David Benavidez vs David Morrell Weigh-in & Press Conference
Mexican Star & Interim WBC Light Heavyweight Champion David Benavidez Meets Cuban Sensation & WBA Light Heavyweight Champion David Morrell Jr. Headlining A PBC Pay-Per-View Event On Prime Video This Saturday, February 1 From T-Mobile Arena In Las Vegas
Also Featuring Brandon Figueroa, Stephen Fulton Jr.,
Isaac Cruz, Angel Fierro, Jesus Ramos Jr., Jeison Rosario, Mirco Cuello, Christian Olivo, Yoenli Feliciano Hernandez &
Angel Ruiz
Click HERE for Photos from Esther Lin/
Premier Boxing Champions
Click HERE for Event Replay Via the
Premier Boxing Champions YouTube Channel
Downloadable Links Available HERE (Main Event) &
HERE (Undercard); Credit: Premier Boxing Champions
LAS VEGAS – January 30, 2025 – Undefeated light heavyweight stars David “El Monstro” Benavidez and David Morell Jr. continued their heated war of words at Thursday’s final press conference before they settle their rivalry in the ring this Saturday, February 1 headlining a PBC Pay-Per-View event on Prime Video from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Two of the sport’s most exciting fighters, Benavidez and Morrell will meet on Saturday night for Benavidez’s Interim WBC Light Heavyweight Title and Morrell’s WBA Light Heavyweight Title as they culminate their yearslong rivalry in the ring, with the winner establishing themself as the future of the light heavyweight division, a potential force on pound-for-pound lists and one of the faces of the sport for years to come.
Thursday’s event also featured fighters competing on the loaded four-fight pay-per-view, including WBC Featherweight World Champion Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa and former unified world champion Stephen Fulton Jr., who square off in the co-main event in a rematch of one of 2021’s best fights, Mexican star and former world champion Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz and hard-charging contender Angel Fierro, who compete in an all-Mexican super lightweight pay-per-view attraction, plus rising Mexican star Jesus “Mono” Ramos Jr. and former unified champion Jeison Rosario, who duel in a 10-round middleweight fight that opens the pay-per-view at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.
In addition to the PPV being available for purchase on Prime Video in the US, UK, and now Canada — regardless of Prime membership — fans will also be able to continue to access the telecast through traditional cable and satellite outlets as well as PPV.com.
Rounding out Thursday’s lineup were fighting competing in prelims attractions that will be available on Prime Video preceding the pay-per-view that will be available via free access to all fans, regardless of Prime membership or purchase of the PPV card. This included undefeated Argentine Olympian Mirco Cuello and Mexican contender Christian Olivo, who meet in a 10-round featherweight bout, plus WBA No. 1-ranked middleweight contender Yoenli Feliciano Hernandez and all-action contender Angel Ruiz, who kick off prelims at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT.
Tickets for the live event are on sale now through AXS.com.
Here is what the fighters had to say Thursday from MGM Grand:
DAVID BENAVIDEZ
“We’re finally here. I’ve trained extremely hard for this moment and now we’re ready. We’re coming with our full energy, unlike him. He’s nervous and he’s not ready. He looks scared right now. When you step into that ring this Saturday, that’s ‘El Monstro’s’ world, and you’re going to see exactly what I’m made of.
“I’m going in there to try to hurt him in every single round. I have the strongest fighting spirit in all of boxing and you’re going to see what ‘El Monstro’ is made of on Saturday.
“He goes at me and I go at him. That’s just what it is. I’m going to show him exactly who I am this Saturday.
“I’ve fought way better fighters than him. Every fighter says the same thing before the fight, but after the fight, they all say ‘David Benavidez is the best’. That’s exactly what David Morrell will say.
“They’re gonna see everything on Saturday. They’re gonna see that I’m not the one to be played with.
“When he threw the belt at me in Miami, I thought that he was trying to find a way to get out of the fight.”
DAVID MORRELL JR.
“This Saturday night we’re going to give everyone a spectacle. I promise you that you’re gonna see the best of me in the ring. Make sure you tune in.
“The name ‘the monster’ is nonsense. He talks a lot, but we’ll see what happens on Saturday night.
“I wanted to fight Benavidez because I wanted to end all this ‘Monster’ stuff. Everyone he’s fought so far has either been on the verge of retirement or had to come up or come down in weight. I want to end the myth that he’s a monster.
“I’m going to bust him up. You don’t disrespect people like this in boxing. You’re gonna see what I do to you on Saturday.
“He’s used to everyone being afraid of him. I’m not one of those other fighters. I’m not going anywhere.
“I don’t feel any pressure. There’s no spotlight that I’m afraid of. Anyone who knows anything about Cuban boxing knows that we’re up for whatever and we’re not afraid of anything.
“Everyone says people are afraid of him, but I want to show that I’m not afraid of him in the least.”
