As advertised, neither fighter wasted any time in getting to work. Morrell looked to establish his jab and straight left hand behind it. Khataev - a 2020 Olympic bronze medalist - negated a height and reach disadvantage by working his way inside and digging to the body. Right hands also landed upstairs for the unbeaten Russian, which caused swelling around Morrell's eye. Morrell came back with a pair of left hands upstairs but Khataev was able to respond with a series of right hands. Hell of an opening round!