Sports blog information from USA TODAY.
5 greatest super middleweights of all time.
David Benavidez and Caleb Plant are two of the best active 168-pounders, which makes their pay-per-view fight on Saturday in Las Vegas one of the best-possible matchups in the division.
They are the latest in a long line of elite super middleweights since the division went main stream in the mid-1980s, including current undisputed champion and pound-for-pounder Canelo Alvarez.
Here the best of the best at 168.
5 greatest super middleweights of all time.
David Benavidez and Caleb Plant are two of the best active 168-pounders, which makes their pay-per-view fight on Saturday in Las Vegas one of the best-possible matchups in the division.
They are the latest in a long line of elite super middleweights since the division went main stream in the mid-1980s, including current undisputed champion and pound-for-pounder Canelo Alvarez.
Here the best of the best at 168.
David Benavidez vs. Caleb Plant: 5 questions (and answers) going into their 168-pound showdown Saturday in Las Vegas.
David Benavidez is scheduled to take on rival Caleb Plant in an important 168-pound showdown Saturday night at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
Here are five questions — and answers — going into the highly anticipated pay-per-view fight.
What makes the matchup compelling?
This is a matchup of two elite fighters in their primes, which doesn’t happen often enough in boxing these days. It’s an interesting style matchup, a hard-punching stalker vs. an athletic boxer who also has some pop. The stakes are high. The winner will be at the front of the line to challenge undisputed champion Canelo Alvarez, probably after the Mexican star challenges Dmitry Bivol again in the fall. The loser will have to rebuild, particularly if the result is conclusive. That can be a long, difficult process. And the seemingly genuine tension between the principals has injected extra energy into an already-compelling promotion. Indeed, this is the best possible 168-pound matchup not involving Alvarez.
Is Benavidez as good as he seems to be?
We’ll see. Benavidez’s seek-and-destroy style has lain waste to the vast majority of his opponents, including knockouts in his last six fights. He appears to be a genuine threat to anyone, including Alvarez. Is he? The eye test says, “yes.” However, he hasn’t faced the level of opposition necessary to prove beyond doubt that he’s among the best fighters of his era. His most meaningful victory? Probably then-titleholder Anthony Dirrell, who was stopped by Benavidez in nine rounds in 2019. Beyond Dirrell has been a string of solid, but limited opponents. Plant arguably is the best fighter Benavidez will have faced, meaning a victory – particularly a convincing one — will help underscore the notion that Benavidez is the real deal.
Could Plant do to Benavidez what he did to Anthony Dirrell?
Possibly, but probably not. Plant had only three stoppages in his previous 10 fights but demonstrated against Dirrell that he can end even a big fight in an instant, knocking the former titleholder into unconsciousness with a perfect left hook. That punch would hurt anyone. At the same time, Benavidez isn’t Dirrell. The latter was a 38-year-old with a lot of miles on his odometer, one who had been stopped by Benavidez three fights earlier. He might’ve been ripe for such an ignominious fate. Benavidez is a big, strong, fresh 26-year-old who has taken the best that all his opponents have thrown at him. It’s difficult to imagine a historically average puncher becoming the first to put Benavidez away.
Will this fight look like Plant vs. Alvarez?
Probably. Plant, a slick boxer, will likely give Benavidez problems with his stick-and-move tactics early in the fight but he’ll take more and more punches as the fight progresses, get worn down and struggle down the stretch as he did in his 11th-round knockout loss to Alvarez in 2021. Of course, most would agree that Benavidez can’t box as well as Alvarez. At the same time, he throws more shots than the Mexican and is the most accurate puncher in boxing, according to CompuBox. That could compensate for any deficiency in his technical skills – if there are any deficiencies – and relative lack of experience in big fights. That’s why I’m predicting that Benavidez will break down and ultimately stop Plant sometime during the championship rounds.
Can the winner beat Alvarez?
