Benavidez Retains WBC Interim Light Heavyweight Title, Adds WBA Strap
David Benavidez showed once again why he’s one of the toughest pressure fighters in the sport, grinding down David Morrell Jr. over 12 rounds to secure a unanimous decision victory. The judges scored it 118-108 and 115-111 twice, making it clear who had control for most of the fight.
Both fighters promised nonstop action, and they delivered. Over 1,000 combined punches were thrown, but Benavidez was sharper and more effective. While Morrell had his moments, the numbers told the real story—Benavidez landed 224 punches to Morrell’s 165 and connected at a higher rate (40.5% vs. 27.5%).
Morrell managed to score a knockdown in round 11, but it was more about balance than damage. He didn’t help his cause by landing a shot after the bell, earning a point deduction that erased any chance of a comeback.
After the fight, Benavidez made his plans clear.
“I just want to be the best of my era,” he said. “Whoever I need to fight next, I’ll be ready for them. I want all four titles, so if that’s next, let’s make it happen.”
Fulton Jr. Outclasses Figueroa, Becomes Two-Division Champion
Stephen Fulton Jr. reclaimed his spot as a world champion, defeating Brandon Figueroa by unanimous decision to claim the WBC Featherweight Title. The judges scored it 117-111 and 116-112 twice, showing how clearly Fulton controlled the fight.
Fulton’s game plan was simple—box smart, counter effectively, and don’t get dragged into a brawl. He picked his shots wisely and landed 214 punches to Figueroa’s 143, making it obvious who had the edge in skill.
Figueroa, known for his relentless pressure, looked slower this time around. His volume dipped significantly from their first fight, and Fulton took full advantage.
“He won fair and square,” Figueroa admitted. “I’d love to run it back, but I have to go back to the drawing board first.”
Pay-Per-View Undercard Results
- Isaac Cruz def. Angel Fierro by unanimous decision (98-92, 97-93, 96-94)
- Cruz and Fierro threw a combined 1,410 punches in a non-stop war.
- Fierro landed a strong right hook in round three that rocked Cruz but couldn’t follow up.
- Cruz’s cleaner and heavier shots gave him the edge in a fight that lived up to the hype.
- Jesus Ramos def. Jeison Rosario by eighth-round TKO
- Ramos broke Rosario down with 54 body shots in the first four rounds.
- A left hand in round seven sent Rosario to the canvas.
- A massive right hook in round eight forced the referee to stop the fight at 2:18.
Prelims on Prime Video
- Mirco Cuello def. Christian Olivo by 10th-round KO
- Cuello trailed on all three scorecards before scoring a dramatic stoppage.
- A left hook to the body sent Olivo down twice before the referee waved it off.
- Yoenli Feliciano Hernandez def. Angel Ruiz by fifth-round TKO
- The undefeated Cuban dominated from start to finish.
- The referee stopped the fight at 1:06 after a flurry of unanswered shots.
- Curmel Moton def. Frank Zaldivar by third-round TKO
- The Mayweather Promotions prospect continued his rise.
- A barrage of shots forced the referee to step in at 1:51.
Fulton totally outclassed Figueroa, but some folks think it was a fluke. I mean, cmon! The stats show Fulton landed more punches, so how can anyone doubt his skill? It’s clear he’s better in the ring!
I dont get why people say Benavidez is the best. He just got lucky aginst Morrell. That knockdown was nothing, and the judges were bias. Morrell shoulda won if it was fair, just saying.
Fulton may have won, but Figueroa looked like he was just having an off day. I think if they fought again, Figueroa would take it. It’s not fair to say Fulton is clearly better just based on one fight.
I don’t get how they can say Benavidez was in control when Morrell knocked him down! That should count for something, right? Just because he threw more punches doesn’t mean he was the better fighter.
Benavidez won but it ain’t fair, Morrell had him in the 11th! He shud of got more points for that knockdown. Judges was blind or maybe they just like Benavidez more. It’s not right.
Fulton did good, but it was still kinda boring. I mean, he just kept running and avoiding Figueroa. Real fighters stand and fight! Just cause he won dont mean he is the best. Its all tactics.