Cuban Boxer Sullivan Barrera Picks Benavidez Over Morrell

[CubanGuyNYC]

Just watched a video interview with Cuban boxer Sullivan Barrera, where he picks Benavidez over Morrell.

“This is a very difficult fight for Morrell. He has to show a lot. This is my humble opinion as a boxer: I’ve sparred with Benavidez and he’s a very tough fighter, a very hard guy, a very strong guy. Our man (Morrell) has talent, but is lacking pro boxing experience. I think that, right now, David Morrell Jr doesn’t have enough pro boxing experience to defeat Benavidez. He (Morrell) has ability, skills and power, but he’s lacking experience. I feel that will make the difference. That’s my humble opinion. I don’t think our man will beat David Benavidez. But this is boxing; anything can happen. They both have two hands, but my humble opinion is that Morrell lacks the experience to beat David Benavidez.”

[CubanGuyNYC]

Just watched another video interview with where Cuban trainer Ismael Salas talks about the fight. He stops short of predicting a winner, but offered these observations:

“It’s a very interesting fight. Benavidez has experience, he’s fought some wars, and he’s a solid fighter. He’s what we call a “train.” He’s a slow starter. His weakness is in the early going. This is where Morrell has an advantage. If Morrell fights a perfect fight in the first six rounds, and doesn’t give up rounds, he has the possibility of winning by knockout. But he has to be very careful, because he’ll have someone in front of him that can give and take. But after that, Benavidez’s Mexican style, which is durable and can go a full twelve throwing bombs, will start to impose itself. And one also has to account for Benavidez’s experience.”

[billeau2]

To excellently voiced opinions.

[QueensburyRules]

- - Most of the Cubanos don't pan out with the average boxing fans. Bena's on a tear for Canelo which might well be fight of this Mexican Independence year if he can get through Morrell which is probable. Meanwhile Canelo plots out his Cinco de Mayo payday.


Early on the morning of September 16, 1810, Father Miguel summoned the largely Indian and mestizo congregation of his small Dolores parish church and urged them to take up arms and fight for Mexico’s independence from Spain. His El Grito de Dolores, or Cry of Dolores, which was spoken—not written—is commemorated on September 16 as Mexican Independence Day.

[CubanGuyNYC]

Bumping this thread, because Barrera was spot-on with his assessment and prediction. No matter what anyone thinks, it’s always difficult to know for sure how a fight will play out. Boxing — and all other sports, really — bears this out. We have all been humbled by a bad prediction, but Sullivan hit the bullseye here. Benavidez’s strength (amongst other things), and Morrell’s inexperience were on full display tonight. Congr ats to the Mexican Monster.