everything is for sale, it’s the one thing that can’t be bought. 

Alalshikh, who is new to the sport and its unwritten traditions, backtracked last week while announcing an undercard featuring Shakur Stevenson-versus-Joe Cordina on an Oct. 12 show featuring Artur Beterbiev-Dmitry Bivol in Riyadh.

In posting the undercard, there was a response that called Alalshikh “The Face of Boxing.” No, he said, he wasn’t worthy of that. Only the fighters are. Props to the Prince.

That lesson, however, was a victory for Canelo. In effect, it reaffirmed — even tightened his grip — on his undisputed place as The Face.  Consider Crawford. His brilliant career has ensured him of the Hall of Fame and gained him some over-due respect. At this late stage, however, it looks as if it has come down to just one option: Canelo or retirement. 

Crawford, who will be 37 late next month, had hoped that the Madrimov fight in Los Angeles would be a steppingstone to Canelo. And only Canelo. 

Increasingly, it’s become clear that Crawford, still among the top three in virtually every pound-for-pound rating, has no interest in uniting the junior-middleweight title. 

The unbeaten Crawford is already a two-time undisputed champ, at 140 and 147 pounds. He has expressed no interest in fighting Jaron “Boots” Ennis, the reigning young lion at welterweight. It looks as if he also has no interest in facing the young lions at 154 pounds, including Vergil Ortiz Jr.

Alalshikh said he approached Crawford, also a four division champion, about a fight with Ortiz after Ortiz’ controversial, yet gritty majority decision over Ukrainian Serhii Bohachuk in Vegas a couple of weeks ago. According to Alalshikh, Crawford said no, a sign that we may have seen him fight for the last time. 

After Berlanga, Canelo, a 16-to-1 betting favorite, is sure to get questions from fans and an offer from Alalshikh about Crawford in a fight at 168-pounds, 14 more than Crawford’s weight against Madrimov in a bout that snapped his stoppage streak at 11 straight.

It all depends on Canelo.

Still Canelo.

By Norm Frauenheim

LOS ANGELES — Terence Crawford won the fight. But he didn’t beat his critics.

Crawford’s place in the pound-for-pound debate and indeed history are still an argument, one sure to be debated as much as ever after he won a fourth title in a fourth weight class with a unanimous decision over Israil Madrimov before an announced crowd of about 28,000 at BMO Stadium Saturday night.

Crawford moved up the scale to junior-middleweight. But he didn’t bring some of his singular brilliance with him. He believes this is his era. But that claim will have to wait. Madrimov did to Crawford what Errol Spence Jr, Shawn Porter and so many more could not. He took him to the score cards. 

Madrimov was the first fighter not knocked out by Crawford in eight years. Crawford (41-0, 31 KOs) had scored 11 straight stoppages. Then, the streak was snapped by an unlikely fighter, an Uzbek known more his amateur accomplishment than his pro resume.

Madrimov (10-1-1, 7 KOs) fought the feared Crawford on even terms. At times, he made Crawford look ordinary. Above all, he made him look beatable, especially if he faces Canelo Alvarez in another jump up the scale, this time to a projected bout at 168 pounds.

“He’s a hell of a fighter,’’ Crawford said.

Above all, Madrimov was a surprising fighter, unknown to most in the crowd. But his amateur education included tireless movement and shifting angles that seemed to baffle Crawford. Going into the final two rounds, it looked as if Crawford might lose on the cards. But a sudden, perhaps desperate aggressiveness, might have saved him in the end. He rocked Madrimov in the 11th and the 12th with with repeated uppercuts. On the official scorecards, it was 115-113, 116-112, 115-113, all for Crawford.  The Boxing Hour.com also scored it 115-113, also for Crawford..

But not everybody agreed, including Matchroom’s Eddie Hearn, Madrimov’s promoter.

“This fight was on a knife edge,’’ said Hearn, who especially angry at the 116-112 score. “In a title fight, you’ve got to rip the the belt off the defending champion.’’

Crawford didn’t do that. But he did leave the ring with the World Boxing Association’s version of the junior-middleweight title.

For Madrimov, it was enough to ask for a rematch. He asked Hearn to put one together for later in the year. But that depends on Crawford, who will be 37 on Sept. 28 and looked every bit his age. There’s speculation that Crawford is just a couple fights from retirement. The guess has been that he’ll cash out if and when he ever gets an opportunity to fight Canelo. If Canelo was watching Saturday, he had to like his chances.

