The highly anticipated showdown between super middleweight rivals unfolded as the intriguing clash of styles that many had foreseen. Caleb Plant's boxing skill set led the way in the early stages of the match, but as the fight progressed, the brute force and high-volume power punching of David Benavidez took control. After a grueling 12 rounds in front of a sold-out arena, the two fighters put an end to their years-long feud, embracing each other and expressing mutual respect.
The main event featuring Benavidez vs. Plant will be rebroadcast on Saturday, April 1, on SHOWTIME at 11:05 p.m. ET/PT.
"I know there was a lot of talk between us, but in the end, we resolved this like men," said Benavidez. "I'm happy that we provided the fans with the best rivalry of the year, or perhaps the last five years. I'm just very happy."
"It's a significant rivalry, but that's what boxing is all about," Plant remarked. "We came here and settled it like men. I hold nothing against David. We may not have been the best of friends, but we stepped into the ring and resolved it like men. That's what you're supposed to do. He's a tremendous fighter."
According to CompuBox statistics, Benavidez (27-0, 23 KOs) held a substantial advantage in power punches landed (180-68) but also out-landed Plant in jabs (30-23). Plant (22-2, 13 KOs) was the busier fighter, throwing 624 punches compared to Benavidez's 551, but he was unable to deter the late-round onslaught from Benavidez.
"I knew I had to take it step by step and round by round," Benavidez explained. "Caleb is a tough fighter. He won't give you everything in the first few rounds, so you have to find him. But I believe I showed more than just power-punching tonight. I demonstrated defense, head movement, and the ability to move around the ring and cut off the ring effectively."
Plant's movement appeared to trouble Benavidez throughout the early stages of the fight, as Plant consistently landed two to three-punch combinations and evaded Benavidez's counters. It wasn't until the eighth round that Plant's movement began to slow down, and his attempts at holding Benavidez were increasingly thwarted.
"I was trying to hold him when necessary, punch him when necessary, and throw my combinations when necessary," Plant stated. "But when the best face off against the best, you roll the dice, and someone will emerge victorious while someone will come up short. One thing I pride myself on is that I face the best in the world. I haven't avoided anyone, and perhaps we can have a rematch in the future."
As the fight entered the championship rounds, Benavidez adopted a more aggressive approach, causing damage to Plant's nose and delivering short hooks from various angles. Plant managed to stay on his feet until the final bell, but his late efforts to reverse the tide were thwarted by Benavidez. In a post-fight discussion about his future plans, Benavidez focused his attention on the undisputed 168-pound champion, Canelo Alvarez.
"I want to convey my immense respect for Canelo Alvarez, but he needs to give me that opportunity now," Benavidez declared. "That's what everyone wants to witness. Let's make it happen. The fans are demanding this fight, the legends are calling for it, so let's make it a reality."
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