Canelo Alvarez inflicts superb Caleb Plant knockout to become undisputed world champion
Canelo Alvarez overcame a frustrating night to deliver a ruthless knockout of Caleb Plant to further enhance his glittering legacy and become boxing’s first-ever undisputed super-middleweight world champion.
The Mexican superstar was forced into a patient approach over 10 cagey rounds before finally opening up the American in a thrilling 11th round to capture his IBF title, complimenting his WBA Super, WBO, and WBC belts to complete the set
Plant had long evaded Canelo’s signature left hook by shortening the distance and smartly leaning away in an impressive tribute to Floyd Mayweather Jr. But that famous shot eventually pierced his guard, opening up a hole where his glove was and forcing him to absorb a disorientating shot that left him vulnerable to a thudding right uppercut that finally sent him spiralling towards the canvas.
Plant bravely gathered himself, but could only resist for a few more seconds before meeting his fate as Canelo snatched his crowning moment. This time a flurry of shots rained in on a partially-guarded head and his exposed body as Plant crumpled into the ropes, ending his dreams.
The fight’s conclusion sparked wild scenes of celebrations and dispelled any growing animosity between fighter and trainer Eddy Reynoso, who was heard frantically screaming instructions between rounds after struggling to implement Plan A.
Already a four-weight world champion, Canelo has clinched his legacy with supremacy at 168 pounds, but there is still the mouthwatering prospect of much more to come.
The future remains murky though, despite teasing the prospect of seven more years as boxing’s king, given a dearth of attractive opponents.
It was tricky to recall exact shots that demonstrated some of Plant’s impressive work, but a series of infuriating jabs complimented his slick movement that repeatedly saw him vanish off the ropes as Canelo’s gloves whistled past his ears.
And Canelo’s smile after the final bell, covered in gold from head to toe, obscured another valuable lesson in mastering distance against such a slippery opponent capable of escaping the traps that proved so fatal to Billy Joe Saunders and Callum Smith over the last year.
Despite lacking many thrilling exchanges through 10 rounds and perhaps determined to provide value to his adoring fans, Canelo remained calm, ignoring the hushed silence from the crowd as the fight entered the championship rounds, hinting at the prospect of a close decision on the cards.
The Mexican has now created history by unifying the WBA Super, WBO, IBF and WBC super-middleweight titles to become the first undisputed champion at 168 pounds in the sport’s history.
