David Morrell says he will make David Benavidez “regret every word” he said about him ahead of their lithe heavyweight fight next month.

Benavidez will defend his interim WBC crown against his former super middleweight world champion, Morrell, on February 1 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, live Amazon Prime on pay-per-view.

The pair argued and had to be separated after a near-fight during a media training session last month, with Benavidez suggesting his rival did not want to take part in VADA doping tests.

Morrell warned “Mexican Monster” that the constant back and forth gives him extra motivation and insists that the enemy has been disrespectful to him.

“He constantly called me names and disrespected my name,” the 26-year-old said.

“It doesn’t bother me because words won’t save him when we face each other in the ring.

“All this trash talk just turns me on.

“He will regret every word as I make him eat his pride, blow by blow.”

Benavidez, 28, secured the interim WBC lithe heavyweight belt in his first fight since moving up from 168 pounds won a unanimous decision over Oleksandr Gvozdyk in June, but has since been sidelined with a hand injury.

Morrell also increased his weight by defeating Radivoje Kalajdzic in August, and the Cuban says the victory will cement his position as the best fighter in the division.

“People call him ‘The Mexican Monster,’ but I’m not afraid of monsters – I hunt them!” he added.

“He’s never fought anyone like me, and come fight night he’ll realize I’m faster, stronger and smarter than anyone he’s ever stepped into the ring with.

“This is the moment I’ve been waiting for. It’s a fight that changes everything.

“The victory over Benavidez not only puts me on top, but solidifies me as one of the best fighters in the world.

“After this fight, there will be no doubt who is the king of the division.

“I am ready to accept this crown.”

The winner of Benavidez-Morrell has a chance to win the rematch between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol on February 22.

According to his manager Egis Klimas, current heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk will have a longer break from boxing. The event follows Usyk’s thrilling victory over Tyson Fury last month.

The duo initially clashed in May when Usyk handed Fury his first professional defeat in a fierce battle in Riyad.

In the rematch last month, the Briton put in a good performance, dominating the first rounds. Usyk had a demanding time dealing with his opponent’s jabs and body shots, but the tables turned just before halftime. The Ukrainian’s nimble footwork and blistering speed seemed to catch Fury off guard before he went on to win again.

After playing 24 grueling rounds with the “Gypsy King”, Usyk certainly deserved a break from the sport. Klimas has now said that Usyk needs a few months of rest before returning to the ring.

I’m talking to The boxing sceneKlimas noted: “It will be a very long preparation. After another 12 rounds with Fury, he needs a good, long recovery.”

He further added that Usyk’s return to the ring will likely happen “tardy July or August.”

Usyk is ready to fight the winner of the Daniel Dubois vs. Joseph Parker fight, with the fight expected to take place next month. Following his meeting with Fury, Dubois confronted Usyk as he entered the ring after the fight to express both a compliment and a challenge.

Dubois grabbed the microphone and boldly declared: “I want revenge,” before praising Usyk’s triumph. “I want revenge, Usyk! Good job today, good job. God bless you. I want revenge for the last robbery. Let’s go, let’s go. Make it happen, Frank!”

Usyk did not hesitate to accept the possibility of a rematch. In response he said: “Your Excellency, fight Daniel Dubois. Thank you very much. I can do more. I’m ready to fight (Dubois), no problem. Next fight no problem. Now I want to go home and rest.”

Boxing legend Mike Tyson appears to be enjoying a well-deserved break after his highly anticipated fight with social media personality Jake Paul. The 58-year-old boxing icon returned to the ring in November, making his first professional fight since losing to Kevin McBride in 2005.

Although he took part in an exhibition match with fellow boxing legend Roy Jones Jr in 2020, fighting 27-year-old Paul posed quite a challenge for Tyson, mainly due to the significant age difference between them. As a result, the experienced boxer had to undergo demanding training to prepare for the match.

Before the fight, Tyson impressed many with his muscular physique. But on fight night in Texas, his age became apparent.

Despite failing to secure a knockout, Paul won by unanimous decision, increasing his professional boxing record to 11-1. Seven weeks after the fight, Tyson appears to be enjoying some well-deserved rest as he has clearly gained weight in recent footage.

After an intense and grueling training camp, the American boxing legend moved from the ring to spending time with his family during the holiday season. Before his defeat at the hands of Paul, Tyson revealed that he “almost died”.

Taking to Twitter, the legendary fighter shared: “It’s one of those situations where you lost, but you still won. I’m grateful for last night. I don’t regret entering the ring for the last time.

“I almost died in June. I had 8 blood transfusions. I lost half my blood and 25 pounds in the hospital and had to fight to get better to fight, so I won. My kids seeing me go head to head and finish 8 innings with a talented fighter half my age in front of a packed Dallas Cowboy Stadium is an experience no man could ever ask for. Thank you.

Tyson was scheduled to face Paul in July, but health issues forced a delay as Tyson suffered a solemn scare during the flight. Before the fight, Tyson told Up-to-date York Magazine: “I was in the bathroom vomiting blood.

“I asked the doctor, ‘Am I going to die?’ He replied: “We have options.” Options? I couldn’t believe it. I had eight blood transfusions. The doctor said I had lost half my blood and almost died.

“I lost 25 pounds in 11 days. I couldn’t eat. Only fluids. Every time I went to the bathroom it smelled of tar. It didn’t even smell like —- anymore. It was disgusting. It repulsed me [when I continued training]”

Despite the setback, Tyson showed unparalleled spirit as he explained his road to recovery: “All my coordination, stamina, everything was hectic coming back. I was already at the top. I could have fought him that day. Now I have to start from scratch. I just don’t give up.”