By: Hans Themistode
No matter how difficult his dreams and ambitions, Caleb Plant believes he is destined to become the first undisputed super-middleweight champion of all time. With Plant already in possession of a 168-pound IBF crown, all that’s left for Plant to do is defeat arguably the world’s best pound-for-pound boxer Canelo Alvarez… no easy task.
Although many believed Plant was ahead of him, he fought Alvarez almost on the ground in their November 2021 match. But, despite his efforts, Plant eventually collapsed under the relentless pressure of Alvarez, suffering the first defeat of his career in round 11.
With the pain of defeat still hanging over her head, Plant was ready to dust herself off and get back on the super-medium ladder. Now, as Plant works tirelessly at his craft, he is also sifting through the many names that have been given to him to return his ring. Though he’s yet to make his decision, the Nashville Tennessee native isn’t looking for a soft touch.
“There are a few names on the table that we’re trying to research and figure out,” Plant told Thaboxingvoice. “I’m looking to hit the biggest name, the biggest fight on my way back, then rise from there.”
Among the long list of names Plant is currently considering, is former two-time super middleweight champion, Anthony Dirrell. Over the course of the past 12 months, Dirrell has made it clear how he feels that he simply can’t stand Plant, even going as far as to say that he “hates” the former IBF jeweler.
At 37, Dirrell has been struggling in the ring since the end of the year. In September 2019, Dirrell was roughly stopped in the ninth round against David Benavidez, resulting in his WBC title being taken from him. In 2020, Plant failed to compete. To return in 2021 against Kyrone Davis, Dirrell fought a coma, leading to a decisive draw.
Regardless of the lackluster results, Dirrell is back in late 2021. The Flint, Michigan native, scored a well-deserved knockout goal for driver Marcos Hernandez.
Throughout most of Dirrell’s career, the 37-year-old has swapped punches with some of the best boxers the league has to offer. However, although his background is well established, in Plant’s opinion a confrontation between them would be non-competitive.
“He can’t f*ck with me, on any level. He can’t waste time with me. ”