Predictably patient and calculating in his debut at 154 pounds, Crawford began  slowly, perhaps studiously. It was the first stage in a search and destroy mission. The search was for an opening, a weakness in Madrimov’s style. But Crawford never did get to the destroy stage. 

Through the first five rounds, it was hard to find a weakness in Madrimov. The clever Uzbek presented Crawford with a problematic mix of angles and movement. He stepped to one side, bounced up and down at a rapid pace, then stepped to the other side. For Crawford, Madrimov’s style presented a tactical puzzle, one complicated by his tireless and purposeful movement.

Crawford, fighting out of a southpaw stance, managed to land a few right hands. But not one  appeared to do much damage. At times, he made Crawford look awkward. He tripped and fell in the fifth. 

All the while, Madrimov would land a jab, enough of them to leave a small bruise under Crawford’s right eye. With each passing round, it looked as if Madrimov was emboldened by his ability to fight the longtime pound-for-pound  contender on his own terms. He dictated the pace. Controlled the ring. 

In the seventh, Madrimov’s right hand landed with more frequency. In the ninth and tenth, Madrimov was the aggressor. Stubbornly, he moved forward, putting Crawford on his heels and  without any apparent fear of walking into one of his lethal counters.

“He fought a great fight,’’ Crawford said.

A surprising one, too

Valenzuela upsets Isaac Cruz

Jose Valenzuela kept moving.

In the end, he moved into a huge upset.

Valenzuela relied on patience, poise and precision, all enough to score a split decision over feared Isaac Cruz in the final fight before a main event featuring Terence Crawford-versus-Israil Madrimov Saturday in front of a capacity crowd at BMO Stadium Saturday.

Valenzuela (14-2 9 KOs), the new World Boxing Association junior-welterweight champion, had to endure — indeed survive — some rocky moments in the late rounds to secure the win over Cruz, a 5-to-1 betting favorite.

Cruz, ever aggressive, threw a jackhammer-like right hand out of a crouch. It stunned Valenzuela in the final seconds of the 11th. Had it happened earlier in the round, Cruz (26-3-1, 18 KOs) might have saved his belt 

But Valenzuela, of Renton WA,  made it back to his corner with his poise intact. after the 12th, two scorecards favored him, 116-112 both. On the third, it was 115-113 for Cruz.

“His smarts,” said his new rainer, Robert Garcia, who has moved into a corner that was once occupied by Jose Benavidez Sr. “He had to stay smart. Fight smart.”

He did, but his steady performance didn’t convince a crowd that included many Mexican fans. They booed the decision. Cruz, a Mexico City fighter nicknamed Pitbull, believed he did enough to win.

“So did the crowd,” Cruz said. “Listen to them.”

It sounded like an immediate rematch

Ruiz and Miller fight to a dull draw

It was a majority draw, Mostly a dud, too..

There was no winner Saturday in a heavyweight bout between Andy Ruiz and Jarrell Miller Saturday on the Crawford-Madrimov card at BMO Stadium 

In a plodding exhibition between fighters beyond their prime, there was mostly impatience from a gathering crowd anxious for the main event, or Eminem, or just an early stoppage. But there was no stoppage, no early end to a fight that generated boos before it reached the sixth round.

It was Ruiz’ first fight in 23 months. Ruiz (35-2-1, 22 KOs) had been idle for too long. His noted hand speed, the key to his memorable upset of Anthony Joshua, was gone. Midway through the fight, he became a one-handed fighter because of an apparent broken bone in his right.

That allowed Miller (26-1-2, 22 KOs) to assert himself. But he never really capitalized. His punches were hit-and-miss, mostly miss. In the end, he did enough to win on one scorecard, 116-112. On the other two cards however, it was a draw, 114-114.

“Let’s do it again,” Ruiz said to the crowd. “I’d love a rematch.”

He’d be the only one.

Jared Anderson falls in fifth-round beatdown

Jared Anderson began the day as America’s next great heavyweight.

But his future changed.

The next great was turned into just another American heavyweight. 

Martin Bekole (21-1, 16 KOs), a Congo heavyweight living in London, knocked the next out of Anderson’s future with a beatdown, three knockdowns in a stunning fifth-round stoppage Saturday on the Crawford-Madrimov card.

Anderson’s feet weren’t quick enough to elude Bekole. His jab didn’t have the power or precision to keep him off. Bekole simply moved forward, steamrolling Anderson  like a runaway truck on the nearby LA freeway.

