Comments Thread For: David Morrell Jr. scores unanimous decision over Radivoje Kalajdzic

[j0zef]

That was pretty terrible performance, especially considering who the opponent was.

[CubanGuyNYC]

I understand that, the thing is that if you have two fights and they end early, you then have to have a quick turn around fight.
The reason being that you didn't fight enough rounds, nor were you tested to any extent, so 3 rounds in almost 2 years didn't do anything for your in the ring experience.
Morrell is a champion, and he has to be prepared to fight the best in the division, if he doesn't get the rounds in, meaningful work, then it was a waste of his time.
The bottom line is he has to fight more often, especially if his fight'(s) only last a round or two, his promoter, manager, and corner have to be aware of that fact.

Trust me, I’m frustrated as a fan. No doubt Morrell’s other supporters feel the same. I’m sure David would love to be more active. I don’t know exactly what’s going on with his development. Is it that Morrell’s handlers can’t find willing dance partners, or what?

[CubanGuyNYC]

That was pretty terrible performance, especially considering who the opponent was.

Who was his opponent, pray tell? A guy who had previously lost two fights — one a split decision to a solid fighter in Marcus Browne; the other to f-ucking Beterbiev. Kalajdzic may not be top-ten, but he’s a solid fighter. Yeah, Morrell might’ve done better; but under the circumstances, he did all right.

[kiaba360]

Yeah, sometimes you need a wake up call. Morrell might’ve been falling in love with his power, and he and his handlers needed a reminder that you can’t be so inactive at this level. David could’ve easily taken his first L yesterday. Can’t risk that again as he rises in the division.

We've had this discussion about Morrell before: how inactivity and complacency could potentially lead to a premature unravelling. Morrell performed like a young arrogant fighter who was accustomed to dominating his opponent. Could he hurt Hot Rod? Yes. However, he didn't seem to have the finesse/versatility to effectively solve the puzzle that Hot Rod provided. I hope that his team studies this performance and doesn't allow Morrell to continue relying on his physical attributes.

[CubanGuyNYC]

We've had this discussion about Morrell before: how inactivity and complacency could potentially lead to a premature unravelling. Morrell performed like a young arrogant fighter who was accustomed to dominating his opponent. Could he hurt Hot Rod? Yes. However, he didn't seem to have the finesse/versatility to effectively solve the puzzle that Hot Rod provided. I hope that his team studies this performance and doesn't allow Morrell to continue relying on his physical attributes.

This experience could turn out to be a good thing. Certainly Morrell needed the work. It’s always a downside of knocking everyone out. Although I only got to watch highlights, Kalajdzic appeared to be completely unfazed by David. He’s a big, strong light-heavyweight, listed at 6’3”, while Morrell is supposed to be 6’1”.

[Joseph]

Although I only got to watch highlights, Kalajdzic appeared to be completely unfazed by David.

Not necessarily true. David wobbled him once or twice, but failed to capitalize on the openings.

He appears to have carried over at least some of his power. Kalajdzic was just able to mostly neutralize it.

[CubanGuyNYC]

Not necessarily true. David wobbled him once or twice, but failed to capitalize on the openings.

He appears to have carried over at least some of his power. Kalajdzic was just able to mostly neutralize it.

Ok. Good to know. I don’t recall seeing any significant reaction from Kalajdzic. I think the most I saw was a moment where he appeared to lose his balance after being hit. I didn’t attribute it to being affected by the punch.

[Joseph]

Ok. Good to know. I don’t recall seeing any significant reaction from Kalajdzic. I think the most I saw was a moment where he appeared to lose his balance after being hit. I didn’t attribute it to being affected by the punch.

Yeah, and to his credit, Kalajdzic was able to recover very quickly. Watching it back, it's exciting insomuch as you see just how much of a leap up in competition Morrell took. I commend him for that. Hot Rod was called every name in the book but the dude is a legit contender.

[kiaba360]

This experience could turn out to be a good thing. Certainly Morrell needed the work. It’s always a downside of knocking everyone out. Although I only got to watch highlights, Kalajdzic appeared to be completely unfazed by David. He’s a big, strong light-heavyweight, listed at 6’3”, while Morrell is supposed to be 6’1”.

As Joseph said, power wasn't the issue. Team Hot Rod chose a good strategy for Morrell, and Morrell didn't (or couldn't) adjust. Morrell seemed dead-set on trying to get the knockout, and was swinging power punches.

I wholeheartedly agree that this particular fight should lead to development. Hot Rod fully exploited Morrell's inexperience and proved that Morrell's skillset/ring IQ is more limited than fans think. This is why we're always harping on about his inactivity. He can't develop if he's not active, and his IQ can't expand if he doesn't start facing guys who can force him out of his comfort zone. That's why I wanted to see him vs. Benavidez and Mbilli, because they provide certain challenges that Morrell has yet to see.

[CubanGuyNYC]

Yeah, and to his credit, Kalajdzic was able to recover very quickly. Watching it back, it's exciting insomuch as you see just how much of a leap up in competition Morrell took. I commend him for that. Hot Rod was called every name in the book but the dude is a legit contender.

Physically imposing guy. Looked strong as f-uck.