In a highly anticipated super-middleweight bout, David Benavidez and Caleb Plant faced off for the Interim WBC title at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on March 25, 2023. Benavidez, an undefeated former two-time WBC super middleweight champion, emerged victorious with a unanimous decision win (115-113, 116-112, 117-111) over Plant, a former IBF super middleweight champion. With this win, Benavidez is now the WBC Super Middleweight champion.
The fight was scheduled for 12 rounds and was one of the most eagerly awaited bouts in the super-middleweight category. Both fighters had expressed mutual animosity towards each other, and the winner was set to face the top dog in the division, Canelo Alvarez. Plant, known for his impressive footwork and ring command, had suffered only one professional loss in his career, a TKO defeat to Canelo in November 2021. Benavidez, on the other hand, boasted an undefeated record with 23 KOs to his name.
Before the main event, the undercard featured several talented fighters. Undefeated Canadian Cade Crowley faced journeyman Abel Ramos in a welterweight clash, while two undefeated fighters, Jesus Ramos and Joseph Spencer, battled it out in a 10-round super-welterweight bout. Jesus Ramos, who is Abel Ramos' nephew, emerged victorious in his fight against Spencer.
In the main event, Benavidez was favored to win with a moneyline price of -310 at DraftKings Sportsbook, while Plant was the underdog at +240. On the undercard, Crowley was heavily favored at -800 against Ramos, who had odds of 5/1. Ramos' nephew, Jesus, was also favored at -250 to beat Spencer, who had odds of +190.
Overall, the night was a thrilling display of boxing talent, culminating in Benavidez's impressive victory and ascent to the top of the WBC super middleweight division.
The fight between Benavidez and Plant was highly anticipated not only because of the potential shot at Canelo Alvarez but also due to the bad blood between the two fighters. The tension between them had been brewing for months, with both fighters exchanging heated words and engaging in a physical altercation during a pre-fight press conference.
In the ring, Plant started off strong, using his footwork and quick jabs to keep Benavidez at bay. However, Benavidez's power punches gradually wore Plant down, and by the middle rounds, he had taken control of the fight. Plant mounted a comeback in the later rounds, but it wasn't enough to sway the judges in his favor.
With this win, Benavidez solidifies his position as one of the top super-middleweight fighters in the world. He had lost his WBC title in 2022 after failing to make weight for a scheduled title defense, but he came back stronger and more determined than ever. He now looks forward to a potential showdown with Canelo Alvarez, who is widely considered the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world.
Overall, the night was a great showcase of boxing talent, with the main event living up to its hype and the undercard providing some exciting matchups. Fans can look forward to more great fights in the super-middleweight division, with Benavidez now leading the charge.
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