David Morrell angered David Benavidez fans by saying on social media that he only knows how to “eat tacos” and “He can’t speak Spanish.” These comments sparked a fire under Benavidez’s fans, who scorned the Cuban talent, saying they had fired him for his insolence.
Many believe that the “Mexican Monster” will surely destroy Morrell, but this might not be true. Benavidez has become a different fighter since moving up to 175; his power is not there for this weight class.
Light weight it is kryptonite for Benavidez. He’s gone from Superman to just a medium volume puncher, and he could have trouble against a true 175-pounder like Morrell. The two fighters will meet in 23 days on PBC on Prime Video PPV at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
(Credit: Jacob De Leon / Team Morrell)
Belly battle
Morrell’s remarks about Benavidez’s eating habits were a reaction to his delicate condition during their first face to face. Benavidez had a belly at the time and looked like a tall truck driver, used to eating on the road at fatty foods. That belly was worse than Tyson Fury’s.
Fortunately, Benavidez appears to have lost weight. Interestingly, it was only six months since his last fight against Oleksandr Gvozdyk on June 15th when he started promoting his February 1st bout against Morrell. How in the world could Benavidez pack on so much weight in half a year? I really have to let myself go between bouts to gain weight.
Obviously, Benavidez can’t continue to let his body get out of shape like this in the future because he’s not going to have much of a career if he can’t make 175 or if he’s forced to drain to make weight. He was already skeletal when he made weight for his debut at 175 last summer, and that was a bad sign.
If Benavidez has already killed himself to make weight at lightweight, he won’t be there for long before he is forced to move up to cruiserweight and compete against IBF champion Jai Opetaia.
It’s understandable why “regular” WBA lightweight champion Morrell (11-0, 9 KOs) commented on Benavidez’s Spanish because he revealed he had trouble understanding it. Morrell’s fast way of talking had Benavidez unable to follow.
“I’m ready for February 1st. Viva Mexico, guys. Benavidez can’t even speak Spanish,” said David Morrell social media. “He knows how to eat tacos and shit. May the best man win.”
