Caleb Plant To Bring His Absolute Best In Grudge Match with David Benavidez
For one-time IBF super middleweight champion Caleb “Sweethands” Plant (21-1 12 KOs), his March 25 showdown against two-time 168-pound champion David “The Red Flag” Benavidez (26-0, 23 KOs) is about proving that he’s the superior fighter. Plant believes this is the moment he puts it all together and produces the best performance of his career.
NEXT-LEVEL FOCUS
The native of Nashville, Tennessee has raised his game. Appearing on The DAZN Boxing Show, the 30-year-old said all bases were covered during training camp.
“This is the best shape that I’ve ever been in . . . I don’t say things to sound good for the camera. This is the best shape that I’ve ever been in, the hardest that I’ve ever worked, and I’ve gone above and beyond in my preparation to ensure that I get my hand raised in this fight.”
Part of his preparation has involved learning from the sole defeat of his career. In November 2021, Plant was stopped in eleven rounds in a fight for undisputed status at 168 by then-unified champion Saul “Canelo” Alvarez. The Tennessee native feels the most valuable lesson from that loss was how to handle fighting on boxing’s biggest stage.
UNDERRATED PUNCHER?
Benavidez has predicted a victory by stoppage, but Plant has visions of bringing some power of his own. He’s coming off a one-punch, ninth-round KO over one-time WBC champion Anthony Dirrell in October 2022. Known mainly for his boxing skills and movement, Plant believes his punching power is underrated. He thinks that fight observers are in for a surprise on fight night.
The winner of Benavidez – Plant will be named the WBC mandatory challenger. Whether he wins by stoppage or decision, Plant is on a mission to silence and get rid of Benavidez once and for all.
