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David Morrell on ‘clown’ Ben Whittaker and whether he will face Olympic medallist
Cuban light heavyweight David Morrell is preparing for an eventual showdown with entertaining British rising star Ben Whittaker.
Morrell is set to feature on the undercard of Fabio Wardley’s WBO heavyweight title defence against Daniel Dubois on Saturday night, when he faces Zak Chelli, exclusively live on DAZN PPV and DAZN Ultimate.
For Morrell, he finally gets his chance to fight in the UK for the first time after last month’s scheduled meeting with WBO interim champion Callum Smith at Liverpool’s M&S Bank Arena was cancelled due to injury.
Wardley to Dubois: "I'm going to look into your soul"
Wardley vs. Dubois only on DAZN PPV and Ultimate Tier - Saturday, May 9 - Buy here
This contest generated plenty of excitement, and there are hopes that it will be rescheduled, but Morrell told DAZN News he is yet to hear anything about a new date.
“I haven’t heard any news of it being rescheduled, but I’m hoping it is," Morrell said.
“I’ve heard a lot about that arena, and that environment in the UK, and I am eager to show the fans what I can do.”
‘Whittaker likes to be a clown’ – Morrell
What no one expected in the aftermath of the cancellation was Morrell calling out rising British star Ben Whittaker, who beat Braian Suarez with a first-round knockout in the newly arranged main event.
Whittaker was not afraid to give his verdict on Morrell’s challenge, claiming he was the “boss” of the 28-year-old Cuban.
For some, comments like this would provoke an aggressive reaction, but Morrell took them in jest.
“Those comments make me laugh, especially with being such a young fighter,” Morrell said.
“He’s doing what he’s supposed to do, he’s doing his job.
“We all laugh about it, but that’s his style, he likes to be a clown, and say things like that, it is what it is.”
After signing with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom last year, Whittaker has been reborn both inside and outside the ring.
His two most recent knockout wins have gone viral, he provides plenty of sound bites on the microphone, and Whittaker is now preparing for his US debut on June 27 against Richard Rivera.
But with an Olympic silver medal in his trophy cabinet, some feel Whittaker is treading water and is being protected by Hearn, and Morrell gave his reaction to these claims.
“Eddie Hearn and Frank Smith are holding off on the fight for whatever reason," Morrell said.
“Whether it be him not being ready or maybe wanting to build it up a bit more by fighting a name to make it a bigger fight with bigger money.”
However, while a Morrell-Whittaker may not be on the immediate horizon, the Cuban is confident that this contest will happen and be a marquee contest at 175lbs.
“I’m sure they will know when he’s ready, and it can be a big fight to build up further down the line.”
Morrell criticises Whittaker’s career so far
Just like Whittaker, Morrell is quickly gaining a reputation for being a must-watch talent at light heavyweight.
His meeting with David Benavidez 15 months ago was a breakthrough moment, and while he did lose on the judges’ scorecards, Morrell proved that he can mix it with the best in the division.
With Morrell and Whittaker seemingly on a collision course, it’s no surprise Morrell has been keeping a close eye on his rival’s professional journey so far.
Daniel Dubois: This is why I am better than Fabio Wardley
Wardley vs. Dubois only on DAZN PPV and Ultimate Tier - Saturday, May 9 - Buy here
When asked by DAZN News to give his thoughts on Whittaker’s career and performances so far, Morrell said, “He has some good ability and talent, but it’s not a wild talent. He doesn’t do anything that well.”
He then cited the level of opposition as to why Whittaker is yet to impress him.
“In this game, it’s about who you are fighting. If you are not fighting guys on your level, then you look sensational.
“But when you are fighting guys on your level, that changes.”
Watch Wardley vs. Dubois only on DAZN
The WBO world heavyweight title is on the line for Fabio Wardley and Daniel Dubois this Saturday, May 9, only on DAZN PPV. Buy as a one-off PPV or included, along with the Usyk vs Verhoeven (May 23), Fury vs. Hall (June 13) and Zayas vs. Ennis (June 27) PPVs, with a DAZN Ultimate Tier subscription.
For more information, pricing and to buy, click here.
