By Miguel Maravilla
Mexican superstar Saul “Canelo” Álvarez (56-1-2, 38 KOs) looks to unify the super middleweight division when he squares off against IBF champion Caleb “Sweethands” Plant (21-0, 12 KO’s) on Saturday night in Las Vegas. The winner will become undisputed super middleweight champion.
“It means a lot to me to win this fight for my legacy,” said Canelo. “For me it means a lot for my history and legacy. This why we are here. Saturday night I will make history.”
Canelo is looking to become the first Mexican fighter in history to be crowned undisputed champion.
“To be undisputed is history for Mexico and for everyone on my team. To be the undisputed champion is just a great thing for my career,” Canelo said. “To be the first Mexican to be undisputed champion and to be the first Latino to be undisputed. It’s very important for my career. Saturday night, I’m going to make history.”
For the 31-year-old Canelo, he is coming off a spectacular win over previously undefeated world champion Billy Joe Saunders last May at the Dallas Cowboys home of AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Alvarez was exciting in breaking down the Englishman to an eighth-round stoppage as Saunders suffered a broken orbital. Canelo picked up the WBO super middleweight title with the win.
“It was a good win. Winning the third title at super middleweight. Now I am one step closer to being undisputed,” Canelo said. “Plant has the other title I want.”
Plant is coming off a decision over veteran Caleb Truax earlier this year in January. Plant won the IBF title in January of 2019 over Jose Uzcategui in winning a unanimous decision. Since winning the title, Plant has defended the title three times. Scoring a first round knockout over Mike Lee in his first defense, and a stoppage over Vicent Feigenbutz in his homecoming fight.
“He’s a good fighter with a lot of skills, but that’s nothing new for me,” Canelo said. “My experience is going to give me the edge in the fight.”
Tensions are obviously high for this fight as Canelo and Plant got in a heated altercation at the kickoff press conference. With Canelo and Plant standing face to face jawing at each other, Canelo shoved Plant, who responded by attempting to smack Canelo, but Canelo countered with his left, drawing a slight cut underneath Plant’s right eye.
“He’s an insecure person and that’s why he was talking all that smack about Oscar (Valdez) and me with the Clenbuterol,”
Since then, it has been all focus, as Canelo wrapped up his camp in San Diego, California with longtime trainer Eddie Reynoso.
“It was a great preparation. Eddie and I did excellent work, and I had some great sparring. I am ready for Saturday night,” Canelo said.
Canelo arrived in Vegas on Sunday night to settle in for the fight week festivities as he anxiously awaits his showdown with Plant.
On Tuesday afternoon, Canelo made his official ‘grand arrival’ at the MGM Grand as he was greeted by media.
“This is nothing new for me. I love to be here and fight in Vegas,” Canelo commented.
Not one to make predictions about his fights throughout his career, Canelo has boldly made his prediction for this fight due to Plant’s accusations that Canelo along with his team are cheats.
“It will be over in eight rounds or less. I’m going to knock out this guy. Easy.” Canelo said.
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Canelo by TKO6. Plant won’t be able to handle the hard punches coming from different angles. His face busts up too easy.
Wise man said, sweet hands can’t hurt tough mexican beef head
ok that is funny
I wish the undercard was better .. don’t wanna pay to see what will be mostly one-sided
– Spend $35 on the Amazon Fire Stick and you will be able to watch any PPV for free, plus watch the newest movies, as well as every movie and TV series ever made.
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Canelo will take this one. His engine is way too powerful for Plant to handle all the torque and horsepower.
Just do it before round 9
The Super Middleweight right now is a very weak division. Alvarez while a good boxer, will lose hisotrically I believe because he missed oportunities to fight the likes of Charlo, and will be accused of ducking Golovkin until he knew he was beatable. If he were to climb to Light Heavyweight and defeats the likes of Berbetev and Bivol, he will have a far greater legacy. Yes Golovkin, or maybe even Andrade could one day go up in weight. But I wll always remember when he could have fought Golovkin earlier, he decided to forfeit the Middle weight crown that he won from Cotto, and go down to JR. Middle and box Liam Smith for the IBF light middle weight title.
– Respectfully disagree.
– Look at Saul’s boxing resume.
– It is unmatched compared to other fighters.
– His legacy is good-2-go.
– Take care.
This could be an interesting fight if Plant can keep Canelo at a distance and make him pay dearly when Canelo attempts to close the distance to land those powerful body shots. It won’t be easy though as Canelo is really good at dodging and moving in to deliver that heavy leather inside! Ward is a great fighter and I’m sure he gave Plant some really good tips on how to fight Canelo. But hearing and doing are two different things!
Plant is looking to make history too, not just the bias you have for Canola. The headline is stupid. Only Canola mexican meat boy is making history. As the biggest weenie in boxing. People will compare him to ..gulp…Hagler and have no clue Hagler would have run Canola out of the ring. I pick Plant on his character.
“As the biggest weenie in boxing….”
– Please explain your opinion.
– Take care.
Character won’t win many fights-certainly not this one.
I think Hagler wins. Even giving either one 8 pounds would not be enough. Hagler ko 6 both of them same night. Oh and he is dead.
He’s always looking to make history. What’s new? They will make up things just so he can make history. How about match him against someone that has a chance to beat him.