Editor’s note: This story originally appeared on Tennessean.com.
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Nashville native Caleb “Sweethands” Plant will realize a childhood dream Saturday when he defends his super middleweight title against mandatory challenger Vincent Feigenbutz from Germany.
The bout will be Fox’s PBC Fight Night main event from Bridgestone Arena.
“‘I’ve worked very hard for this moment for many years,” said Plant, 27, (19-0, 11 knockouts). “There was a point in time when there were no cameras in front of me. There were no cheers. It was just me and my little team that’s grown into a big team working in the dark. Now I’m on the big stage and we’re prepared.”
Here are five things to know about the event:
Plant’s long-term goal
Plant, who now lives in Las Vegas, has often said becoming a super middleweight champ was a goal but not the goal. He defeated Jose Uzcategui on Jan. 13, 2019, and successfully defended by stopping Mike Lee in July.
The goal, Plant said, is to become the first undisputed super middleweight champ.
“There’s four world titles in each weight class, so to be undisputed that means you have to hold all four at the same time,” Plant said. “There’s never been a super middleweight to do that so I want to be the first. I want to be pound-for-pound, I want to be a legend. I want to be immortal in this sport; a name that never fades.
Predicting a knockout
It will be Plant’s first professional fight in Tennessee and the first in the U.S. for the 24-year-old Feigenbutz (31-2, 28 KOs).
Plant said he would knock out Feigenbutz when the fight was set in January and on Wednesday said he is sticking to that prediction.
“(Feigenbutz) can wave the white flag or I can wave it for him,” Plant said. “I know he’s got a lot of fights, got a lot of knockouts, and I know he’s coming to spoil my plans. But he’ll fall short.”
Plant said he is excited to be back in Nashville and fighting in front of his home crowd, but he is treating the fight the same as any other.
For instance, he is staying in a hotel downtown instead of at his parents’ home.
“It’s just going to be another day at work,” he said.
Recalling his roots
Plant graduated from Sycamore High in 2010. He was on the school’s wrestling team as a sophomore.
Plant also played youth football until he reached junior high.
But at the age of 9 Plant decided he wanted to be a boxer. He started training in kickboxing when he was 12 and boxing at 13.
After winning his title last year Plant was invited back to Sycamore for a homecoming celebration.
Plant said he has not had time since arriving in Nashville for Saturday’s fight to make it back to Ashland City for a visit.
Challenger turned pro early
Feigenbutz does have a lot of bouts and knockouts for a young fighter because he turned pro early. He was only 16 when he won his first fight in 2011.
Feigenbutz has won his last 10 bouts, including eight by knockout.
“I was only 20 years old when I last lost,” Feigenbutz said. “I’m a man now, and I’m much more experienced and have everything I’ll need to beat Caleb Plant.”
Feigenbutz realizes he is going up against the hometown favorite but said he has felt welcomed in the Music City.
“We’re all very excited to be here in Nashville,” Feigenbutz said. “My whole family loves Johnny Cash and all the music here. The people are very nice, and I’m looking forward to winning a world title here.”
13 KOs) from Las Vegas in a lightweight bout.
► More: How to watch Caleb Plant’s IBF Super Middleweight title defense vs. Vincent Feigenbutz
► More: Caleb Plant promises knockout win at Bridgestone Arena in homecoming fight
► More: Boxing champion Caleb Plant hosts turkey drive in hometown Ashland City
Reach Mike Organ at 615-259-8021 or on Twitter at @MikeOrganWriter.