Morrell-Gavronski, Kirkland-Montiel lead Dec. 26 PBC on FOX
Morrell claimed the interim WBA super middleweight title in his third pro fight
At least they announced this one more than two days ahead of time.
PBC’s Boxing Day broadcast on FOX will see interim WBA super middleweight champion David Morrell Jr. take on veteran Mike Gavronski in the main event. In addition, middleweight slugger James Kirkland continues his comeback tour against Juan Macias Montiel and 19-year-old welterweight prospect Jesus Alejandro Romero opens the show against Naim Nelson.
Cuba’s Morrell (3-0, 2 KO) entered the professional ranks with quite a bit of hype behind him, resulting in a successful “world title fight” against unknown Lennox Allen in August. The 22-year-old faces a more seasoned foe in Gavronski (26-3-1, 16 KO), whose three pro losses came against Tureano Johnson (understandable), Dashon Johnson (worrying), and Jesse Hart (understandable).
“I feel very happy about being able to fight before the year is out,” said Morrell. “I want to reach the goals I set for myself and continue to provide for my family. I’m working toward being the best in my division and I know I will get there. I’m also thankful for my team’s efforts and trust in my talent. I’m ready to take full advantage of this opportunity.”
“I’m very grateful for an opportunity in a big fight like this,” said Gavronski. “I’ve watched film on David O. Morrell Jr and I have great respect for his abilities. My team and I have put together a great game plan and we believe it’s going to get me victory and the title on December 26 on FOX.”
Kirkland (34-2, 30 KO) spent four years on the shelf after getting blasted to bits by Canelo Alvarez, returning in 2019 to knock out a pair of warm bodies. Montiel (21-4-2, 21 KO) has a largely empty record, but did fight Hugo Centeno to a draw last time out, which is more impressive than anything “Mandingo Warrior’s” done since 2015.
“Pressure is a blessing,” said Kirkland. “I can’t wait to go in there on December 26 to display all my skills and put on a great performance for all the fans watching.”
“I know that a win on December 26 will catapult me into even bigger fights,” said Montiel. “I’ve prepared better than ever before leading up to this matchup. I’m more than ready to make the most of this tremendous opportunity.”
Ramos (13-0, 12 KO) is the nephew of PBC regular Abel and is still developing after 2.5 years in the pro ranks. Nelson (14-4, 1 KO) is pretty standard prospect fodder, having been served to Mickey Bey, Alejandro Luna, and Mario Barrios over the years.
“I’m super excited to be back in the ring a day after Christmas,” said Ramos. “I’m looking forward to closing out this year strong. I have a tough opponent in Naim Nelson. He’s been in there with some great fighters, but I’ve been working hard to prepare as best as I can. I’m confident that with the work we’ve been putting in, we’re going to get the result we want and in impressive fashion once again.”
“I’m thrilled to have this opportunity to fight this year,” said Nelson. “I’ve done my best to stay safe and healthy amidst the pandemic by continuing to train hard. I never took a break away from the gym. I knew that when the call to step on the big stage, I’d be more ready than ever. I’ve been in this position before against a young knockout artist, and I love these kind of challenges. It’s my job to go in there and use all of my experience to show him another level and bring home the win.”