Anderson (17-1, 15 KOs) was down late in the first round from an uppercut. He was down a second time midway through the fifth from another uppercut. Moments later, he delivered still another uppercut, dropping Anderson onto the canvas and under the bottom rope. He got up. But it was clear he was finished, a stoppage loser at 2:07 of the fifth.

Morrell wins light-heavy debut, calls out Benavidez

David Morrell didn’t waste much time after winning his light-heavyweight debut, a unanimous decision over Radivoje Kalajdzic.

Who’s next?

David Benavidez, he said.

“I want to fight Benavidez,” Morrell said after winning a vacant World Boxing Association title with a mixed performance in his first fight after moving up from super-middleweight. “I want him. Everybody knows that. Benavidez is the boogeyman. I’m here.”

Benavidez won his light-heavyweight debut, a decision over Oleksandr Gvozdyk, also in a mixed performance on June 15.

Before calling out the Phoenix fighter, it wasn’t exactly clear that Morrell (11-0, 9 KOs) had beaten Kalajdzic, a tough Serbian and a veteran light-heavyweight. Morrell appeared to tire Saturday on the Crawford-Madrimov undercard.  He pursued an early knockout. Midway through the 12-round bout, Kalajdzic (29-3, 21 KOs) moved forward and countered, often landing shots easily. Nevertheless, it was one-sided on the scorecards. It was 117-11,118-110 and 117-111, all for Morrell.

“I feel good,” said Morrell, who fought as though he was thinking more about Benavidez than Kalajdzic

Andy Cruz impresses, scores seventh-round stoppage of Moran 

Andy Cruz showed why he’s a prospect with a dramatic seventh-round stoppage of Antonio Moran in the third fight Saturday on the Crawford-Madrimov card.

Cruz (4-0, 2 KOs), a Cuban lightweight who won Olympic gold in a victory over Keyshawn Davis in 2021, staggered Moran i(30-7-1, 21 KOs) in the sixth.

Late in the seventh, he finished the job with a long right hand that traveled with laser-like precision. It sent Moran, of Mexico City, falling into the ropes, which were the only thing that kept him from falling out of the ring. At 2:59 of the seventh, it was over. 

Steve Nelson, Crawford stablemate, scored fifth-round TKO

Omaha super-middleweight Steve Nelson calls himself So Cold.

It’s a nickname he put to good use on a hot afternoon Saturday in the second fight on the card featuring Terence Crawford-Israil Madrimov at BMO Stadium, a soccer stadium within a few miles roadwork from the LA skyline.

In an outdoor ring at the center of the stadium floor, Nelson (20-0, 16 KOs), a Crawford stablemate, kept his cool, controlled the pace and then coolly scored a fifth-round TKO of Marcos Ramon Vazquez (20-1-1, 10 KOs) of Tijuana.

First Bell: Crawford-Madrimov opens with a draw.

It started with more people in the ring than in the seats.. Instead of cheers, there just echoes from the traffic that surrounded BMO Stadium.

But the show must go on and it did with Saudi welterweight Ziyad Almaayouf (5-0-1, 1 KO) and Michael Bulik (6-7-1, 2 KOs) fighting to a draw in the first fight on a card featuring Terence Crawford-Israil Madrimov Saturday under a hot sun at BMO Stadium.

Almaayouf appeared to be the busier fighter. Early on, he scored repeatedly with fast hands. On the scorecards, however, it was a majority draw — 57-57 twice and 59-55 on the third card.

By Norm Frauenheim –

David Benavidez, who won at a heavier weight and looked beatable in doing so, is back to where he was before his decision over Oleksandr Gvozdyk.

Waiting for Canelo.

On the financial scale, it makes sense. It always has. A fight with Canelo Alvarez still represents the quickest way to the biggest money. Over the last several years, that’s been the only formula in a business otherwise ruled by only chaos.

If you want to follow the money, follow Canelo. This is prizefighting, after all.

But it’s not clear what Canelo is thinking. There’s been silence on what he thought of Benavidez’ scorecard victory over Gvozdyk, a unanimous decision yet flawed in many ways on June 15 on an Amazon Prime card at Las Vegas’ MGM Grand.

Presumably, he watched and saw that Benavidez’ power and energy in the later rounds weren’t there in his 175-pound debut. Speculate all you want as to why. Benavidez said he came into the fight battling injuries undisclosed before opening bell.

There was a stitched-up cut along his left eyelid, a reason that his father-trainer, Jose Benavidez Sr., brought in Stitch Duran to

work the corner.

