McGirt says Morrell entered a dangerous fight against an opponent with nothing to lose in Manchester
Buddy McGirt believes David Morrell walked into one of boxing’s most dangerous situations before his upset loss to Zak Chelli in Manchester. Morrell entered as a heavy favorite, but Chelli gradually took control before scoring a 10th-round stoppage.
Much of the discussion surrounding Morrell before the fight centered on future opponents rather than Chelli. Morrell spent part of the week discussing a possible fight with Ben Whittaker and his desire for a rematch with David Benavidez.
“When you get a guy that has everything to gain and nothing to lose, they’re the worst guys to fight,” McGirt said to Fight Hub TV while reacting to Morrell’s defeat.
“This is boxing, man. Anything happens.
“He took on a tough guy. He didn’t take on a walk in the park.”
McGirt’s comments matched the way the fight unfolded. Chelli entered with little pressure and gradually gained confidence as Morrell spent long stretches backing to the ropes and allowing exchanges instead of controlling the fight from a distance.
McGirt also suggested Morrell’s defeat may have changed the immediate outlook for a future fight against Smith.
“There’s no need to fight him now,” McGirt said when asked about the Callum Smith potentially facing Morrell.
“My main concern is Callum healing from that rib injury.”
The interest that would have been there in WBO interim light heavyweight champion Callum defending against #1-ranked Morrell is likely gone after this defeat for the Cuban fighter.
The WBO will surely lower Morrell, 28, in their ranking at 175 after this defeat. It’s unclear what direction he’ll take with his career, as this was his fourth lackluster fight since moving up to light heavyweight in 2024.
Morrell’s fights at 175
- Zak Chelli: 10th round TKO loss
- Imam Khataev: 10-round split decision
- David Benavidez: 12-round unanimous defeat
- Radivoje Kalajdzic: 12-round unanimous decision win