Depends on Alvarez. The pound-for-pounder defeated Plant conclusively, building a lead on the scorecards and then stopping the challenger in the penultimate round. There was no doubt about who the better fighter was. Plant probably could win a rematch only if the 32-year-old Alvarez is in decline or hindered by injuries, which seems to have been the case in the Mexican’s past few fights. We’ll see how Alvarez looks against John Ryder on May 6 and then, presumably, in his rematch with Bivol in September. Meanwhile, Benavidez would be an underdog but might be competitive against Alvarez even at his best. The former is naturally big for a 168-pounder, has elite fire power and is in his physical prime. If nothing else, it would be fascinating to see how that fight would play out.
[lawrence-related id=36224,36175,36155]
David Benavidez vs. Caleb Plant: 5 questions (and answers) going into their 168-pound showdown Saturday in Las Vegas.
David Benavidez is scheduled to take on rival Caleb Plant in an important 168-pound showdown Saturday night at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
Here are five questions — and answers — going into the highly anticipated pay-per-view fight.
What makes the matchup compelling?
This is a matchup of two elite fighters in their primes, which doesn’t happen often enough in boxing these days. It’s an interesting style matchup, a hard-punching stalker vs. an athletic boxer who also has some pop. The stakes are high. The winner will be at the front of the line to challenge undisputed champion Canelo Alvarez, probably after the Mexican star challenges Dmitry Bivol again in the fall. The loser will have to rebuild, particularly if the result is conclusive. That can be a long, difficult process. And the seemingly genuine tension between the principals has injected extra energy into an already-compelling promotion. Indeed, this is the best possible 168-pound matchup not involving Alvarez.
Is Benavidez as good as he seems to be?
We’ll see. Benavidez’s seek-and-destroy style has lain waste to the vast majority of his opponents, including knockouts in his last six fights. He appears to be a genuine threat to anyone, including Alvarez. Is he? The eye test says, “yes.” However, he hasn’t faced the level of opposition necessary to prove beyond doubt that he’s among the best fighters of his era. His most meaningful victory? Probably then-titleholder Anthony Dirrell, who was stopped by Benavidez in nine rounds in 2019. Beyond Dirrell has been a string of solid, but limited opponents. Plant arguably is the best fighter Benavidez will have faced, meaning a victory – particularly a convincing one — will help underscore the notion that Benavidez is the real deal.
Could Plant do to Benavidez what he did to Anthony Dirrell?
Possibly, but probably not. Plant had only three stoppages in his previous 10 fights but demonstrated against Dirrell that he can end even a big fight in an instant, knocking the former titleholder into unconsciousness with a perfect left hook. That punch would hurt anyone. At the same time, Benavidez isn’t Dirrell. The latter was a 38-year-old with a lot of miles on his odometer, one who had been stopped by Benavidez three fights earlier. He might’ve been ripe for such an ignominious fate. Benavidez is a big, strong, fresh 26-year-old who has taken the best that all his opponents have thrown at him. It’s difficult to imagine a historically average puncher becoming the first to put Benavidez away.
Will this fight look like Plant vs. Alvarez?
Probably. Plant, a slick boxer, will likely give Benavidez problems with his stick-and-move tactics early in the fight but he’ll take more and more punches as the fight progresses, get worn down and struggle down the stretch as he did in his 11th-round knockout loss to Alvarez in 2021. Of course, most would agree that Benavidez can’t box as well as Alvarez. At the same time, he throws more shots than the Mexican and is the most accurate puncher in boxing, according to CompuBox. That could compensate for any deficiency in his technical skills – if there are any deficiencies – and relative lack of experience in big fights. That’s why I’m predicting that Benavidez will break down and ultimately stop Plant sometime during the championship rounds.
Can the winner beat Alvarez?
