David Morrell vs Imam Khataev Preview July 12th, 2025
Former WBA Super Middleweight Champion David Morrell of Cuba returns to the ring this Saturday, July 12th to take on undefeated Imam Khataev of Russia. The 10-round light heavyweight tilt from New York City can be seen live in most nations on DAZN pay-per-view. Morrell suffered his first pro loss the last time out when he dropped a unanimous decision to former WBC Super Middleweight Champion David Benavidez in February. He decked Benavidez in the 11th round and had a point deducted in the same round for hitting after the bell. Khataev last fought in March when he beat Durval Elias Palacio via a 10-round unanimous decision.
Morrell vs Khataev Betting Odds
Here are the betting odds from online sportsbook BetOnline.ag (full review here).
- Imam Khataev +400
- David Morrell -600
My Pick
Morrell is a 27-year-old southpaw who is well known for his amateur exploits as he reportedly compiled a 130-2 record and captured gold medals at the 2016 Youth World Championships, the 2017 Cuban National Championships and the India Open International Boxing Tournament in 2018 in the light heavyweight division. Morrell made his pro debut in August, 2019 when he stopped Yendris Rodriguez Valdez in just 65 seconds and has boxed just 66 rounds since.
He stopped Quinton Rankin in the second round three months later before beating Lennox Allen by unanimous decision for the interim title. He defended it by stopping Mike Gavronski in the third round and Mario Cazares in the first round before before halting Alantez Fox and Kalvin Henderson in four, Aidos Yerbossynuly in 12, Yamaguchi Falcao in 142 seconds and Sena Agbeko in two rounds before going the 12-round distance and taking a unanimous decision over Radivoje Kalajdzic in his first outing as a light heavyweight last August.
Morrell now stands at 11-1 with 9 Ko’s. It’s obvious that he has excellent power in his punches as 81.8 per cent of his wins have come by stoppage but the only elite opponent he has met has been Benavidez. Morrell also has pretty good size as he stands 6-feet-1-inch tall with a reach of 77 inches. Like most former Cuban national champions, Morrell is a polished boxer with plenty of skills to accompany his power.
The 30-year-old Khataev fights out of Australia with a perfect mark of 10-0 with 9 Ko’s. The hard hitter turned pro in 2021 and has boxed just 37 rounds since due to his power. He enjoyed an extensive amateur career and made it to the Olympic Games in 2021 where he was beaten in the Light-Heavyweight semi final by England’s Ben Whittaker. He also won a bronze medal at the 2013 World Championships and competed in the World Series of Boxing. Khataev also possesses tremendous power as his current knockout ratio clocks in at 90 per cent.
He’s gone the distance just once as a pro and that was his last fight when he went 10 rounds with Palacio. He has yet to take on a legitimate contender as of yet though so he’ll be taking a big step up in class against Morrell this weekend. He captured the NABF Light Heavyweight Title in January, 2024 by stopping Michal Ludwiczak in the second round and also has wins over Ricards Bolotniks, Ezequiel Maderna and Yunior Menendez. Khataev measures just over 5-feet-10-inches tall with an unlisted reach so gives up three inches in reach to Morrell.
Prediction…
Morrell combines speed with power, boxing skills and aggression and also has a solid chin. It’s obvious Khataev also carries power and has fine skills but he is shorter than Morrell and may need to work his way inside. I’m going with Morrell here but anything can happen if Khataev happens to land a power shot right on the button.
I’ll go with Morrell due to his speed and skill.
Play Morrell -600 @ BetOnline.ag
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David Morrell betting • Imam Khataev betting