He said he injured a tendon in his right hand. He massaged the hand throughout the post-fight news conference. The injuries, the Phoenix-born fighter said, happened in training in Miami. Just how they impacted his preparation – his focus and conditioning — is anybody’s guess.

But Benavidez clearly did not have the energy late in the fight against Gvozdyk that had been there throughout his run at super middleweight.

At 168, he seemed to have an extra gear in the later rounds. But it was missing against the Ukrainian, a former light-heavyweight champion, who was the bigger fighter. Benavidez said he was at 189 pounds at opening bell.

He and Gvozdyk were each at 174.2 at the official weigh-in. Gvozdyk never said what his weight was at fight time, but he looked to be at about 200 pounds. With his hand speed, Benavidez scored, but his punches didn’t have the power to hurt, or even move, Gvozdyk, a former Canelo sparring partner who was at his best in the final moments.

If Canelo was watching, he had to notice. Canelo, who will be 34 in July, is moving out of his prime, but his lower-body strength is still there. In some ways, he resembles Gvozdyk. It’s hard to knock him off balance much less off his feet.

At light-heavyweight, Canelo’s ex-sparring partner might have found a weakness in Benavidez that was not apparent at super-middle. He also might have found a reason for Canelo to say, yeah, I’ll fight him.

Over the first week after Benavidez light-heavy debut, however, there’s been silence. Perhaps, Canelo has decided he’ll let the process play out.

Benavidez announced, post-fight, that he would relinquish his mandatory challenger spot for the light-heavyweight champion, which would have meant an even riskier fight against the Artur Beterbiev-Dmitry Bivol winner in October.

Instead, he said, he’d go back to super-middleweight and pursue the mandatory challenge – still Canelo — he’s been pursuing for a couple of years. He was expected to send the World Boxing Council a letter of formal declaration. Then, the WBC is expected to rule.

By now, however, we know Canelo does he what wants. Gets what the wants. He has said so, repeatedly, over the last year.

There’s already talk of Canelo fighting Edgar Berlanga in September. That speculation appeared to be the reason behind an agreement between Canelo and somebody named William Scull, a super-middleweight nobody knows yet is still a rival acronym’s mandatory challenger.

The speculation is that Scull will get step-aside money.

Then, Canelo will get Berlanga.

And Benavidez will get what he’s always had.

He’ll get to wait.

NOTES

In one of the best fights in the history of the little guys, Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez is about a 9-2 favorite over Juan Francisco Estrada for the SuperFly title next Saturday (June 29) on the Suns home floor at Footprint Center in downtown Phoenix.

Speaking of odds, what are the odds on Ryan Garcia ever fighting in another state-sanctioned bout again? He was suspended Thursday for a year by New York for testing dirty before his stoppage of Devin Haney. Garcia won’t go away. He’s a social-media freak show. Promoters will do whatever they can to get him back in the ring a year from now. There’s a market for his kind of unhinged behavior.

And the WBO orders negotiations for an Emanuel Navarrete-Oscar Valdez junior-lightweight rematch. In a futile attempt to win a lightweight title, Navarrete looked terrible in a sloppy scorecard loss – a split decision — to Denys Berinchyk in May. But a Navarrete-Valdez rematch might a hard sell. It was a good fight. But it was a blowout, Navarrete scoring a one-sided decision in August 2023 at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale AZ. 

By Norm Frauenheim —Tank Davis looked vulnerable. The sign was there in an ugly bruise, going from red to crimson, beneath his right eye.

But the bruise might as well have been a mask.

For a while, it hid what has always been there. Davis’ quick-strike power is a dynamic that never stays hidden for long.

It struck all over again, this time dropping a gutsy Frank Martin onto his back alongside the ropes Saturday night in a devastating eighth-round knockout at MGM’s Grand Garden Arena in an Amazon Prime fight for the lightweight title.

“No question, I’m back,’’ Davis (30-0, 28 KOs) said. “No question.’’

No doubt, either.

Questions, however, were lurking after about 14-month stretch of no bouts and time in jail at home in Baltimore.

Martin hoped he had the ability to exploit them. And, for a while, it looked as if he might. He danced away. He moved inside, he moved outside with enough agility and courage to bruise Davis.

“But I knew, I knew, he’d tire out,’’ Davis said.

He did. Martin’s quick feet began to slow, round-after-round absorbing Tank’s wicked combinations.

