Another month, another tough decision.
At least three boxers deserve to be considered for the title of Boxer of the Month for March.
Bruised featherweight competitor Brandon Figueroa looked like a threat to anyone in his unanimous decision win over Mark Magsayo on March 4. And junior middleweight Tim Tszyu cemented his position. 1 candidate in a convincing victory over Tony Harrison on March 12.
Caleb Plant was defeated by David Benavidez. Joe Camporeale / US Sports TODAY
However, no one has made a stronger statement than David Benavidez, who chasing the elusive Caleb Factorybeat him and won the unanimous decision in a 12-round 168-pound bout last Saturday at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
Sports Plant had problems in the first half of the round with his stick and move strategy, as many expected. But Benavidez methodically closed the gap, cleverly despite his oversized bust, began hurling damaging punches in the middle of the match and knocking Plant out.
The fact that the loser survived to hear the final bell doesn’t detract from Benavidez’s performance in the slightest; Plant was completely defeated by the end of the match.
And Benavidez would have almost certainly scored a knockout goal had Plant not been allowed to hold by referee Kenny Bayless, which combined with Plant’s movement limited the winner’s punch.
Tactics do not affect Benavidez’s accuracy. According to CompuBox, the most accurate puncher in the sport has landed 38.1% of his total hits and 43.0% of his punches, according to CompuBox. In contrast, Plant took out 14.6% of his punches, proof of Benavidez’s defense.
Get the picture? Benavidez (27-0, 23 KOs) dominated arguably the toughest opponent of his decades-long career so there’s no doubt he’s one of the best boxers in the world. gender. And only getting better.
Plant said what everyone was thinking then: “He’s a hell fighter.”
Can Benavidez beat the undisputed 168-pound champion Canelo Alvarez?
Only a fight between the two can give the answer to that question. One thing is for sure, Benavidez deserves the chance to challenge the Mexican star more than ever.
