Disappointed with Morrell

[dannnnn]

What I was disappointed with was just how straightforward his offense was. I expected a bit more subtlety and nuance to his attacks. Most of the time he was just loading up and hitting Benavidez's arms and gloves. Lots of three or four punch combinations like a 1-2-3-2, but with little variation in speed, power or timing. Just a straightforward bop-bop-bop-bop like you would do on the heavy bag. Benavidez was noticeably a level above in that department, landing lots of short sneaky body shots and mixing up and disguising his work really well.

That being said, it was a good fight and competitive right to the last. While watching the first few rounds I thought for sure Morrell was gonna get worn down and stopped later on but he fought through it well, hurt Benavidez a couple of times (granted one was after the bell), and finished the fight on equal footing (though not score-wise obviously). I'd happily watch a rematch while we wait for Beterbiev and Bivol settle things.

[HisExcellency]

I predicted a CLOSE points victory for Benavidez and if Morrell hadn’t screwed himself after the knockdown (although I think the point deduction was overly harsh) that’s exactly what would’ve happened. 118-108 was a joke.

Therefore, Morrell performed as expected but lost to the better, more experienced fighter. NO shame in that.

[Dakuwaqa]

Certainly looks like some people didn't get any clue from Morrell's last fight with Kalajdzic. Which is what the rest took their overwhelming prediction for Benavidez came from.

Yup. After watching that fight the writing was on the wall for me at least.

[jqSide]

Certainly looks like some people didn't get any clue from Morrell's last fight with Kalajdzic. Which is what the rest took their overwhelming prediction for Benavidez came from.

[The Big Dunn]

I think Morrell did the best he could. No shame in that imo.

Benavidez is a really tough guy with above average skill. He isn’t unbeatable by any means. But he is a level above a guy like Morrell.

[elfag]

he was completely outclassed

lost nearly every round.

his defense was pretty poor, bena could land at will, if bena had more power he would easily been KO'd.

he had problems getting through bena's guard.

he was supposed to be the superior boxer, from the cuban pedigreed. but he was outclassed all around. it would be different if he was showing good accuracy and good defense and simply got outworked, but he was outboxed AND outworked.


Morrell needs someone with a slower pace who will try to box with him, he should face plant, that would be interesting. i dont know if he even beats plant.

[dan_cov]

Of course it was a factor. Morrell was blasting out nobodies and bums and fought somebody good for the very first time.

Maybe you're right
He sure fought like he was fighting some bum he could just bomb out of there and was arrogant af throughout the build up and even during the early rounds even the ones he was losing and getting slapped about in

[dan_cov]

There was certain moments I knew he would have difficulty. His inactive guard, his inability to punch when pushed back. I just felt he'd be more active and punch on the fly which he can and does just sporadically.
I just do not understand why anyone would stand in front of Benavides with a high guard and not even catching and shooting just soaking it up.

Like man wtf is even the point being a southpaw? you just auto gave up that advantage.

[famicommander]

I don't think competition or experience was a factor. More Morrells limitations/lack of prep and gameplan.

He is what he is at this stage. We auto feel Morrell is young but he is 27 and lost all his ammy bouts through the same, he's not changing now. He is what he is.

Of course it was a factor. Morrell was blasting out nobodies and bums and fought somebody good for the very first time.

[dan_cov]

This was his first fight at the world level. They should have stepped him up gradually before tossing him to the wolves. Benavidez had wins over Anthony Dirrell, David Lemieux, Caleb Plant, Demetrius Andrade, and Oleskandr Gvozdyk. Who was Morrell's best opponent prior to this fight? Fox? No comparison.

I don't think competition or experience was a factor. More Morrells limitations/lack of prep and gameplan.

He is what he is at this stage. We auto feel Morrell is young but he is 27 and lost all his ammy bouts through the same, he's not changing now. He is what he is.