Ronnie Shields isn’t only in charge of improving David Morrell’s skills, but he’s also his first line of defense. (photo by Ryan Hafey)

Thanks to his amateur pedigree, Morrell (11-0, 9 KOs) was thrown into the deep end of the super middleweight pool from the beginning. Unlike most newcomers, however, the flashy Cuban had no problem swimming with the sharks.

Whether it was a veteran contender or a bonafide former champion, Shields never had an issue putting his man in with whoever. So, when Morrell continually called out David Benavidez, Shields simply sat back and allowed him to talk his talk. But while Morrell spoke, Shields was busy studying.

The countless hours he put in breaking down tape of Benavidez could all be beneficial this weekend when the two meet up at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

When it was originally announced that the two would get it on in the first quarter of 2025, it came across as unfair and rushed. Morrell’s talent is undeniable but preparing for a guy like Benavidez takes time. Luckily for The Ring’s No. 8 ranked light heavyweight and current WBA Regular champion, Shields followed Benavidez’s every move.

“I been studying David for a very long time,” said Shields to Sean Zittel during a recent interview. “They were talking about this fight happening even a year and a half ago. We knew eventually that it was a possibility that it was going to happen.”

Normally, Benavidez (29-0, 24 KOs) is the one calling his opponents out. He begged for matchups with Caleb Plant and Demetrius Andrade and was the happiest man around when his wish was granted.

It isn’t that Benavidez didn’t want Morrell but his lack of name recognition didn’t entice him. At least not yet.

Irritation, nevertheless, got to The Ring’s No. 2 ranked 175-pounder. He still doesn’t believe that beating Morrell will do much for his stock in terms of public perception but the winner will be mandated for the winner of Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol. That was all it took for Benavidez to embrace it.

Stepping up to the plate is respectable but it was the wrong move according to Shields. The longtime trainer isn’t loquacious normally. So he wouldn't break down exactly why Morrell will pick up the win. He did, however, expound upon how the night will eventually end.

“I really and truly believe Morrell is gonna knock him out.”