Home Boxing News David Morrell and Mario Cázares promise a war at The Armory on...

David Morrell and Mario Cázares promise a war at The Armory on Sunday night

David Morrell. Photo credit: Sean Michael Ham/PBC

WBA ‘regular’ super middleweight titleholder David Morrell 4-0 (3) and challenger Mario Cázares 12-0 (5) are both promising a war when they clash at The Armory in Minneapolis, Minnesota on Sunday night.

The 23-year-old Cuban southpaw won the interim WBA belt on points against Lennox Allen 22-1-1 (14) in Las Angeles last August. He backed up that performance with a third-round knockout of Mike Gavronski 246-1 (14) in a non-title bout in December, again in Los Angeles.

“I did everything the same to prepare for this fight. I trained hard. Only this time I had much more time to get in shape,” said Morrell, who will be fighting back at The Armory in his adopted hometown of Minneapolis for the first time since his pro debut two years ago.

“This fight is going to be a war. It’s going to be Cuba vs Mexico. I know he’s well prepared, but I know that I’ve prepared better.

“I’m ready for whatever happens. If it goes the distance, then I’ll be ready to win. If it goes easier and ends inside the distance, I’m still going to win. I prepared very well for this fight.

“My game plan is to stay happy and to be ready for whatever. My mood is not going to change.”

While Morrell holds the WBA’s secondary title, Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez 56-1-2 (38) holds the WBA, WBC and WBO belts at 168-pounds. The Mexican superstar is expected to face IBF boss Caleb ‘Sweethands’ Plant 21-0 (12) in a four-belt unification bout in September.

It remains to be seen if Alvarez will remain at the weight after that but if he does move up in weight, Morrell could be elevated to full champion. He says despite his limited professional experience, he is ready for all comers right now.

“There’s been a lot of talk that I may not be ready for a test like this,” Morrell said. “I’m going to prove all of those people wrong on Sunday. I’m ready for this fight and for all of the fighters at 168 pounds.

“Minneapolis is my home. I’m happy to be fighting here. I consider everyone in Minneapolis to be part of my team. This is my new home and I’m excited to put on a great show at The Armory on Sunday.”

Mexican Cázares, 30, who is coming off a six round technical decision win over Julio Cesar Chavez Jr 52-6-1 (34) in September, says it is no accident he is getting a shot at Morrell.

“I understand the Cuban style of fighting very well,” Cázares said. “We have a lot of influence from the Cuban style. So I know Morrell and I understand exactly where he’s coming from with his style.

“This opportunity didn’t happen overnight. I’ve been working towards this moment and getting ready for this fight for a long time.

“Sunday is going to be a war.”