David Morrell lands a proper towards Radivoje Kalajdzic, Picture by Mark Robinson / Matchroom Boxing
David Morrell acquired much-needed rounds {of professional} resistance throughout a tougher-than-expected gentle heavyweight debut towards veteran Radivoje Kalajdzic on the Terence Crawford-Ismail Madrimov undercard on Saturday at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles.
Morrell (11-0, 9 KOs) scored a unanimous 12-round determination, successful by tallies of 118-110 and 117-111 (twice). He had hoped to cease Kalajdzic, as unified champ Artur Beterbiev did (by way of fifth-round KO) in 2019, however the rounds of expertise ought to serve him effectively as he tries to place himself as a viable opponent for the Beterbiev-Dmitry Bivol winner and David Benavidez.
Previous to Saturday’s bout, Morrel’s first of 2024, The Ring’s No. 2-rated tremendous middleweight had blown out his 2023 opposition, Yamaguchi Falcao (KO 1) and Sena Agbeko (TKO 2). The 26-year-old Cuban carried the boldness of a KO artist into the opening rounds towards Kalajdzic, beating the previous title challenger to the punch with a sooner, extra fluid offense, however the 33-year-old Serbian was not overwhelmed and even intimidated, as he fired again whereas on the again foot.
Kalajdzic (29-3, 21 KOs) obtained via some wobbly and tough moments as Morrell pressed him to the ropes and into corners, remained composed and fired again with crisp jabs, one-two mixtures, choose physique pictures and a sneaky counter straight proper that regularly chipped away on the youthful man’s confidence.
The Florida-based underdog loosened up within the center rounds, struck again with authority, particularly along with his straight proper, and competed with Morrell down the stretch of the struggle.
Nevertheless, whereas a annoyed Morrell allowed Kalajdzic to nearly match his punch output (and needed to hear it from his nook headed up by hall-of-fame-worthy coach Ronnie Shields between rounds), he had set the tempo of the struggle, was the aggressor all through, and landed the simpler punches.
Morrell closed sturdy, clearly successful Spherical 12.
The Minnesota-based southpaw might be a welcome participant within the 175-pound division.
The Crawford-Madrimov PPV was carried on DAZN, ESPN+ and PPV.COM.
Doug Fischer is Editor-in-Chief of The Ring Journal. E mail him at [email protected]. Observe him on X and IG @dougiefischer.
