In boxing, sometimes a fighter has to prepare for multiple scenarios when it comes to their opponents, whether the opponent has a pace they are not accustomed to or their size is different than previous opponents that they have faced. There is also the scenario of fighting an opponent that you were not originally scheduled to fight.

The latter is the scenario for David Morrell Jr. as he prepares for his bout on Saturday at the T-Mobile Arena. He was scheduled to fight Sena Agbeko, but Agbeko was forced to withdraw after not being licensed by the Nevada State Athletic Commission. Now, the WBA super middleweight champion will face Yamaguchi Falcao in the co-main event of the Gervonta Davis vs. Ryan Garcia SHOWTIME PPV fight card. Falcao comes in this bout with a record of 24-1-1 with 10 wins by way of knockout, and was a bronze medalist in the 2012 Olympic Games. With the amount of amateur and pro experience that Falcao has, it could be a good challenge for the 25-year-old Cuban that now resides in Minneapolis. However, Morrell feels that his skill level will be too much for Falcao.

“For most fighters it might be difficult to adjust to a new opponent, especially being that Falcao is a southpaw, but I’ve seen so many styles that I feel confident with anyone that’s across the ring from me,” Morrell said after competing a recent training session. “I’ve been training with a purpose since I got the word that I’ll be fighting on one of the biggest cards of the last ten years. Ronnie Shields and I have been working endlessly to get everything fine-tuned.”

Morrell knows that there is a lot on the line in this bout as there are a number of big fights that he could have within the division if he gets a victory on Saturday.

“Winning this fight means everything. If I’m going to fight David Benavidez, Canelo Alvarez, Jermall Charlo or any of the other big names in boxing, I must win this fight. So, everything is on the line on April 22. A win will get me to the biggest fights in the sport.”

Those fights that Morrell mentioned would put him on the big stage, but Saturday gives him the opportunity to get a taste of what that would be like. With this event being one of the biggest events of the year, Morrell wants to send a message that he is ready for the spotlight.

“I’ve worked hard to get to this point in my career and I’m ready to become a star. I want to thank my team for getting me this fight. Davis vs. Garcia is going to be one of the most watched PPV events in modern day history. My goal is to shine on the big stage and steal the show.”

Cover photo by Hosanna Rull