Two-weight world champion David Morrell Jr. (11-1, 9 KOs) is laser-focused on dangerous undefeated prospect Imam Khataev (10-0, 9 KOs) who meet in a highly anticipated 10-round contest on July 12 at Louis Armstrong Stadium in Queens, New York, broadcast live on DAZN PPV.
Still only 27, Morrell is training under the watchful eye of Ronnie Shields, sharpening his skills and preparing for battle.
"I’m in complete beast mode right now in training camp. Every day is another day toward greatness. I'm running more, hitting harder, and staying focused on everything," said Morrell. "Losing that fight to Benavidez woke me up. I'm coming to hurt something."
Coming off his first professional loss to David Benavidez last February, the Cuban is determined to make a statement and remind fans and critics why he was once considered one of the light-heavyweight division’s most dangerous threats.
"Everybody thinks I’m done or I’m not that guy anymore. Well, they're gonna see. I’m coming to prove I’m still here, and I’m still scary. This fight is personal for me and my mindset."
With the spotlight on Louis Armstrong Stadium and millions watching around the world, Morrell sees this bout as the perfect stage to relaunch his climb toward world championship contention. "A win here? Man, it changes everything. It puts me back on the map. All the top guys are gonna have to look my way again. I'm taking over."
When asked about his opponent, originally from Urus-Martan, Russia, now fighting out of Sydney, Australia, Morrell didn’t hold back, "I know Khataev is strong and undefeated, but he hasn’t been in there with this version of me. He’s good, yeah, but I’m better. I’m faster, I’m smarter, and I’m coming into this fight with bricks in my fists. He's gonna find out real quick that I’m coming for his soul."