“I’m Coming to Harm One thing”: David Morrell’s Intense Motivation for Imam Khataev Combat

David Morrell says his loss to David Benavidez “woke me up”, and he’s motivated for his redemption battle in opposition to Imam Khataev at mild heavyweight on July twelfth in Queens, New York.

Morrell (11-1, 9 KOs) has labored on the errors he made in opposition to Benavidez, and is able to present a brand new model of himself in opposition to the unbeaten 2020 Olympian Khataev (10-0, 9 KOs) of their 10-round undercard battle on DAZN PPV.

Morrell’s “Woke Me Up” Assertion

“Shedding that battle to Benavidez woke me up. I’m coming to harm one thing,” mentioned Morrell.

If Morrell can rating a knockout of Khataev, that may be spectacular, as a result of he’s seen as the subsequent Beterbiev within the eyes of some folks. He has the facility and the beginner pedigree to be a troublesome opponent for Morrell.

Khataev Visa Points Affect Combat?

“I don’t know. I don’t work for immigration. My supervisor didn’t name me and say something. So, I’m working,” mentioned David Morrell to Fighthype, reacting to being instructed that there are reviews that his opponent, Imam Khataev, is having visa issues and won’t have the ability to get into the U.S for his or her battle on July twelfth. “I don’t know what occurred with him.

If Khataev can’t enter the nation, Turki Alalshikh might want to discover a substitute rapidly for Morrell. There are solely 12 days earlier than July twelfth, and that doesn’t depart sufficient time to discover a stable substitute.

It will be nice if one of many tremendous middleweights might transfer as much as face Morrell if Khataev is unable to battle on that date. The sunshine heavyweight division is missing in high quality fighters when you get previous the highest three or 4 fighters.

Rematch with Benavidez or Bivol/Beterbiev?

“I really feel like I’m one of many youngest guys,” mentioned Morrell when requested if he’d prefer to battle a rematch with David Benavidez or the winner of the Dmitry Bivol vs. Artur Beterbiev trilogy.

Benavidez isn’t going to be in a rush to battle Morrell once more after the punishment he took in that battle. He appeared like he’d gotten the worst of it on the finish. If Morrell makes a couple of changes by rising his punch output, he’ll possible cease Benavidez as a result of he has the higher punching energy.

“I’ve fought solely twice on this division, and I’ve proven the world that I belong proper there with these names. I’m greater than keen to go up in opposition to any of these guys. I’m assured, I’ll put up a great battle, and I belong on the prime with these names,” mentioned Morrell.

It’s unlikely that Morrell will get an opportunity to battle the winner of the Bivol vs. Beterbiev battle. David Benavidez is subsequent in line. Nevertheless, if Morrell appears good in beating Imam Khataev and will get one other stable win below his belt, he’ll be ready to problem for a world title.

Bivol and Beterbiev are getting previous. Neither is anticipated to remain round for for much longer. If Morrell can’t get a shot at one of many two earlier than they retire, he’ll nonetheless have the ability to battle for the titles as soon as they’re vacated. That would imply a rematch in opposition to Benavidez.