IBF super-middleweight king Caleb Plant can’t wait to prove his pedigree when he battles WBC, WBA Super and WBO belt holder Canelo Alvarez for the undisputed 168lbs championship at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas on November 6.
Last month, Nashville’s unbeaten Plant and Mexican boxing icon Canelo swapped blows at the press conference to announce the bout with the American suffering a minor cut under the right eye.
Since that flashpoint, Plant has directed his energies into training camp and feels in career-best shape ahead of the most significant fight of his career. Victory against Canelo will propel world champion Plant to a new level altogether, but he is remaining icy cool with the spotlight of the boxing world upon him.
“This is personal for me, but every fight is personal for me. I’ve sacrificed a lot for this sport and dedicated myself completely, so anybody who’s getting in the way of my goals makes it personal to me. No matter who it is,” said Plant .
“There are a lot of things that I possess that are going to give him issues in the fight. Every fighter says this is their best camp, but I am honestly saying that. I’ve had no injuries, amazing sparring and I’m ready to rock. I have a lot of respect for this sport. I’ve dedicated myself to this sport and sacrificed every day. I want my name in those history books. November 6 is a big step toward that goal.
“I have a big opportunity ahead of me. I haven’t taken any shortcuts in my training. I’m prepared physically, mentally and spiritually. I’m just locked in. There have been some guys who lost before the bell even rang against Canelo. I think that’s why he’s so irritated with me. Some guys just come in and are there to hand over their belt, get their check and leave. Anyone who knows me, they know I’m only here for those belts.
“He says the first few rounds will be tough, but I’m saying all the rounds are going to be tough for him. He’s got a tall order in front of him. Me and my team are focused and ready. I’m just encouraging everyone to tune in, because it’s going to be fireworks.
“This is the best shape I’ve ever been in. You have to train like a world champion, even before you are one, and that’s what I’ve always done. I’m peaking at just the right time. The moment isn’t going to be too big for me. The closer we get, the smaller the moment feels.
“It’s been a long journey for me and my dad [co-trainer Richie Plant]. Those tough moments made me the fighter that I am now. I have a great team behind me and we’re all ready for November 6.”
Main image: Esther Lin/Showtime.