David Morrell, the undefeated Cuban light heavyweight star, is ready to enter the biggest fight of his career. After moving up from the super middleweight division due to a lack of opportunities, the Santa Clara native immediately captured the WBA regular light heavyweight title after defeating Radivoje Kalajdzic last year. On February 1st, 2025, he will face the WBC interim light heavyweight champion David Benavidez. The winner of the bout will become the prime contender to face either Artur Beterbiev or Dmitry Bivol after their rematch on February 22nd.

The stakes for the bout are as high as can be. However, it is nothing compared to what Morrell had to face when he left his family behind for the sport. After all, he has had one person behind him motivating and guiding him through the struggles, as the pair has recently entered a new chapter in their life.

Is David Morrell married? Wife Isis Rodriguez and kids

Isis Rodriguez, the girlfriend of Cuban boxer David Morrell Jr., was born and raised in Shakopee, Minnesota. A town that became his home after he moved to the U.S. in 2019. Rodriguez was one of the first people she met and they have been together ever since. Her parents are originally from Honduras and moved back there a few years ago. Meanwhile, she was working in West Palm Beach, Florida, near Warriors Boxing Promotions, Morrell’s promotional company when she met the Cuban.

The pair now owns a Florida home and recently found a new purpose in life as they welcomed their first son, Gabriel David. As of January 2025, David is four months old and has given Morrell a deeper sense of purpose to continue his boxing journey.

On a lighthearted note, during a conversation with Star Tribune, Rodriguez mentioned that even though David Morrell has ‘Junior’ in his name, there is no ‘Senior.’ She often teases the 27-year-old, saying, “You are a fake ‘Junior’.” Even she doesn’t know the real reason behind the Junior name and claims that it is just a part of Cuban’s boxing persona.

While the pair are happy together and share a deep bond, they have not officially tied the knot yet. Further details about their personal life are still under wraps, as David Morrell likes to keep his personal life out of the limelight. However, it is amazing that the 11-0 fighter has found someone to rely on, especially after his difficult past.

David Morrell’s background and early life

The 27-year-old hails from Ciego de Ávila, a city in central Cuba with a strong boxing connection. His father was a boxer, and he grew up in an environment where boxing was part of his daily life. The early exposure to the sport made him the athlete he is today.

David Morrell started boxing at a young age and was a phenomenon in the amateur circuit. He won a gold medal at the 2016 Youth World Championships. After a 130-2 amateur record, Osvary Morrell decided to leave Cuba because of the restrictive political climate.

In June 2018, Morrell defected from Cuba alongside his father Rafael Sr and elder brother Rafael Jr. However, police caught Rafael Sr. and deported him back to Cuba while the brothers waited a year in Mexico for a legal U.S. visa away from their family.

A year later, David Morrell signed with Warriors Boxing and began training under former champion trainer Ronnie Shields. He made his professional debut under TGB Promotions and made an instant impact.

Eventually, he settled in Minneapolis, Minnesota, a place that he proudly considers his home. Regardless of where his career takes him, Morrell maintains a deep connection to the Twin Cities.

With his biggest fight around the corner, the pressure must be high. However, it is nothing that David Morrell has not seen before. His ascent has been rapid, but his preparation was not. His journey to the professional level shows he’s got the grit and determination to tackle any challenge that comes his way. What’s your take on his story? Let us know your thoughts down below.