At 1:29 of the eighth, it was finally over. Davis rocked Martin (19-1, 12 KOs) with a succession of punches. It looked as if Martin was ready to fall. Davis made sure of it with a left-handed shot that began at his hip and traveled like a menacing meteor in a direct strike on Martin’s exposed chin.

It was over, an exclamation point, a reminder of Davis’ pound-for-pound credentials and perhaps an even bigger opportunity to prove himself on a bigger stage against Vasiliy Lomachenko later this year. 

Benavidez scores unanimous decision in 175-pound debut

It was a debut that demanded a difference.

A different David Benavidez.

That’s what he delivered in his first fight at a heavier weight against an experienced and toughened light-heavyweight.

Oleksandr Gvozydk, a former 175-pound champion, endured Benavidez’ whirlwind arsenal early and tested him with his own fundamental power later.

In losing a unanimous decision to Benavidez Saturday night at the MGM’s Grand Garden Arena, the Ukrainian didn’t tame The Monster in a fighter feared at super-middleweight.

But he did counter his evident mean streak with a durability Benavidez has never really encountered.

“I felt like I had a great fight against a great fighter,’’ said Benavidez, who also said he came into the fight with two injuries – a cut over his right eyelid and a torn tendon in his right hand – suffered two weeks ago. “It was a new weight, a different weight.’’

Benavidez left the ring with two things unchanged. He’s still unbeaten (29-0, 24 KOs). And he still intends to pursue a title at super-middleweight. That means Canelo Alvarez, of course.

“We’re going to go back to 168 and go after the title as a mandatory challenger or maybe if the title becomes vacant,’’ Benavidez said.

That of course, depends on what Canelo decides. But it’s safe to assume he was watching.

Early on, what he and a roaring crowd saw was the Benavidez they witnessed at super-middle.

He came out in the first round, shuffling, side

to-side while displaying some newfound head movement.

His father and trainer, Jose Benavidez Sr. had promised a renewed emphasis on defense and his son didn’t disappoint, at least not through the first three minutes.

In the second and third, there were moments when the 27-year-old Benavidez made the 37-year-old Gvozdyk (20-2, 16 KOs) look stiff, if not awkward.

The Ukrainian wasn’t exactly a stationary target. But he was there, in front of Benavidez, and open to a wide variety of punches thrown at alternating angles and speeds.

Gvozdyk couldn’t dodge them all. Benavidez’ punches are like debris in a tornado. They’re coming from everywhere. Example: In the sixth round, it looked as if Gvozdyk had begun to find his range with straight-handed shots.

They were beginning to slow down Benavidez. But in a momentary switch of momentum, Benavidez unleashed a triple shot – three right hands, each from a different angle and all three travelling at a blinding velocity.

From round-to-later round, however, Gvozdyk was there, an edifice impossible to bring down. Benavidez tried in an apparent attempt to fulfill his promised knockout.

Instead of a KO, however, there was only fatigue to go along with another victory in his introduction to a bout that also provided a reminder: There’s a reason for weight classes.

Puello scores SD over Russell/Tank-Martin card

Alberto Puello survived.

He survived a penalty for holding.

He survived a scorecard that suggested he never had a chance.

Turns out, survival was sweet.

Puello scored a split decision over a stronger, quicker Gary Russell (17-1, 17 KOs) for an interim junior-welterweight belt Saturday on the Amazon Prime card featuring David Benavidez-OleksansdrGvodzykand Tank Davis-Frank Martin Saturday at Las Vegas’ MGM Grand.

Puello (23-0, 10 KOs), of The Dominican Republic, won on two cards, 114-113 and 115-113. It was a close fight from almost every perspective but one. Judge David Hudson scored it for Russell, 118-109

It was a hard fight to watch. A hard fight to score, too.

But Carlos Adames (24-1, 18 KOs) did what he had to, keeping the World Boxing Council’s version of the middleweight title with a unanimous decision over Terrell Gausha Saturday on the Amazon Prime card featuring David Benavidez-Oleksandr Gvozdyk and Tank Davis-Frank Martin.

One-sided scorecards — 118-110, 119-109, 118-110 — make it sound as if Adames, of The Dominican Republic, had an easy day at the office. He didn’t. Gausha (24-4-1, 12 KOs) tested him repeatedly in the later rounds. But it was never quite  enough for the middleweight from Encino CA to sore an upset.

Kyrone Davis scores split-decision over Elijah Garcia

Elijah Garcia made the weight. 

But lost the fight.

Kyrone Davis (19-3-1, 6 KOs) took some of the promise out of Garcia’s ambitious career Saturday with a careful, yet effective pace Saturday, scoring  a split decision over the Phoenix middleweight in a bout that was preceded by controversy. 