Depends on Alvarez. The pound-for-pounder defeated Plant conclusively, building a lead on the scorecards and then stopping the challenger in the penultimate round. There was no doubt about who the better fighter was. Plant probably could win a rematch only if the 32-year-old Alvarez is in decline or hindered by injuries, which seems to have been the case in the Mexican’s past few fights. We’ll see how Alvarez looks against John Ryder on May 6 and then, presumably, in his rematch with Bivol in September. Meanwhile, Benavidez would be an underdog but might be competitive against Alvarez even at his best. The former is naturally big for a 168-pounder, has elite fire power and is in his physical prime. If nothing else, it would be fascinating to see how that fight would play out.
[lawrence-related id=36224,36175,36155]
David Benavidez is big, strong, relentless and more accurate than anyone else in boxing.
David Benavidez recently listed some of the attributes that have allowed him to win two world titles and build a perfect resume. Among his claims: He’s the most accurate puncher in the 168-pound division.
That’s true, according to Bob Canobbio of CompuBox. Benavidez did himself a disservice, though.
“Benavidez underestimated himself,” Canobbio told Boxing Junkie. “He leads all fighters — not just 168 — in total connect percentage.”
Yep. No one in the sport connects at a higher rate than the 26-year-old from Phoenix, who faces Caleb Plant on March 25 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. He lands 38.4% of every punch he throws, which well ahead of No. 2 Gennadiy Golovkin at 36.5% (see Top 10 below).
Of course, no one who has followed the career of Benavidez (26-0, 23 KOs) career would be shocked to hear that news.
The naked eye can see that he’s one of the most destructive offensive forces in the world, which accounts for his high knockout percentage (88). He isn’t a one-punch knockout artist; he tortures his opponents, battering them unmercifully until they can fight no more. He has stopped his last six opponents.
He expects the same against Plant (22-1, 13 KOs), who was stopped by Canelo Alvarez in 11 rounds in 2021 but rebounded to KO Anthony Dirrell in nine last year.
“Some people don’t understand that I’m the most accurate puncher in this weight class,” he said. “I’ve had 23 knockouts in 26 fights. I’ve hurt every man I’ve been in the ring with and Caleb Plant is no different.”
Benavidez believes Plant is particularly vulnerable against powerful opponents.
“You can see that every time Caleb is in the ring with a power puncher, he’s not comfortable,” he said. “He beat Jose Uzcategui but he was hurt in the fight and then Canelo hurt him. Even Anthony Dirrell hit him with good shots, and he’s not a hitter like that.
“I’ve got the power and I feel like I’m faster. I just have to get my feet in the right position, because he’s going to be moving a lot. I think he has a little bit more confidence after beating Dirrell though, so we’ll see if he wants to trade with me.”
Bad idea for Plant?
“I’m a big guy and I throw punches in bunches,” Benavidez said. “I’m ready to mix it up in there. Every question you all have will be answered on March 25.”
TOP 10 CONNECT PERCENTAGE (TOTAL PUNCHES)
Source: CompuBox
| DAVID BENAVIDEZ | 38.4% |
| GENNADY GOLOVKIN | 36.5% |
| VASILIY LOMACHENKO | 36.0% |
| ROMAN GONZALEZ | 35.8% |
| BADOU JACK | 35.6% |
| ANTHONY DIRRELL | 35.5% |
| GERVONTA DAVIS | 35.1% |
| SAUL ALVAREZ | 35.1% |
| JULIAN WILLIAMS | 34.7% |
| NAOYA INOUE | 34.7% |
[lawrence-related id=35397,35289,30331]
David Benavidez is big, strong, relentless and more accurate than anyone else in boxing.
David Benavidez recently listed some of the attributes that have allowed him to win two world titles and build a perfect resume. Among his claims: He’s the most accurate puncher in the 168-pound division.
That’s true, according to Bob Canobbio of CompuBox. Benavidez did himself a disservice, though.
“Benavidez underestimated himself,” Canobbio told Boxing Junkie. “He leads all fighters — not just 168 — in total connect percentage.”
Yep. No one in the sport connects at a higher rate than the 26-year-old from Phoenix, who faces Caleb Plant on March 25 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. He lands 38.4% of every punch he throws, which well ahead of No. 2 Gennadiy Golovkin at 36.5% (see Top 10 below).