BRANDON FIGUEROA
“I’m very excited to be sharing this card with these talented boxers up here. We put blood, sweat and tears into this and we’re all here to kick off a new era of boxing starting in 2025.
“I’m excited to run it back with Fulton and give the fans another Fight of the Year. That’s what it’s all about.
“It feels amazing to be back fighting Fulton again. It was a Fight of the Year candidate for a reason. We went all out and we entertained the fans. It’s just a couple more days now until we get to do it all again.
“I feel great at this weight. I feel very strong and very complete at this weight. I’m explosive and I’m fast. I’m very confident and I can’t wait to go out there and have him feel that power.
“I’m here to prove I’m the best 126-pounder in the world. I want to be one of the greats. I want to represent Mexico, represent the U.S.A. and conquer the world. I’m not scared of anyone. Just talking about it gets me excited, because I’m truly passionate about this sport.
“I’m not going to let this fight slip away from me again. I’m 100% prepared to make a statement on Saturday night.
“This is a whole different story than when we fought at 122 pounds. I’m coming to get my lick back.”
STEPHEN FULTON JR.
“I’m here in another great position for my life and career. I know that he’s going to come prepared, and I’m more than prepared.
“My mindset is different this time. I’m a calmer person. I’ve grown as a person and as a fighter since we fought the first time.
“My only objective is to get that victory and it doesn’t matter how it goes down or how I get it. I will be a two-division world champion Saturday night. It has to end with my hand raised.
“The only thing I’m focused on is becoming a two-division world champion. I’m not thinking about any other fighter. I’m living in the moment and taking it one day at a time. When Saturday comes, I’ll be more than ready to win again.
“My trainer ‘Bozy’ Ennis has given me a different look at things both offensively and defensively. He’s a major asset adding onto what I already had in my corner. It’s also motivating being around young fighters like his son Jaron Ennis, so it’s all really pushed me forward.”
ISAAC CRUZ
“This is going to be a great fight and I’ve come prepared to take the victory and go home as a winner.
“My loss allowed me to become even stronger where I was already strong, and work on my weaknesses. You’re going to see all that work on Saturday night and I’m going to come out with the win.
“It’s a great honor for me to fight for this WBC belt that honors great Mexican rivalries and the late Israel Vazquez. I’m excited to be in this position.
“At the end of the day, this is going to be a great fight. So make sure you tune in. Do not miss this one.”
ANGEL FIERRO
“This Saturday night, everyone is going to learn who I am. Tune in, because this is going to be an incredible fight.
“Isaac Cruz is a great fighter and I’m well aware that he’s tasted glory before, but it’s my time for glory now. Let’s see how Isaac reacts when he has a train barreling down on him.
“The fans are going to be the true winners on Saturday night. Isaac is aggressive, and I come forward. It’s gonna be an all-out war. You’re definitely gonna want to tune in for this one.”
JESUS RAMOS JR.
“I’m excited to be back to do it all again. I have a tough opponent that I’m not overlooking. We got ready for the best version of Jeison Rosario and we’re ready to put on a good show on Saturday night.
“I’m going to start off a big 2025 with this fight on Saturday. I’m in a stacked division and there are a lot of big fights to be made. I’m ready for them this year.
“Rosario has a lot of experience and he’s tough as well. I can learn a lot in this fight. I’m excited to see what he brings on Saturday night.
“I’ve evolved, and that means that I’m coming for the knockouts every time now. That’s just my style and my approach from now on.
“I’m coming to win and I’m gonna do it in spectacular fashion. I’m coming for it all. I know it’s bothering him that I say I’m gonna knock him out, but that’s just what I have to do.
“None of the talk matters until we get in there. When we get into the ring, I wanna see him try to rip my head off, because that’s when it really counts.”
JEISON ROSARIO
“I’m very happy and ready for this huge opportunity. I’m so motivated to have all these people around me. I’m not going to take it for granted at all. Saturday night, it’s going to be a war.
“My advantage is going to be the work that I put in at the gym. I forgot about the pain and everything that I left behind, because I knew that I needed to put everything into this training camp.
“I respect Jesus, but I’m 100% confident that I’m going to win this fight. I’m going to pull off a big upset that will resonate all around the world. It’s gonna be the biggest upset of the night.
“I was put into this fight for a reason and I’m not going to let the opportunity pass by.”
MIRCO CUELLO
“I have a very tough fight against a strong Mexican opponent and I can’t wait for the bell to ring. I’m going to show what I’m capable of.
“Winning is vital for me. It’s the most important thing. That’s why I came prepared and eager to win this fight.
“I could care less who he sparred with. I had great sparring sessions as well. I’m going to show it in the ring on Saturday.”
CHRISTIAN OLIVO
“I’m so stoked to be on such a stacked, high-quality card. I trained really hard and prepared as well as I possibly could to give the fans a fight worthy of this stage in Las Vegas.
“I’m very confident in my preparation, both from my past fights and from the sparring sessions I’ve had. I had a lot of my training camp take place in Japan and I was able to spar with Naoya Inoue. I’m going to show how much that helps me in the ring on Saturday.
