Las Vegas was the stage for a thrilling showdown between David Benavidez and David Morrell.

       The two boxers gave an unforgettable performance to start off the boxing season.

       The night started well for Morrell, he had Benavidez reeling in the early rounds.

       However, the "Mexican Monster" showed just why he's got a fearsome reputation Benavidez turned on the pressure.

       By the next several rounds, the pressure was becoming too much. He kept up such a quick pace that the tide turned.

      Two things marked this fight to make it truly memorable. First, Morrell had injured "The Mexican Monster"  badly twice.

          He tried to blast Benavidez in the middle of the ring. He was throwing punches meant to strike from hell. However, he heaved some body punches as well.  But he could not match the relentless punches of David Benavidez.

       Then Morrell finally knocked Benavidez down after a flurry of punches in the tenth.

       All of a sudden, the fight teetered before a controversial moment. The referee was forced to step in.

       Without apology, the referee imposed a point deduction on him.

    The deduction, unexpected by many, negated Morrell's successful knockdown. The crowd let out a gasp. It was the start of the drama that consumed the latter half of the match.

      The boxer community took to social media to express their thoughts on the epic contest. Fans were abuzz with excitement.

      But, the reactions were less rousing for Benavidez were deeply excited by the fight.

       Benavidez won the day and easily got away with the Unanimous decision.

        While some fans were surprised by the outcome, many enthusiastic responses to the social media missed one of the key factors behind the intense drama of the fight.

           The tough duel between Morrell and Benavidez was an early battle, and Benavidez was put in a lot of trouble in the eleventh round -- Gervonta Davis.

        Benavidez kept the pressure on and won the match easily in the end.

    The boxer got pounded but it took Benavidez a while to recover. He managed to win a point with his trademark prowess.

    The Mexican Prince, Benavidez turned his opponent into a bruised, bloodied and very beaten boxer.

    The victory was bittersweet. The fight really got fans talking. It was full of surprises.

    Another boxer summed up the buzz of the competition.

       Benavidez versus Morrell will be remembered as an early fight of the year, but the showdown was fueled by a heated finish -- Wade Plemons

    Fans of combat sports will be recalling this performance in conversation all year. The boxing world had comments on the reward.

    The match was truly a fight. The reveal was intriguing.

      The controversy only fueled emotions.

     The viewing audience appreciated the performance.

      The Mexican boxer was declared the winner by the Unanimous decision.

Benavidez vs. Morrell: the fight of the day and a drama of a point.

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