Undefeated former two-time WBC Super Middleweight Champion David “The Mexican Monster’’ Benavídez and former IBF Super Middleweight Champion Caleb Plant are approaching the final days before their 12-round fight on SHOWTIME PPV on Saturday, March 25 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, NV. In the build-up one thing is clear, neither guy is looking to create a life-long friend when facing their opponent in the ring.
Plant, an outspoken fighter, is a spiritual opposite of David Benavidez. It seems the same things that delight Plant annoy Benavidez, and vice versa. The two were meant to be rivals and in the sport of boxing which is built on rivalries, finding a good rival isn’t much different than finding your calling in life.
In Plant’s last fight, against Anthony Dirrell he got a knockout victory over the aging veteran and had a Tito Ortiz-like gravedigger celebration. It was also his first fight after facing Canelo Alvarez, as many of the key people involved with him in his journey to stardom were no longer there, his PR ace wasn’t in the picture, nor Justin Gamber, his longtime coach, as Stephen “Breadman” Edwards, a boxing trainer, who is also a boxing writer, took the helm of the ship along with Plant’s father Richie. While many might be looking at different aspects of the fight - one of the glaring things that standouts is the difference in power, Benavidez on paper and according to the eye test is the bigger puncher, but Plant is letting it be known to not doubt his power.
“My power has always been there but I’ve been getting more back to my roots. ‘Breadman’ and my dad have a lot of similarities in how they want me to box and train. With some of it, I’m getting back to my old ways, but it’s combined with the new things that ‘Breadman’ is bringing to the table and teaching me,” said Plant. “If Benavidez wants to come forward, then he should just handle his business how he sees fit. That’s what I’m going to do on March 25. We’re going to get in there, roll the dice and see what happens.”
Plant sees victory as not just the outcome, but you get the sense he believes it is inevitable. While Benavidez comes off as a brooding monster ready to be unleashed on the world, with a noticeable red mark on his noise. Plant comes in with a calm confidence, not unlike Danny Garcia prior to the Lucas Matthysse.
“The key to this fight is just being myself. That’s what’s getting my hand raised. I’m hungry for this. This is a big moment and a moment I’ve worked a long time to reach. I’m going to make the most of it,” furthered Plant.
“This is one of the biggest fights that can be made in boxing and I’m just looking forward to everyone being a part of it.”