David Benavidez squares off in a grudge match against Caleb Plant – two former super-middleweight world champions challenging for a shot at the undisputed king, Saul ‘Canelo’ Álvarez.
Benavidez is undefeated, with a reputation of being one of the hardest pound-for-pound punchers in the sport, amassing a record of twenty-three stoppages in his twenty-six wins since turning professional in 2013.
The 26-year-old has previously held the WBC title, winning all four title fights in his career, but was stripped of the title in 2020 after missing weight by over three pounds ahead of his bout against Roamer Alexis Angulo.
Meanwhile, Caleb Plant lost the division’s IBF title to Canelo in 2021 after being stopped in the eleventh round of their undisputed title fight.
The loss to the elite Mexican is the only blemish on the record of the slick Nashvillian, and ‘Sweet Hands’ is itching for the opportunity to avenge his maiden defeat – one which he might get if he can get past Benavidez.
Many expect the fight to be a traditional battle of power vs skill, with Benavidez seeking to add to his impressive six-fight knockout streak.
However, despite a knockout ratio of just 56.52%, Caleb Plant’s punch power is not to be underestimated – the 30-year-old brutally stopped Anthony Dirrell in his last fight in one of 2022’s best knockouts.
With the WBC Interim title on the line, tensions between the pair have risen to a new level after over five years of verbal digs.
A heated press conference has only added to the awe of this battle of the future of the 168lb division, and if Canelo decides to move up to light-heavyweight to fight Dmitry Bivol once more, it could just prove to be the fight that decides the next WBC champion.
Full Card
- David Benavidez (26-0) vs Caleb Plant (22-1) – WBC interim super middleweight title
- Cody Crowley (21-0) vs Abel Ramos (27-5-2) – Welterweight
- Jesus Alejandro Ramos (19-0) vs Joey Spencer (16-0) – Super-Welterweight
- Chris Colbert (16-1) vs Jose Valenzuela (12-1) – Lightweight
- Kevin Gonzalez (25-0-1) vs Jose Sanmartin (34-6-1) – Super-Bantamweight
- Orestes Velazquez (6-0) vs Marcelino Lopez (37-2-1) – Super-Lightweight
- Demler Zamora (10-0) vs Jesus Abel Ibarra (15-0) – Super-Featherweight
- Daniel Blancas (5-0) vs Nicholas Molina (4-1-1) – Super-Middleweight
How To Watch And Ringwalk Time
Although an announcement was late, the fight will be available to stream live on Fite TV for UK fans, where fans can purchase the event for a fee of $12.99, whilst those in the U.S. can watch it live on Showtime PPV at a cost of $74.99.
Ringwalks for the main event are expected to take place around 11PM ET / 4AM GMT