David Morrell’s upcoming fight against WBC interim champion David Benavidez is creating a lot of buzz, but trainer Stephen Edwards has raised doubts about Morrell’s ability to outthink Benavidez inside the ring. While Edwards acknowledges Morrell’s immense power and physical attributes, he questions whether Morrell has the necessary ring IQ to overcome the “Mexican Monster” on February 1st.
Morrell’s Power: A Blessing or a Limitation?
Edwards believes that Morrell relies too heavily on his explosive power and size, which could be a disadvantage when facing a seasoned and technically skilled fighter like Benavidez. Although Morrell dominated his last fight against Radivoje Kalajdzic, he struggled to deal with occasional heavy punches. The fact that he was able to dominate but still took big shots raises concerns about his defense and adaptability under pressure.
Benavidez’s Underrated IQ and Defense
Edwards, who was impressed by Benavidez’s performance against Caleb Plant, is particularly cautious about Morrell’s chances against someone as strategically sound as Benavidez. According to Edwards, Benavidez’s defensive capabilities and tactical awareness are often overlooked. He noted that while Benavidez might seem easy to hit, his defense, particularly his ability to deflect punches and punch in combination, is far more refined than most people realize.
Morrell’s Strength vs Benavidez’s Intelligence
While Morrell’s raw power could cause trouble for many fighters, Edwards insists that overcoming Benavidez requires more than just strength. He highlighted that Morrell has yet to face an opponent with the ring IQ to match Benavidez, and questioned whether Morrell could make necessary adjustments if things go wrong in the fight.
Can Morrell Defeat the “Mexican Monster”?
Morrell’s power might be enough to cause Benavidez problems, but the real question is whether he can manage the mental and strategic challenges that come with facing such a tactically adept opponent. Morrell’s ability to adjust under pressure and navigate Benavidez’s mental game will likely determine the outcome of the fight.
