In a stunning boxing event held at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, interim WBC light heavyweight champion David Benavidez faced off against the undefeated WBA ‘regular’ champion David Morrell. The bout, which was fierce and evenly matched, culminated in a 12-round unanimous decision favoring Benavidez, leaving many fans and analysts baffled by the judges’ scoring. This fight was more than just a title defense; it served as a testament to both fighters’ resilience and skill in the ring.
Benavidez (30-0, 24 KOs) was tested like never before in this bout. In a critical moment during the 11th round, he was knocked down by a powerful right hand from Morrell (11-1, 9 KOs), which could have swayed the momentum in favor of the Cuban fighter. However, the situation was complicated by an unusual decision when the referee deducted a point from Morrell for hitting after the bell, a ruling that raised eyebrows and ignited debate over the officiating. Throughout the match, the judges’ scorecards displayed a wide range of perceptions, with scores of 115-111, 115-111, and an alarming 118-108. Many, including this writer, felt that Morrell had outperformed Benavidez, especially through the first five rounds and in the closing stages of the fight.
The environment in the arena was electrifying, with a majority of the fans cheering for Benavidez, which may have skewed the judges’ perspectives. The volatile atmosphere can often sway judges, leading them to score rounds in favor of the fighter who appears to be more popular, rather than who is executing the better game plan. This phenomenon raises significant questions about the integrity of judging in boxing, especially in a major fight that has implications for both fighters’ careers.
Despite the controversial decision, it seems unlikely that a rematch will occur between Benavidez and Morrell, much to the disappointment of many boxing lovers who believed Morrell deserved the victory. Looking forward, Benavidez aims to challenge the winner of the upcoming rematch between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol scheduled for February 22nd, an opportunity that could further define his legacy in the light heavyweight division. However, there is a lingering concern regarding Benavidez’s stamina, as he has exhibited fatigue in recent fights, leading to speculation about whether he can hold up against top-tier competition.
The bout between Benavidez and Morrell was not just a fight; it was a controversial clash that highlighted the complexities of boxing scoring and the emotional investment of both the fighters and the fans. While Benavidez walks away with the victory, the implications of Morrell’s performance and the contentious nature of the judging will undoubtedly echo throughout the boxing community. As the division continues to evolve, the debates surrounding this fight will fuel discussions long after the final bell rang.