Imam Khataev has reportedly gotten his visa for his 10-round light heavyweight fight against David Morrell on July 12th in Queens, New York. This is one of the best fights on Turki Alalshikh’s card, the loaded card.
Morrell, 27, is coming off a loss to David Benavidez last February, and he wants to insert himself in the equation to challenge for a world title at 175. He’s also interested in avenging his loss to Benavidez, but he recognizes that fight won’t happen soon.
Mike Coppinger reports that Khataev is good to go after getting his visa and will be able to face the former two-division world champion Morrell (11-1, 9 KOs) for their undercard fight on DAZN PPV.
The 2020 Olympian Khataev (10-0, 9 KOs) is one of the top contenders in the 175-lb division and is a classic pressure fighter with power in both hands. If Morrell hasn’t improved his game since his loss to Benavidez, he’ll lose.
“I feel it is going to be a war. My opponent has an aggressive style. He’s shown that he has some power from what we can see, but so do I. I’m aggressive. I have power. So, we’re both going to come forward. It’s going to be an action-packed fight,” said David Morrell to Boxing News about his clash against Imam Khataev on July 12th.
Morrell is going to have to fight Khataev because this guy is going to bring the aggression, just like Benavidez did. He’s not as fast and doesn’t throw the same rapid-fire combinations. Khataev’s single punches have a lot of power, and he’s relentless. That’s why some fans view him as the next Beterbiev.
“We’re expecting a war and preparing for a war. I never saw him before,” said Morrell about Khataev. “The Olympic games, I’m younger. I was on the international team in Cuba. So, it’s different. I didn’t know him. I know him right now. I’m only focused on this fight. After, my manager will tell me what happens next.”
Last Updated on 07/01/2025
