What’s Next For David Morrell?

Originally posted on BoxingNews.com | Last updated Jun 18, 2025 8:41 AM ET

David Morrell will be looking to rebound from his defeat to David Benavidez when he takes on Imam Khataev on July 12, as we look at his next steps.

Morrell suffered his first professional loss to Benavidez on February 1, as he missed out on becoming the WBC Interim Light Heavyweight Champion. Morrell would have been mandatory for Dmitry Bivol, who would later vacate his title, as Morrell could have been the full champion. Meanwhile, Khataev has a 90% knockout ratio, with a 10-0 record. The upcoming bout against Khataev is crucial for Morrell’s world title aspirations. If he loses, he may return to the super middleweight division.

“I proved that one, Benavidez is not ‘The [Mexican] Monster,’ and two, that I belong at this level. I showed I belong at the top and could go toe-to-toe any time. I learned a lotta things [against Benavidez]. It was a great experience. But one of the biggest takeaways, the biggest lessons, was sticking to the game plan that we worked on from Day One in camp and executing that on fight night. And I’m gonna look to do that on July 12th,” Morrell said

Options

If Morrell moves back down to 168, there are plenty of options out there for him. He could pursue a fight against Caleb Plant. Plant is the former IBF Super Middleweight Champion, who is coming off a loss against Jose Armando Resendiz. Plant has shown that he struggles against front foot pressure fighters, having also been stopped by Canelo Alvarez. Morrell fights on the offensive, making him more than capable of hurting Plant.

Morrell may also target a bout with Christian Mbilli. The latter is the WBC Interim Super Middleweight Champion, with a 28-0 record. He has 23 knockouts on his resume, having stopped three out of his last four opponents. Mbilli boxes Maciej Sulecki in his next fight, aiming to prove his critics wrong after a less-than-impressive performance against Sergiy Derevyanchenko.

There is also the option to face off against Jermall Charlo. The latter made his debut at 168 against Thomas LaManna, as he stopped his opponent. Charlo is looking for the big fights, with eyes on Plant and Edgar Berlanga. If those fights do not get made, Morrell could step in. He is much bigger than Charlo while also having been much more active.

Jermall has only boxed twice since 2023, although he has looked impressive in those fights. However, Morrell would have the chance to beat an undefeated boxer, improving his resume. But having been at 175, coming back down to 168 may not be easy, leaving him with plenty to ponder if he still wants a title shot at 175.

This article first appeared on BoxingNews.com and was syndicated with permission.

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