David Morrell Jr. lights up Mike Gavronski for round 3 KO

Super middleweight boxer David Morrell Jr. had his way with Mike Gavronski. He dropped him in the first, and the fight was stopped in the third. 

Before their Dec. 26 main event boxing bout, the separation in talent between David Morrell Jr. and Mike Gavronski wasn’t as visible on paper, but the devil is in the details.

Gavronski never stood a chance against Morrell.

Morrell’s amateur pedigree makes him one of the most exciting young boxers around in terms of potential. Morrell (4-0, 3 KOs) was a standout as a teenager while a member of the Cuban national amateur boxing team. A youth world title and multiple national titles provided him some hype, but he defected to Mexico in 2017 to give life to his professional boxing aspirations.

Morrell made it to the U.S. 18 months later and established a new life in Minneapolis. At 22 years old, Morrell is the interim WBA super middleweight champion, but the title wasn’t on the line in his contest with Garvonski.

During the Christmas Day weigh-in, Morrell came in at 170 pounds, two pounds over the division’s limit. It’s unclear how it transpired, but Boxingscene.com reported that Morrell and Gavronski’s team renegotiated the limit, and the fight went on as a non-title bout.

Gavronski (26-4-1, 16 KOs) came into their fight with a respectable record, but a closer look reveals no notable wins and losses to boxers of an above-average caliber. He suffered two knockout losses throughout his 10-year professional career, but Morrell made it three.

David Morrell Jr. picked Mike Gavronski apart for three rounds before the fight was stopped

In an empty Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall, Morrell mercilessly pummeled Gavronski from the opening bell. Out of the southpaw stance, Morrell’s left cross made a home on Gavronski’s face.

Morrell dropped Gavronski with a left hand with less than 15 seconds to go in round 1. Gavronski got to his feet, and the bell rang, saving him further punishment.

Morrell tried to knock Garonski out in round 2, but Garonski took his punches on the chin and miraculously stayed on his feet. Morrell had to shake out his arms with 45 seconds left in the round because he threw so many punches.

Morrell kept up the pressure in round 3, and he connected with a lead uppercut that convinced referee Jack Reiss to stop the fight. It officially goes down as a round 3 KO for Morrell.

Morrell vs. Gavronski was an immense mismatch, but Morrell showed his promise as a professional boxer. He needs to sharpen his skills against better opposition to make noise as a super middleweight and take the next step in his career.