Late Friday, there were doubts about whether the bout, already postponed once, would even happen. 

Garcia missed weight, coming in at 165.4 pounds and then 163. Davis was at 160.4. 

Davis trainer Stephen Breadman Edwards demanded that Garcia weigh-in again Saturday morning, a few hours before opening bell at MGM’s Grand Garden Arena.

Breadman threatened to cancel the bout if Gracia was heavier than 173 pounds in the morning weigh-in. He wasn’t. According to the official bout sheet, he was at 163.2. The fight was on, but the early pace belonged to Davis.

He came into the ring looking angry, perhaps anxious to take out some frustration on Garcia (16-1, 13 KOs). At opening bell, however, he exhibited only poise. He patiently measured the distance between him and Gracia with a jab.  Then, he followed with repeated rights.

For four or five rounds, Gracia looked tentative, perhaps because of the weight controversy or maybe because of  Davis’ tactical patience. 

Whatever it was, the slow start proved costly. Davis won on two cards, both by 97-93 scores. On the third card, it was 98-92 for Garcia, who stepped up the pace and his level of aggression, especially from the seventh through the 10th rounds. The Arizona southpaw moved forward, trying to walk down Davis while also landing a succession of head-rocking combos.

But, in the end, it wasn’t enough to save Garcia from his first pro defeat, a loss and perhaps a lesson for a young fighter

Magsayo wins one-sided decision

Mark Magsayo (26-2, 17 KOs), a Filipino junior-lightweight, scored a third-round knockdown and then scored repeatedly over the next seven rounds for a decision — as thorough as it was unanimous — over Mexican Eduardo Ramirez (28-4-3,13 KOs) in the sixth bout on the Tank-Martin card Saturday.

After Magsayo rocked Ramirez with an uppercut and then dropped him with a straight hand, Los Mochis fighter continued, but never with much purpose or energy in what what turned into a dull bout. 

Justin Viloria stays unbeaten, scores fifth-round TKO

Justin Villoria (6-0, 4 KOs), a 19-year-old junior-lightweight from Whittier CA, had all of the energy and most of the punches in overwhelming Mexican Angel Contreras Saturday on the Tank Davis-Frank Martin card.

Villoria knocked down Contreras (15-9, 9 KOs) in the fourth and again the fifth, both times with body punches. Seconds after the second knockdown, an exhausted Contreras took a knee, a TKO surrender at  2:02 of the fifth round.

Phoenix junior-featherweight impressive in pro debut

Hello, Brayan Gonzalez.

Gonzalez, a junior-featherweight from Phoenix, was impressive in his professional debut, scoring a first-round knockdown and staggering James Mulder again in the fourth in an afternoon bout hours before the Tank Davis-Frank Martin main event.. 

Mulder (0-2), of Antioch CA, never had a chance. Never scored a point either. It was 40-35 on all three cards, all for Gonzalez (1-0).

Benavidez-trained Blancas stays unbeaten with first-round stoppage

David Benavidez’ stable is 2-0 through the early fights on a card that will feature its star attraction Saturday night in a light-heavyweight debut against  Oleksandr Gvozdyk.

Daniel Blancas (10-0, 5 KOs), a super-middleweight from Milwaukee, didn’t waste any time, flashing Benavidez-like power with a sweeping hook for a first-round stoppage of German Aro Schwartz (23-8-1, 15 KOs). 

Ohio junior lightweight does enough to win majority decision

It was a hard fight to score. Neither fighter did much, but Peggy Whitmore (3-0), a junior-lightweight from Ohio, did more, winning a majority decision (39–37, 39-37, 38-38) over Mia Ellis (7-3, 6 KOs), of Baltimore, in the second bout on the Tank Davis-Frank Martin card

First Bell: Benavidez-trained featherweight opens marathon show with unanimous decision 

First bell sounded like a morning alarm.

It echoed through an empty arena, signaling a noon-time start to a card that eventually will feature David Benavidez-versus-Oleksandr Gvozydk in a light-heavyweight fight and Tank Davis-versus-Frank Martin for the lightweight title Saturday at the MGM’s Grand Garden Arena.

Reina Tellez (8-0-1, 5 KOs), a San Antonio featherweight and a fighter in the Benavidez stable, got the marathon started, winning a four-round, unanimous decision over a taller, yet slower Beta Dudek ((4-2, 4 KOs) of Slovakia.