The long-standing animosity between David Benavidez and Caleb Plant came to an end on Saturday as they faced off in front of a packed crowd of 13,865 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. Benavidez emerged victorious with a decisive unanimous decision, scoring 116-112, 117-111, and 115-113.
Benavidez's dominant performance in the ring allowed him to put an end to the rivalry that had been brewing between the two fighters for years. The sellout crowd was treated to an impressive display of Benavidez's skill and determination, which ultimately secured his well-deserved win over Plant.
THE MOMENT. #BenavidezPlant pic.twitter.com/yfn7EbE69T
— Premier Boxing Champions (@premierboxing) March 26, 2023
David Benavidez's patience paid off in his 168-pound showdown against Caleb Plant at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Although Plant took an early lead by dancing and holding, Benavidez caught up and ultimately dominated him, winning by unanimous decision.
This victory solidified Benavidez's position as the most significant threat to undisputed champion Canelo Alvarez, and he is eager for a chance to fight him. In fact, Benavidez has expressed a strong desire to face Alvarez, emphasizing his determination to secure the fight.
“I have a lot of respect for Canelo Alvarez,” Plant said in the ring after his victory, “but he has to give me that shot now. It’s what everybody wants to see, me versus Canelo. Let’s make it happen in September.”
"The fight people want to see at super middleweight is me versus @Canelo so let's give it to them." @Benavidez300 🔥#BenavidezPlant post-fight presser: https://t.co/hNqq8OiNtn pic.twitter.com/BEjq0vgBPz
— SHOWTIME Boxing (@ShowtimeBoxing) March 26, 2023
Alvarez may not be in a rush to accommodate David Benavidez after his impressive win over Caleb Plant on Saturday. Plant started the fight strong, utilizing the oversized ring he demanded to get close to Benavidez and land punches before moving away or holding, which ultimately became his greatest weapon.
While Benavidez struggled to cut off the ring, he managed to stalk and eventually wear down the quick and athletic Plant by landing hard punches to the head and body from Round 6 onwards. As the fight progressed, Plant was forced to hold incessantly to survive, and his co-trainer, Stephen "Breadman" Edwards, even threatened to stop the fight if he didn't see more from his fighter.
Despite Plant's courage and holding his own in the final round despite a cut obscuring his vision, Benavidez won the fight in a brutal beatdown, with official scores of 117-111, 116-112, and 115-113, all in favor of Benavidez.
See David Benavidez vs. Caleb Plant - Official Scorecards below:
Benavidez's dominance in the second half of the fight was evident as all three judges gave him rounds 6 through 12. Although he didn't throw as many punches as usual, Benavidez's punches counted, with a healthy 43% of his power shots connecting, according to CompuBox.
There wasn’t much Plant could say afterward.
“No excuses. David was the better man,” he said.
Benavidez is now left waiting to see if his Mexican rival, Canelo Alvarez, will accept the challenge and step into the ring with him after his win against Caleb Plant. Canelo is set to have a homecoming fight on May 6 in Guadalajara, Mexico against John Ryder and then a rematch with 175-pound champion Dmitry Bivol in September.
Benavidez denied the claim that Canelo is avoiding him when he was asked about it.
“I just believe that he has a lot of options,” he said. “Now fans are calling for this fight, the legends are calling for this fight. So let’s make it happen.”