Undefeated former two-time WBC Super Middleweight Champion David “The Mexican Monster’’ Benavídez and former IBF Super Middleweight Champion Caleb Plant held contrasting media days on the same exact day, Tuesday, March 14th, ahead of their SHOWTIME PPV on Saturday, March 25 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.
It is clear the underlying sentiment is not unlike Kobe Bryant and Shaq in the early 00s, if you were a reporter and covering content the fighters are making you choose which fighter you want to provide content for. Just as much as this is a rivalry inside the ring, it is one outside of the ring as Benavidez held his workout in Washington State, whereas Plant held his in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Benavidez, who is trained by his father, Jose Benavidez Sr., has been in camp with Jose Valenzuela, who worked out side-by-side with him who fights on the pay-per-view undercard as well as Diego Pacheco who recently had a breakout performance on DAZN, last weekend, and is being hailed as a breakout star of 2023. Benavidez sees this fight as his moment to ascend to the top of the sport. Benavidez is confident that his power will be the difference.
“Some people don’t understand that I’m the most accurate puncher in this weight class. I’ve had 23 knockouts in 26 fights. I’ve hurt every man I’ve been in the ring with and Caleb Plant is no different,” boldly proclaimed Benavidez. “I’ve got the power and I feel like I’m faster. I just have to get my feet in the right position, because he’s going to be moving a lot. I think he has a little bit more confidence after beating Dirrell though, so we’ll see if he wants to trade with me.”
Benavidez has not been known for being a big talker, but his dislike of Caleb Plant is clear and obvious. Benavidez doesn’t just dislike Plant, he seemingly doesn’t like the way in which Plant conducts himself as a person, and that same sentiment seems to be mutual from Plant’s side as well. The old adage that sometimes people just won’t like you no matter who you are or what you do, rings true to these two. Beyond that, with a win, David Benavidez becomes the mandatory for Canelo Alvarez’s WBC super middleweight world title, and his dream fight against Canelo Alvarez is one step closer.
“My jab is better than Caleb’s. He doesn’t really have a power jab, but I hurt people with my jab. I’ve cut eyelids open with it. I’m very comfortable in there. At the end of the day, what is he gonna do when he has to sit there and fight? I’m gonna get him on the ropes. It’s a matter of when, not if,” said David Benavidez.
“This is pay-per-view and we’re giving the people what they want to see. I’m ready to give the people whatever they want. This is the most confident I’ve ever been because this is the hardest I’ve ever worked. That’s why I’ve been calling for these big fights, because I’ve known since I was a little kid sparring world champions that when I’m put in an uncomfortable situation, the best comes out of me.”
