David Morrell has outlined his new goals after his first career defeat to David Benavidez.
The former two-division secondary titlist is determined to remain active this year and eventually become an undisputed champion at light heavyweight.
Morrell will face unbeaten Imam Khataev - a 2020 Olympic bronze medalist - on July 12 at Louis Armstrong Stadium in Queens, New York. The bout is his first since his 12-round point loss to Benavidez on February 1 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
“Anytime you suffer a defeat, there is something you look back and think you could have changed,” Morrell told BoxingScene. “I feel I could have used my footwork in a better way, and possibly more head movement.
“I don’t regret anything, and I’m looking forward to my next fight with Khataev.”
Morrell,11-1 (9 KOs), a 27-year-old Cuban fighter who trains in Houston, is eager to get back in the win column. Once viewed as one of the most feared fighters in boxing, that shine hasn’t entirely dulled after his spirited effort against Benavidez.
As for the 30-year-old Khataev, 10-0 (9 KOs) - born in Russia but now living in Sydney, Australia - Morrell sees similarities to previous opponents he has faced during his extensive amateur career.
“I know he brings strong punching power to the ring, and he’s hungry to make a name for himself,” Morrell said. “This is going to be a tough fight, but I’m confident in my skills, and now I have more experience fighting on the big stage. I’m coming to win and win with authority.”
The fight will be the second of the year, a level of activity that has become the norm since his 2019 pro debut.
On the upside, it will mark his third ring appearance within an eleven-month span - which is more in line with his goals, in addition to securing higher profile fights.
“It’s very important to be back in the ring. I need to stay busy,” Morrell said. “I’m hoping to fight at least two more times before the end of the year.”
Morrell’s end goal as stated is to fully unify the light heavyweight divisional titles. Making it clear he is open to any fights, but he wants to one day rematch Benavidez, the only fighter to defeat him.
“I want to become the undisputed champion in my weight class,” vowed Morrell. “At some point, I want the Benavidez rematch. I’m willing to fight any of the champions at light heavyweight."
For now, it’s back to basics before he heads back down that path.
“I’m focused on getting back to the fundamentals of my game,” Morrell insisted. “All I need to do is sharpen up what I already know.”
Lucas Ketelle is the author of “Inside the Ropes of Boxing,” a guide for young fighters, a writer for BoxingScene and a member of the Boxing Writers Association of America. Find him on X at .