David “The Mexican Monster” Benavidez (27-0-0) put on a dominant performance against Caleb “Sweethands” Plant (22-2-0) on Saturday night at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. The undefeated interim WBC super middleweight world champion successfully defended his title and became the mandatory challenger for Saul “Canelo” Alvarez.*
David Benavidez and Caleb Plant were still swinging and landing hard punches until the last second of the 12th 😳 #BenavidezPlant | #Boxingpic.twitter.com/Xl0ykb9gGi
— RINGOFHIGHLIGHTS (@ringofhighlight) March 26, 2023
Round-by-Round Breakdown
Round 1: Both fighters started slow, feeling each other out.
Round 2: Benavidez began stalking Plant, who struggled to keep up with the pace. Fans grew restless as the fight turned into a technical-style boxing match.
Round 3: Plant started to frustrate Benavidez with his defense, but the champ remained composed.
Round 4: Plant began trash-talking and smiling as he landed some combos, but Benavidez kept his cool and stayed in counter-attack mode.
Round 5: Plant continued to mock Benavidez, who promised a sixth round knockout. However, the champ remained patient and focused on his game plan.
Round 6: Despite Benavidez’s prediction, the sixth round did not end in a knockout.
Round 7-8: Benavidez became more aggressive, pushing the pace and landing more shots.
Round 9: Benavidez hurt Plant and took control of the fight.
Final Rounds: Benavidez continued to dominate, and Plant’s trash-talking became a distraction, causing him to abandon his original plan.
David Benavidez | POST-FIGHT INTERVIEW: 'Big shoutout to Caleb Plant, I know I said we weren't gonna end the beef, but we fought like warriors in the ring' 👏 #BenavidezPlant | #Boxingpic.twitter.com/LbULEt0Bov
— RINGOFHIGHLIGHTS (@ringofhighlight) March 26, 2023
Referee Controversy
Ref Kenny Bayless couldn't help but shake his head after trying to get these two to touch gloves 😂
🎥: @FiteTV | #BenavidezPlant pic.twitter.com/ND47sjY3QR
— Sporting News Fights (@sn_fights) March 26, 2023
The fight was marred by controversy due to referee Kenny Bayless’ questionable officiating. Bayless often got in the way of the fighters, preventing them from landing punches and interrupting the flow of the match. Fans booed Bayless throughout the fight, and his poor performance drew criticism from commentators and analysts.
Conclusion
Despite the referee controversy, David Benavidez put on an impressive performance, dominating Caleb Plant and securing his position as the mandatory challenger for Saul “Canelo” Alvarez. Plant’s trash-talking may have cost him the fight, as he abandoned his original plan and allowed Benavidez to take control. Fans are eagerly anticipating a potential matchup between Benavidez and Alvarez, which would undoubtedly be a must-watch fight in the super middleweight division.
