David Morrell says he will make David Benavidez “regret every word” he’s said about him, ahead of their light heavyweight grudge match next month.
Benavidez defends his WBC interim crown against fellow former super middleweight world champion, Morrell at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on February 1, live on Amazon Prime pay-per-view.
The pair clashed and had to be separated after almost coming to blows during a media workout last month and Benavidez has suggested his rival did not want to take part in VADA drug testing.
Morrell has warned ‘The Mexican Monster’ that the back-and-forth is providing him with added motivation and insists his foe has disrespected him.
“He’s been running his mouth, calling me out and disrespecting my name,” the 26-year-old said.
“That’s fine with me, because words won’t save him when we’re face-to-face in the ring.
“All this trash talk just fuels me.
“He’s going to regret every word when I make him eat his pride punch-by-punch.”
Benavidez, 28, secured the WBC interim light heavyweight belt in his first fight since moving up from 168lbs with a unanimous decision win over Oleksandr Gvozdyk in June, but has been sidelined since with a hand injury.
Morrell also moved up in weight, overcoming Radivoje Kalajdzic in August and the Cuban says a victory will solidify his credentials as the best fighter in the division.
“People call him ‘The Mexican Monster’, but I’m not scared of monsters – I hunt them down!” he added.
“He’s never faced someone like me, and come fight night, he’s going to realise that I’m faster, stronger and smarter than anyone he’s ever stepped in the ring with.
“This is the moment I’ve been waiting for, it’s the fight that changes everything.
“A win over Benavidez doesn’t just put me at the top – it solidifies me as one of the best fighters in the world.
“After this fight, there will be no question who the king of the division is.
“I’m ready to take that crown.”
The winner of Benavidez-Morrell is likely to receive a shot at the victor of the February 22 rematch between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol.
