Who Is David Morrell’s Trainer? All About Boxing Coach Helping Him to Beat David Benavidez

Day after tomorrow, unbeaten Osvary David Morrell Gutierrez Jr., or plainly David Morrell, has a tryst with destiny. The 11-0 southpaw will face one of modern boxing’s most feared fighters, David ‘El Monstruo’ Benavidez. Morrell, who joined the light heavyweight ranks last year, quickly stamped his name as a top contender following his victory over Radivoje Kalajdzic on the Terence Crawford–Israil Madrimov card.

However, securing the interim title made a clash with David Benavidez inevitable. The Phoenix, Arizona-born former super middleweight champion joined the 175-pound division after the chase for a Canelo fight turned dreary. The winner of the fight on February 1 could potentially face either Artur Beterbiev or Dmitry Bivol, who are slated for a rematch on February 22. So stakes are high for both Morrell and Benavidez. His trainer, Ronnie Shields, however, remains confident. Morrell could follow in the footsteps of Vernon Forrest. Teaming up with Shields, the late two-division champion had defeated the best boxer of the time, Shane Mosley. So let’s check out a few details about this enigmatic personality who could potentially shake up the boxing world.

David Morrell Jr.’s trainer, Ronny Shields

Shields will turn 67 years old on June 6 this year. He had an outstanding amateur career, winning national championships. He made his professional debut in August 1980, fighting Ramiro Hernandez at Beaumont’s Civic Center. Over the next eight years, he competed in 33 professional fights, winning 26. The remaining six bouts consisted of five defeats and one draw. Nearly 73% of Shields’ victories came by early stoppage.

During his short career, Ronnie Shields made two attempts at world titles. He first challenged former WBC super lightweight champion Billy Costello in 1984, followed by a fight against Tsuyoshi Hamada two years later. Unfortunately, he lost both fights. After his fight against Vincent Releford in January 1988, Shields retired from professional boxing. He then embarked on a successful career as a renowned boxing trainer.

Other boxers trained by Ronny Shields

Though primarily based at Plex Boxing Gym in Stafford, Texas, Ronnie Shields has trained a celebrated roster of boxing stars over the years. Among the many fighters he has trained, some of the most recognizable names include ‘Iron’ Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield, ‘Sweet Pea’ Pernell Whitaker, and Arturo Gatti.

The former NABF super lightweight champion still maintains an enviable roster of fighters and champions under his guidance. They include Jermell Charlo, WBA middleweight champion Erislandy Lara, Efe Ajagba, and Filip Hrgovic.

Ronnie Shields has been training fighters for 37 years. With his wealth of experience, he remains supremely confident in his protégé David Morrell’s chances against ‘The Mexican Monster.’ “I’m greatly confident about this fight because I know what (Morrell) can do, and he knows what he can do. You know, in the gym, I have pure gym fighters, guys who look so good in there. Morrell is definitely not a gym fighter. He shows up when it’s time to fight, and that’s what you want,” he is reported to have said.

Many consider David Morrell the underdog, but that doesn’t seem to bother Ronnie Shields. Drawing from his vast experience – both as a fighter and trainer – Shields has implemented tactical changes in Morrell’s preparation to help him withstand Benavidez’s relentless attack. He reportedly brought in former opponent Radivoje Kalajdzic – who, at 6’2″, is taller than both Morrell and Benavidez – to the training camp, instructing him to mimic Benavidez’s aggressive fighting style and pressure Morrell in preparation for the anticipated matchup.

However, like most seasoned trainers, Ronnie Shields remains a realist at the end of the day. He understands that inside the ring, anything can happen.

Do you think David Morrell, under Ronnie Shields’ guidance, can pull off a huge upset against David Benavidez?

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