Of course, no one who has followed the career of Benavidez (26-0, 23 KOs) career would be shocked to hear that news.
The naked eye can see that he’s one of the most destructive offensive forces in the world, which accounts for his high knockout percentage (88). He isn’t a one-punch knockout artist; he tortures his opponents, battering them unmercifully until they can fight no more. He has stopped his last six opponents.
He expects the same against Plant (22-1, 13 KOs), who was stopped by Canelo Alvarez in 11 rounds in 2021 but rebounded to KO Anthony Dirrell in nine last year.
“Some people don’t understand that I’m the most accurate puncher in this weight class,” he said. “I’ve had 23 knockouts in 26 fights. I’ve hurt every man I’ve been in the ring with and Caleb Plant is no different.”
Benavidez believes Plant is particularly vulnerable against powerful opponents.
“You can see that every time Caleb is in the ring with a power puncher, he’s not comfortable,” he said. “He beat Jose Uzcategui but he was hurt in the fight and then Canelo hurt him. Even Anthony Dirrell hit him with good shots, and he’s not a hitter like that.
“I’ve got the power and I feel like I’m faster. I just have to get my feet in the right position, because he’s going to be moving a lot. I think he has a little bit more confidence after beating Dirrell though, so we’ll see if he wants to trade with me.”
Bad idea for Plant?
“I’m a big guy and I throw punches in bunches,” Benavidez said. “I’m ready to mix it up in there. Every question you all have will be answered on March 25.”
TOP 10 CONNECT PERCENTAGE (TOTAL PUNCHES)
Source: CompuBox
| DAVID BENAVIDEZ | 38.4% |
| GENNADY GOLOVKIN | 36.5% |
| VASILIY LOMACHENKO | 36.0% |
| ROMAN GONZALEZ | 35.8% |
| BADOU JACK | 35.6% |
| ANTHONY DIRRELL | 35.5% |
| GERVONTA DAVIS | 35.1% |
| SAUL ALVAREZ | 35.1% |
| JULIAN WILLIAMS | 34.7% |
| NAOYA INOUE | 34.7% |
[lawrence-related id=35397,35289,30331]
Caleb Plant wants big fights and big victories, not good reviews from outsiders.
Caleb Plant doesn’t care what people think of him as a fighter.
That includes the oddsmakers, who have made arch rival David Benavidez around a 3-1 favorite in their 168-pound pay-per-view fight March 25 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
Plant’s focus, he said, is to continue to make and win big fights. The rest will take care of itself.
“If I was caught up in what people think of me, how they perceive me, whether they think I can or I can’t, being a white kid from Tennessee, I might not have made it very far,” he told Boxing Junkie.
“I’m focused on what [manager] Al [Haymon] thinks of it, what my team thinks of it, the type of position it will put me in to get other big fights. I can’t focus on or worry about what other people think.”
Plant (22-1, 13 KOs) is no stranger to big fights.
The matchup with Benavidez will be his third consecutive meeting with a current or former world titleholder. He was stopped by Canelo Alvarez in 11 rounds in November 2021, which cost him his IBF belt. And he delivered the 2022 Knockout of the Year in the ninth round against Anthony Dirrell last October.
Now comes another significant risk, which is exactly how Plant wants it.
“After the Canelo Alvarez fight I didn’t want some sparring-session fight,” he said. “I wanted the biggest fight I could get. It wasn’t the biggest fight out there but, coming off a loss, it was the biggest fight that could be made.
“… With Dirrell being ranked as high as he was by the WBC, it made it a title eliminator. I knew with David as the ‘interim’ champ, it put me in position to fight him. And, obviously, after winning this fight, it will put me in position to become Canelo’s mandatory.”
See the pattern? Only important fights against quality opposition.
Plant and Benavidez (26-0, 23 KOs) don’t have a lot of good things to say about each other but Plant respects him.
