Thanks to a dominating performance vs. Caleb Plant, David Benavidez retained his WBC interim super middleweight championship, after a 12-round bout in Las Vegas, Nevada. Benavides (The Mexican Monster) now holds a record of (27 wins zero losses, 23 KO’s) after tonight’s unanimous decision win.
Caleb Plant started the night off strong in the early rounds, using his quick jabs and combinations, while keeping Benavides out of sync by throwing punches and then holding on for dear life. Both fighters were exchanging words in the ring, leading referee Kenny Bayless to give a significant warning for the excessive taunting. You could tell Plant’s game plan was getting Benavides frustrated as the Mexican monster took a slower approach than usual to start landing those punishing blows. Normally landing 60+ punches per round, Benavidez was averaging around 31 this fight.
As the fight progressed, Plant began to wear down. In the 7th round, Benavidez started to connect with ferocious haymakers taking control of the fight, and all Caleb Plant could do was, hug his opponent for some breathing room.
Which should also garner some criticism toward veteran referee Kenny Bayless. Who allowed Plant to hold the fight long, and had awful timing at breaking up the action.
Despite the Beatdown, and being warned by his trainer that he would stop the fight. A bloodied Plant battled and threw an onslaught of punches to the 12th round to finish the fight.
Judges Voted: 115-113, 116,-112, and 117-111 in the unanimous decision in favor of David Benavides .
“I know we said we weren’t gonna end the beef, but we fought like warriors in this ring and this guy is a hell of a fighter,” said Benavides.
“I take nothing away from David. We haven’t been the best of friends, but we got in the ring and settled it like men you suppose to do. David was the better man tonight and congratulations to him and his family.” Plant said.
Does Benavidez deserve a Mega fight with Canelo Alvarez ?
Benavidez sure believes so. “I have a lot of respect for Canelo Alvarez, but he has to give me that shot now. That’s what everyone wants to see, let’s get in the ring in September,” Benavidez said. When asked if he believes Canelo is avoiding him, Benavidez Says “No, he just has a lot of options.”
Canelo Álvarez has his next bout against John Ryder set for May 6th. The fight will take place in Álvarez’s hometown of Guadalajara, Jalisco Mexico. Time will tell if Benavidez gets his opportunity to fight Canelo Àlvarez.