Undefeated David O. Morrell Jr. (4-0, 3 KOs) has been elevated to WBA regular super middleweight world champion. That distinction was made today by WBA President Gilberto Mendoza. Morrell, 23 of Santa Clara, Cuba, and now residing in Minneapolis, Minnesota won the interim title on August 8 with a 12-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Lennox Allen. He is coming off 3rd round stoppage over Mike Gavronski in a non-title affair on December 26th.
With the new status of regular champion, Morrell’s representatives, Warriors Boxing Promotions and Ural Boxing Promotions have 30 days to make a deal with former world title challenger John Ryder and his representatives with Matchroom Boxing.
Morrell better make weight this time, because Ryder and Matchroom Boxing won’t allow what was done to Gravonski.
Morrell reminds me a little bit of David Reid. Good accomplished all star amateur champion and good professional but without the huge popularity as other fighters.
He reminds me of David Reid with how fast they are moving him. I understand Reid had an eye issue (Olympic trials) and his career needed to accelerate faster than usual. Reid ran into Trinidad and ruined in just his 15th fight with a detached retina and dropped at least 3 times.
Similar to a talented Davey Moore who was ruined by Duran in just his 13th fight. Lets hope the ‘new’ David doesn’t suffer the same mismanagement.
Not that I don’t think he’s a championship caliber fighter, because I certainly do, but they tarnish the title by just forking him over the belt! I guess against Ryder he’ll have to prove he’s worthy of it, which I think he will, but that’s not how the fight game is supposed to work.
I agree – handed a regular title without fighting ? That is one way to keep sanctioning fee’s rolling.
How embarrassing to be called a regular world champ – behind chudinov the gold champ and canelo the super champ. I’d say 3rd ranked at super middle weight is better than regular champ.
Watch out for the Cuban snowman David morrell jr
He’ll beat Canelo late this year or next year
*yawn* I thought Canelo was the WBA super middleweight world champion and so does that mean Morell is his mandatory? please this killed would get killed by Rocky Fielding GTFO hes not even top 10 material
This guy is getting out of protective custody pretty quick, and will prove if he belongs at real world level against the tough Brit.
What the hell is wrong with the guys running the WBA? How many “world” champs can you have in one weight class and still keep a straight face? This is a joke title made even more ridiculous by just handing over to Morrell especially given that Morrell was due to defend the interim title but didn’t make weight. He should’ve been stripped instead of rewarded with another title…. Morrell should beat Ryder – i think Morrell is a few levels above Berlanga- but this will tell us a lot more about Morrell title fight or not.
ha.. “face rider”