Being the hunter was a position that suited David Benavidez.

In years past, it was incredibly difficult for him to get his hands on the opponents he truly wanted. As he continued to rack up spectacular wins, nevertheless, getting the likes of Caleb Plant and Demetrius Andrade became easy. But while he managed to lure big names into the ring, he wasn’t their first choice.

The boogeyman moniker made perfect sense for the 28-year-old. Well, not really from David Morrell’s point of view. The Ring’s No. 8 ranked light heavyweight has been asking for a fight with Benavidez for years. Now, he’s just a few days away from having his wish granted.

The callouts and violent threats made by Morrell (11-0, 9 KOs) were a different feeling for The Ring’s No. 2 ranked light heavyweight and current WBC interim champ. A little trash talk doesn’t get under the skin of Benavidez though. But the bombastic nature of them has vexed him quite a bit. With their showdown taking place on February 1st, a win isn’t enough. If Benavidez merely ekes out a decision, he’ll be disappointed in himself. Simply put, Benavidez wants to inflict the sort of damage to his man that will open up the eyes of everyone at 175 pounds.

“I’m gonna make an example out of him for the rest of the light heavyweight division to see that I’m not playing with nobody,” Benavidez told Premier Boxing Champions during an episode of Gloves Off.

After grabbing the WBA Regular Title at 168 pounds, Morrell did it again at 175 with a victory over Radivoje Kalajdzic. The win was another routine night at the office for the Cuban star. And while Benavidez is the best fighter he’s faced on paper, Morrell plans on making it look just as easy as his previous appearances.

The blood and sweat Benavidez has shed during an arduous training camp is something he believes will benefit him. Once the opening bell rings, he’s hoping that fans will be comfortably nestled into their seats at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. Don’t, however, sit too close. From Benavidez’s point of view, there will be a considerable amount of blood splatter and it won’t be coming from him.

“I’m gonna beat the sh!t out of him.”