“I’ve come here to win and I’ve come here to win while putting on a show. I’m not going to let this opportunity pass me by. Everyone will know my name after Saturday night.”
YOENLI FELICIANO HERNANDEZ
“This is going to be a great fight between Cuba and Mexico. I’m very excited to be back in Las Vegas to give everyone the exciting action that they won’t want to miss.
“I’m honored to be on such a great card after fighting on a Canelo card previously. It’s very exciting to be representing Cuba with my compatriot David Morrell Jr. I don’t take it lightly.
“When you actually have the big bad wolf in front of you, it’s different than what you think you’re ready for. If he thinks he’s coming to knock me out, he’s in for a surprise.
“When I set a goal for myself, I achieve it no matter what. My goal right now is to become a world champion.”
ANGEL RUIZ
“I’m very thankful for this opportunity. This is Mexico vs. Cuba and it’s going to be a great fight. I expect my opponent to be at his best and I can’t wait to give everyone a badass fight.
“I’m coming for the knockout. This is my first time at this weight and I want to prove myself. It’s gonna be an interesting fight, but I’m coming for the knockout.
JOSE BENAVIDEZ SR., Benavidez’s Father & Trainer
“This Saturday night, it’s gonna be a great event with the best in boxing going into the ring. I’m really thankful for everyone who came together to make this fight and this event what it is. In the end. it’s going to be a great fight. Make sure you don’t miss it.”
RONNIE SHIELDS, Morrell’s Trainer
“I want to thank both teams for agreeing to this fight. This is what boxing really needs. This is what boxing is all about. It’s the best fighting the best. This is about boxing and this is our sport. We love our sport and we’re going to take care of our sport by fighting the best. Now it will be settled in the ring. We’re looking forward to it.”
SAMPSON LEWKOWICZ, Sampson Boxing
“This fight will be a war. David Morrell has said for years, ever since he was an interim champion at 168 pounds, that he wants to fight David Benavidez. I told him that it will happen eventually, and now it’s happening. This will be the best fight of the year and it sells itself.”
LUIS DECUBAS SR., Warriors Boxing
“I want to thank David Benavidez for having the courage to step up and take this fight. We’re going to find out if he’s got a chin on Saturday night. Morrell is gonna knock Benavidez out, I guarantee it.”
TOM BROWN, President of TGB Promotions
“We’re thrilled to be here promoting another PBC mega-fight here at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. We’re in the undisputed fight capital of the world. There’s nothing like experiencing a big fight week in Las Vegas.
“Trust me, this is going to be a very violent main event. Both of these guys like to take your head off with every shot and they both can really crack. I believe that this has the makings of an instant modern-day classic. Benavidez vs. Morrell is the best fight that can be made in this division and I can’t wait to see it on Saturday night.
“We have a great card put together with exciting fighters in tough fights. It starts with this Jesus Ramos Jr. vs. Jeison Rosario fight that I think could steal the show. The winner of that fight will be right in line for a title fight next.
“Then we move on to the fan-friendly ‘Pitbull’ Cruz in an all-Mexican shootout with Angel Fierro. We always talk about fights that take place in the phone booth, and that’s this fight. This is a throwback Mexican war like we used to get in the old days.
“The first fight between Brandon Figueroa and Stephen Fulton was a razor thin fight and I believe they’ll pick up where they left off in round 13. This is yet another fight that could be a Fight of the Year.”
ABOUT BENAVIDEZ VS. MORRELL
Benavidez vs. Morrell will see Interim WBC Light Heavyweight Champion David “El Monstro” Benavidez and WBA Light Heavyweight Champion David Morrell Jr. meet in a battle of unbeatens that pits two of the sport’s most exciting fighters against each other in the primes of their careers headlining a PBC Pay-Per-View event on Prime Video taking place Saturday, Feb. 1 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
The co-main event will see WBC Featherweight World Champion Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa defend his title against former unified world champion Stephen Fulton Jr. in a rematch of one of 2021’s best fights.
The pay-per-view will also feature Mexican star and former world champion Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz facing the hard-charging contender Angel Fierro in an all-Mexican super lightweight duel, plus rising Mexican star Jesus “Mono” Ramos Jr. battles former unified champion Jeison Rosario in a 10-round middleweight fight that opens the pay-per-view at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.
Preceding the pay-per-view, Prime Video will stream a two-fight prelims card at 6:00 p.m. ET/3:00 p.m. PT that will be available via free access to all fans, regardless of Prime membership or purchase of the PPV card.
The streaming presentation will feature undefeated Argentine Olympian Mirco Cuello taking on Mexican contender Christian Olivo in a 10-round featherweight matchup, plus WBA No. 1-ranked middleweight contender Yoenli Feliciano Hernandez stepping in against all-action contender Angel Ruiz in a 10-round duel that opens up the live stream.
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