Volume is an unresolved issue for Morel

Smith has a good blueprint for attacking Morel based on his performance against David Benavidez last February. In that fight, Benavidez focused on throwing a lot of punches throughout the 12 rounds. Morel is not suited to punching consistently because he tires quickly after taking a shot. As a result, he was unable to match Benavidez’s output and was forced to cover as Benavidez unloaded.

Why Smith’s usual style doesn’t work here

If Callum wants to emulate what Benavidez did against Morel, he’s going to have to focus on repeating the punches. If Smith fights the way he usually does, focusing on single shots, he’ll fight in the way the Cuban-born Morell excels against.

The 35-year-old Smith is no longer young, and it is doubtful whether he can change his style of play in this game and become Benavidez-style, defeating Morel with numbers. For a veteran fighter like him, trying to change his typical fighting style to focus on increasing his output may be impossible.

Both fighters were coming off grueling bouts. Smith’s fight with Joshua Buatsi last November was brutal, with the two fighting hard for the entire 12 rounds. In the end, Callum defeated Buasi with his super strength and body. We don’t know what was left of Smith after that fight.

Covering up is not control

Morel, 27, was forced to defeat Imam Khataev via a 10-round split decision after suffering a fifth-round knockout in his last fight on July 12, 2025. In this fight, Morel showed the same weaknesses he showed in his loss to Benavidez. He often stayed on the ropes, allowing the mighty Khataev to hit him with uncontested shots at will.

Even though Morel appeared to block most of the punches, Khatayev looked like he was winning when he shot him. Just like in the Benavidez fight, Morel would occasionally go on the offensive and make Khataev look close to being knocked out.

Instead of killing him, Morel retreated and hid again. It’s hard to tell if it’s a matter of physical strength or a lack of killer instinct. Either way, this is the same issue Morel showed against Benavidez and against Radivoje Karadzic. Morell got him injured early and inexplicably held back.