FWIW, I think it's technically a legal knockdown, even if it is ugly. Morrell's punch is blocked by Benavidez' upper shoulder, but the punch lands there first before his feet tangle with Morrell's. The punch landed on a legal area and caused Benavidez to tumble forward and his gloves eventually hit the canvas. I can't say whether or not it should matter if he trips after the punch, I guess that's judge/ref discretion, but the punch landed first, and Benavidez did go fully off balance because of it.
What!? Hell, no! We've seen plenty of fights where a fighter landed a shot, but the opponent slipped or tripped, and it wasn't labeled a KD. I think this would especially be the case where an orthodox and southpaw fighter's feet got tangled, and the punch landed on the underarm.
What!? Hell, no! We've seen plenty of fights where a fighter landed a shot, but the opponent slipped or tripped, and it wasn't labeled a KD. I think this would especially be the case where an orthodox and southpaw fighter's feet got tangled, and the punch landed on the underarm.
Seeing plenty of fights where a fighter landed a shot, but the opponent slipped or tripped, and it wasn't labeled a KD, is different than how I explained the criteria for actually scoring a knockdown in this fight. I wouldn't personally label it a KD either, but the punch clearly lands (on the shoulder, but still legal) before Benny trips. I think we usually call these "slips" but if the ref rules it a KD in this instance, he is not without justification according to the rules.
Seeing plenty of fights where a fighter landed a shot, but the opponent slipped or tripped, and it wasn't labeled a KD, is different than how I explained the criteria for actually scoring a knockdown in this fight. I wouldn't personally label it a KD either, but the punch clearly lands (on the shoulder, but still legal) before Benny trips. I think we usually call these "slips" but if the ref rules it a KD in this instance, he is not without justification according to the rules.
Well, I'm glad that the so-called "knock down" didn't cost Benavidez the fight. That would have been a shame.
Well, I'm glad that the so-called "knock down" didn't cost Benavidez the fight. That would have been a shame.
I don't think it would have either way. He clearly dominated Morrell when it mattered. The latter didn't ever fully come to life in the fight despite keeping Benny honest when it mattered.
I haven’t revisited that “knockdown” since the fight first happened. As I recall, it was clearly a bad call by the ref. Far from the first time this sort of thing has happened. Luckily it didn’t affect the rightful outcome of the fight.
Props to Morrell for facing the media and being honest after a tough loss. That alone says a lot about his character. He’s still young and talented, just ran into a guy who wasn’t intimidated and had a solid game plan. If he stays focused and keeps developing, he’ll be back stronger. Losses like this can actually push a fighter to the next level if handled right.
I don't think it would have either way. He clearly dominated Morrell when it mattered. The latter didn't ever fully come to life in the fight despite keeping Benny honest when it mattered.
Benavidez best work rounds 4 5 6 7 8
Morrell finished the fight pretty good in rounds 9 through 12
Props to Morrell for facing the media and being honest after a tough loss. That alone says a lot about his character. He’s still young and talented, just ran into a guy who wasn’t intimidated and had a solid game plan. If he stays focused and keeps developing, he’ll be back stronger. Losses like this can actually push a fighter to the next level if handled right.
I hope the experience encourages Morrell to better his jab and box more
Cuban School of Boxing should not have been outjabbed by a guy with Mexican bully style!
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