Buenisimo Benavidez picks off plucky Plant with a UD
David “El Monstruo Mexicano” Benavídez retained his WBC interim super middleweight title, defeating brave and savvy former world champion Caleb “Sweet Hands” Plant by UD at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Plant started the fight astutely, with lateral movement, fast jabs and effective, accurate counterpunching, often trailing his left lead low, and relying on his fast reactions, spinning off the ropes to avoid being trapped, by his pursuing opponent.
Yet, after the half way mark, Benavidez was finding the range and adjusting, to wear down Plant and take control of the fight. Left hooks and cascades of body punches were sinking in, taking effect and Plant`s punch output lessened. But he simply refused to wilt, fighting back in flurries. Fabulously fierce exchanges.
In round eight Benavidez drove Plant back with a jolting right, but then a clash of heads caused a corkscrew cut over Plant`s right eye and a slight pause for it to be inspected. Benavidez went all out for the KO in the last two rounds, but Plant dug deep, willing himself to the final bell. David won by 115-113, 116-112 and 117-111.
He improves his record to 27-0, with 22 knockouts, defending his interim WBC super middleweight title and awaits the winner of the fight between Canelo Álvarez and John Ryder. Plant is now 22-2, 13 knockouts. Great fight!