Morrell’s Comeback: Khataev Awaits in Must-Win Fight

David Morrell can be seeking to bounce again from his latest defeat by taking over Imam Khataev in a conflict between two knockout artists in a 10-round struggle between gentle heavyweight contenders on July twelfth on DAZN PPV in Queens, New York.

Why Morrell Wants This Win

It’s a struggle that Morrell must win for him to have an opportunity of capturing a world title. If he loses to Khataev, he could need to return to 168.

Morrell, 27, must regain his momentum after dropping to David Benavidez by a aggressive 12-round unanimous determination on February 1st. It was one which Morrell might have received, however he waited too lengthy to start attacking Benavidez till the later rounds.

By then, he was too far behind to make up the misplaced floor. When Morrell did present, it was that he might damage ‘The Mexican Monster.’ He rearranged Benavidez’s face, leaving it to resemble a Halloween masks.

Khataev’s Strain: A Main Risk

Morrell goes to need to struggle rather a lot higher in opposition to Imam Khataev as a result of he’s a stronger puncher than Benavidez, applies the identical quantity of stress, and throws non-top energy punches. If Morrell stands in entrance of Khataev, he’s going to get knocked out.

Morrell (11-1, 9 KOs) brings his 82% KO ratio to the ring in opposition to the 2020 Olympic bronze medalist Khataev (10-0, 9 KOs) on the Edgar Berlanga vs. Hamzah Sheeraz.

Some followers consider Morrell-Khataev is a struggle that guarantees extra motion than the Berlanga-Sheeraz major occasion, as these two are extra like novices than contenders. Neither of them had excellent beginner careers like Morrell and Khataev.

This struggle is healthier on paper than the principle occasion, and particularly the chief assist bout between Shakur Stevenson and William Zepeda. That’s struggle, however that’s anticipated to be extra of a “Tom and Jerry” kind affair. Turki Alalshikh could remorse utilizing Shakur for this occasion. Morrell-Khataev are two knockout artists that can be battling it out, throwing bombs the complete struggle. There received’t be any operating.

Khataev: The Subsequent Artur Beterbiev?

Khataev is already being seen as the following Artur Beterbiev, given his punching energy, inside power, and nonstop punching. He’s knocked out 90% of his opponents, trying Beterbiev-esque with the relentless stress he places on his opponents. Khataev’s supervisor views the 18-foot ring for the struggle as serving to him as a result of he’s a “stress man.”

It’s step one up for the four-year Australian-based Khataev as a professional, and it’s going to be fascinating to see what he can do in opposition to the previous two-division world champion Morrell.

The final gifted opponent Khataev fought was two-time Cuban Olympic gold medalist Arlen Lopez in 2023, whom he defeated by a three-round majority determination. That victory confirmed the power that Khataev possesses as a result of that’s a man who had distinctive credentials on the beginner degree.