Morrell parted ways with longtime coach Ronnie Shields and brought in Cuban coach Ismael Salas, a move he described as necessary, not dramatic.
“2026 will be my year. I want to fight for the undisputed 175-pound world title,” Morrell said on the show El Palco Podcast. “There’s an critical fight coming up first, probably against Callum Smith or someone at that level.”
This fight remains unresolved. The WBO has ordered Morrell to face Smith in July 2025, but negotiations between Matchroom and Warriors Boxing and TGB Promotions have stalled amid multiple extensions. The situation remains unresolved despite the calendar change.
For Morrell, the biggest changes are happening in the gym. He said the decision to leave Shields was one of timing and clarity rather than dissatisfaction.
“I decided to change coaches because I needed a fresh voice in my corner, someone who would now understand me better,” Morrell said. “Ronnie has done a great job for many years. It’s time to evolve and improve on the details that I have seen in my recent fights, especially in defense and dealing with pressure.”
He was more blunt about the direction under Salas. “I want to be smarter and not just rely on power. Thanks to Salas, we are fine-tuning all this to be ready for the gigantic names.”
These details mattered in 2025. Against both Benavidez and Khataev, Morrell spent long periods of time under fire, going about his job without responding. When he released his hands, he injured both men. Then he stopped. Khataev even dropped him in the fifth round in a split decision that many believed could have gone the other way.
Morrell didn’t close the door on Benavidez either. “A lot of people are asking for a rematch. If, of course, he decides to stay in the lithe heavyweight division, I would be very content,” Morrell said. “I learned a lot from that fight. It would have been a different war.”
If Morrell is earnest about this path, the improvement must be noticeable. The power is there. It’s always been like this. The next version needs to take advantage of this before the fight slips away.
Dan Ambrose was the main voice in Boxing News 24 known for years for its sensible approach to sport. You can love him or hate him. Dan has developed a mighty fan base for his candid analysis, direct opinions and in-depth coverage of the global boxing scene.
His articles often spark discussions among fans because he is not afraid to challenge popular narratives or question players’ performances. In addition to opinions, Dan provides fight news, previews, and post-fight analysis that provide readers with both detail and perspective.
Jake Paul’s claim that he found $200 million specifically for a potential fight with Canelo Alvarez sparked a direct response from the Mexican champion.
The YouTuber-turned-boxer was scheduled to collide with Canelo in May 2025, but Turki Alalshikh stepped in and signed the then super middleweight king to a multi-fight contract.
It made Alvarez a two-time undisputed champion against William Scull before losing his four major titles in a unanimous decision loss to Terence Crawford last September.
However, since Crawford announced his retirement and vacated the belts, Canelo is scheduled to fight for the world title in September this year in Riyad, Saudi Arabia.
The most likely opponent seems to be WBC champion Christian Mbilli, who is coming off a fascinating draw with Lester Martinez on the Canelo-Crawford card.
However, despite this plan, Paul appears to be trying to get back into his game with the 35-year-old, insisting that a $200 million purse remains up for grabs.
The 29-year-old revealed the news on a live broadcast earlier this week, suggesting it is the “biggest fight” in boxing.
“Canelo, I have $200 million for you. Uncomplicated money. Jake Paul vs. Canelo – let’s finish it. This is what the fans have been waiting for; this is the biggest fight you can have in boxing. I think this will be the next fight.
Jake Paul just said Canelo Alvarez will be his next fight and he will pay him $200 million 🤯
“This is the biggest fight you can have in boxing. Jake Paul vs. Canelo. Official.” pic.twitter.com/QJRLuPjO9r
Jake Paul responded to Canelo Alvarez after the undisputed super middleweight champion previously reacted to talk of a potential fight between the two with laughing emojis on social media.
While greeting fans and media during a public appearance this week, Jake was asked what financial terms he believed would be needed to make the fight happen.
“Yes, 200 [million] for him 300[millionformeWe’llfinalizethedealEasywork”-PaulsaidintheinterviewwithFightHubTVwhenaskedaboutapossibledealCanelo[millionformeWe’llgetthedealdoneEasywork”saidPaultoFightHubTVwhenaskedaboutapossibledealwithCanelo[milionówdlamnieSfinalizujemytransakcjęŁatwapraca”–powiedziałPaulwrozmowiezFightHubTVzapytanyomożliwąumowęzCanelo[millionformeWe’llgetthedealdoneEasywork”saidPaultoFightHubTVwhenaskedaboutapossibledealwithCanelo
The comment immediately drew attention due to the huge figure associated with the fight. Jake has continued to call for a fight with Canelo over the past year, despite criticism from many boxing fans and fighters who viewed the fight as unrealistic.
Jake was then asked about Canelo and responded with laughing emojis when the topic of a fight between the two came up online.
“I don’t know what that means, but he won’t laugh when I kick his ass,” Paul said.
The rivalry between the two continues to escalate publicly through interviews and exchanges on social media, even though no official negotiations have been announced.
Jake has mentioned Canelo multiple times in interviews over the past year, keeping the possibility of a future fight circulating despite widespread skepticism in boxing circles.
Canelo is currently scheduled to face Christian Mbilli later this year in Riyad, Saudi Arabia, while Jake continues to rehabilitate from injuries suffered in his December 2025 fight against Anthony Joshua.
Tomek Galm is a boxing journalist covering the global fight landscape since 2014, specializing in heavyweight analysis, industry trends and fighter psychology.
This is his first assignment since he lost two of his closest friends in a car accident in Nigeria, where he was also involved in the tragic incident.
Naturally, he spent the next few months recovering from his injuries, although Joshua now appears to be getting closer to a showdown with Fury.
Meanwhile, “The Gypsy King” has already finished his pre-fight, ending a 16-month break with Arslanbek Makhmudov, whom he outpointed by unanimous decision last month.
Shortly after the triumphant victory, Fury called out Joshua, who was sitting at ringside, refusing to take part in the fight.
But at the same time, Harrison did he told Sky Sports that he saw a fire in the 36-year-old’s eyes, dazzling enough to suggest he was ready for the task ahead.
“From a boxing point of view, it’s a sexy fight because style makes fight.
“[Joshua] he can’t win the fight by trying to box Fury – he has to go in there, break him down and try to eliminate him. This is the only way he can win this fight.
“You’re fighting a champion boxer who knows how to slip [and] slide. after [Makhmudov] fight…he [Joshua] he looked at Fury [with intent].
“When they get into that fight, he’s going to take the fire – everything he went through after his friends died.”
Despite getting back into the win column after back-to-back losses to Oleksandr Usyk in 2024, Fury clearly wants to enter his second warm-up fight.
Whether that happens remains to be seen, but he certainly wouldn’t be willing to risk a potential clash with Joshua.
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