Morrell’s Comeback: Khataev Awaits In Must-Win Fight

David Morrell will be looking to bounce back from his recent defeat by taking on Imam Khataev in a clash between two knockout artists in a 10-round fight between light heavyweight contenders on July 12th on DAZN PPV in Queens, New York.

Why Morrell Needs This Win

It’s a fight that Morrell needs to win for him to have a chance of capturing a world title. If he loses to Khataev, he may have to return to 168.

Morrell, 27, needs to regain his momentum after losing to David Benavidez by a competitive 12-round unanimous decision on February 1st. It was one that Morrell could have won, but he waited too long to begin attacking Benavidez until the later rounds.

By then, he was too far behind to make up the lost ground. When Morrell did show, it was that he could hurt ‘The Mexican Monster.’ He rearranged Benavidez’s face, leaving it to resemble a Halloween mask.

Khataev’s Pressure: A Major Threat

Morrell is going to have to fight a lot better against Imam Khataev because he’s a stronger puncher than Benavidez, applies the same amount of pressure, and throws non-top power punches. If Morrell stands in front of Khataev, he’s going to get knocked out.

Morrell (11-1, 9 KOs) brings his 82% KO ratio to the ring against the 2020 Olympic bronze medalist Khataev (10-0, 9 KOs) on the Edgar Berlanga vs. Hamzah Sheeraz.

Some fans believe Morrell-Khataev is a fight that promises more action than the Berlanga-Sheeraz main event, as those two are more like novices than contenders. Neither of them had outstanding amateur careers like Morrell and Khataev.

This fight is better on paper than the main event, and especially the chief support bout between Shakur Stevenson and William Zepeda. That’s a good fight, but that’s expected to be more of a “Tom and Jerry” type affair. Turki Alalshikh may regret using Shakur for this event. Morrell-Khataev are two knockout artists that will be battling it out, throwing bombs the entire fight. There won’t be any running.

Khataev: The Next Artur Beterbiev?

Khataev is already being seen as the next Artur Beterbiev, given his punching power, inside strength, and nonstop punching. He’s knocked out 90% of his opponents, looking Beterbiev-esque with the relentless pressure he puts on his opponents. Khataev’s manager views the 18-foot ring for the fight as helping him because he’s a “pressure guy.”

It’s the first step up for the four-year Australian-based Khataev as a pro, and it’s going to be interesting to see what he can do against the former two-division world champion Morrell.

The last talented opponent Khataev fought was two-time Cuban Olympic gold medalist Arlen Lopez in 2023, whom he defeated by a three-round majority decision. That victory showed the ability that Khataev possesses because that’s a guy who had exceptional credentials at the amateur level.