“He’s a good fighter,” Plant said. “I never said he was a bad fighter. I’m not interested in fighting bad fighters. I’m interested in fighting good fighters. There are a lot of things he does well. There are just more things I do well.”
Plant is perceived by some to be quicker, more athletic and more skillful than Benavidez. And he demonstrated that he can hurt anyone with the right shot against Dirrell, who Benavidez stopped with an accumulation of punches in 2019.
The 30-year-old native of Nashville also will bring a less-tangible commodity into the ring against Benavidez: experience on the biggest stage. Nothing is more intimidating than an Alvarez fight.
“It’s going to be hard to find an environment as hostile as it was against Canelo Alvarez,” he said. “I might’ve had 50 people in the building out of 18,000 rooting for me [at the MGM Grand]. This is a big moment, as well. It’s not one I take for granted. The great thing about the Canelo fight is the experience I get to take into these other big fights. And experience is important.
“It’s the small things that separate you at the highest level. … Experiences isn’t something you by. You have to go through the fire to get it. And I’ve done that.”
Plant is clearly drawn to the fire.
[lawrence-related id=35397,35289,33478]
Caleb Plant wants big fights and big victories, not good reviews from outsiders.
Caleb Plant doesn’t care what people think of him as a fighter.
That includes the oddsmakers, who have made arch rival David Benavidez around a 3-1 favorite in their 168-pound pay-per-view fight March 25 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
Plant’s focus, he said, is to continue to make and win big fights. The rest will take care of itself.
“If I was caught up in what people think of me, how they perceive me, whether they think I can or I can’t, being a white kid from Tennessee, I might not have made it very far,” he told Boxing Junkie.
“I’m focused on what [manager] Al [Haymon] thinks of it, what my team thinks of it, the type of position it will put me in to get other big fights. I can’t focus on or worry about what other people think.”
Plant (22-1, 13 KOs) is no stranger to big fights.
The matchup with Benavidez will be his third consecutive meeting with a current or former world titleholder. He was stopped by Canelo Alvarez in 11 rounds in November 2021, which cost him his IBF belt. And he delivered the 2022 Knockout of the Year in the ninth round against Anthony Dirrell last October.
Now comes another significant risk, which is exactly how Plant wants it.
“After the Canelo Alvarez fight I didn’t want some sparring-session fight,” he said. “I wanted the biggest fight I could get. It wasn’t the biggest fight out there but, coming off a loss, it was the biggest fight that could be made.
“… With Dirrell being ranked as high as he was by the WBC, it made it a title eliminator. I knew with David as the ‘interim’ champ, it put me in position to fight him. And, obviously, after winning this fight, it will put me in position to become Canelo’s mandatory.”
See the pattern? Only important fights against quality opposition.
Plant and Benavidez (26-0, 23 KOs) don’t have a lot of good things to say about each other but Plant respects him.
“He’s a good fighter,” Plant said. “I never said he was a bad fighter. I’m not interested in fighting bad fighters. I’m interested in fighting good fighters. There are a lot of things he does well. There are just more things I do well.”
Plant is perceived by some to be quicker, more athletic and more skillful than Benavidez. And he demonstrated that he can hurt anyone with the right shot against Dirrell, who Benavidez stopped with an accumulation of punches in 2019.
The 30-year-old native of Nashville also will bring a less-tangible commodity into the ring against Benavidez: experience on the biggest stage. Nothing is more intimidating than an Alvarez fight.
“It’s going to be hard to find an environment as hostile as it was against Canelo Alvarez,” he said. “I might’ve had 50 people in the building out of 18,000 rooting for me [at the MGM Grand]. This is a big moment, as well. It’s not one I take for granted. The great thing about the Canelo fight is the experience I get to take into these other big fights. And experience is important.
“It’s the small things that separate you at the highest level. … Experiences isn’t something you by. You have to go through the fire to get it. And I’ve done that.”
Plant is clearly drawn to the fire.
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