GERVONTA DAVIS LAS VEGAS MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES

Photos from Ryan Hafey/

Premier Boxing Champions

Undefeated Gervonta “Tank” Davis and “King” Ryan Garcia will compete on Saturday, April 22 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas to Headline the SHOWTIME PPV Production

of a Premier Boxing Champions Event. 

Undefeated five-time, three-division world champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis held a media workout in Las Vegas Thursday ahead of his long awaited clash against hard-hitting sensation “King” Ryan Garcia taking place Saturday, April 22 headlining live on pay-per-view from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

 

Davis vs. Garcia is promoted by GTD Promotions, TGB Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions and the telecast is produced by SHOWTIME PPV.

Davis will headline a pay-per-view telecast beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT as he faces Garcia in a rare matchup of unbeaten superstars in the primes of their careers. Davis has established himself as one of boxing’s hottest, must-see attractions, selling out arenas in Los Angeles, New York, Atlanta and most recently, Washington D.C., and with a victory on April 22, can solidify himself as the future face of boxing.

Here is what Davis and his longtime trainer Calvin Ford had to say Thursday from Barry’s Boxing Gym in Las Vegas:

 

GERVONTA DAVIS

 

“Make sure you come early and get your popcorn or whatever you want to get, because this is gonna be an early night for sure.

 

“I’m feeling great. Everything is about staying completely focused on the task, because I know I have a challenge in front of me on April 22.

 

“Me and coach Calvin have been doing this for so long, he’s a major key to my success over the years. I’d be nowhere without him, so I always keep him close to me.

 

“Ryan is gonna have to show me that he has more than just a left hook. I’m gonna be on point that night because I’m getting ready for the best Ryan Garcia. I just don’t feel that he’s a complete fighter and come April 22 I’m gonna show him.

 

“This win would mean a lot. Beating someone young, explosive and in their prime says a lot. I feel like this fight is big for the sport. We’re drawing in a lot of people and a win on that night is really like winning a world title again.

 

“This is gonna be spectacular. It’s gonna be two young guys who are hungry. You gotta tune in or be here in Las Vegas.

 

“I think he’s trying to hype himself to get into the fight when he talks about knocking me out in two rounds. I don’t think he really believes that.

 

“Representing Baltimore means a lot to me. I’m doing it for the people who are just like me. I’m trying to give them hope. No matter what you’ve been going through, the future is bright.”

 

CALVIN FORD, Davis’ Trainer

 

“’Tank’ just needs to listen and do what he’s been doing all along. I’ve seen the journey to here a long time ago. That night is his night. We’ll walk through that fire or that desert or whatever we have to walk through.

 

“I’m still looking for that fighter to bring the best out of ‘Tank’. No one has seen the best out of him yet. Coaches that have been around us for years know that people haven’t seen all that he can do.

 

“I don’t train ‘Tank’ for knockouts, I train him for punishment. Hector Luis Garcia got a glimpse of it in the last fight. I want him to punish Ryan.

 

“I wouldn’t say the Mario Barrios fight is the example of how ‘Tank’ fights a taller fighter like Ryan Garcia, because each fighter fights differently. He was able to handle what Barrios wanted to do, but we’ll see if that’s how Ryan wants to fight. Whatever you want to bring, you better come bring it.

 

“He’s taking pages out from some of the greatest in the sport. We’ve got a lot of different people coaching different parts of his game and everyone is doing their part.”

Tickets for the live event are on sale now and are available through www.axs.com. 

GERVONTA DAVIS VS. RYAN GARCIA MAIN-EVENT ADDS THREE FAN FRIENDLY PAY-PER-VIEW UNDERCARD BOUTS ON SATURDAY, APRIL 22

WBA Super Middleweight Champion David Morrell Jr. Battles Knockout Artist Sena Agbeko in Co-Main Event

Super Middleweight Sluggers Gabriel Rosado and Bektemir Melikuziev Square Off in Anticipated Rematch

Undefeated 19-Year-Old Sensation Elijah Garcia Faces Mexico’s Kevin Salgado in Pay-Per-View Telecast Opener at 8 PM ET/5 PM PT

Undefeated Rivals Davis and Garcia Square Off at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas Headlining a SHOWTIME PPV® Production Of a Premier Boxing Champions Event.

Three intriguing pay-per-view matchups featuring knockout artists and rising stars will precede three-division world champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis’ 12-round super fight with hard-hitting sensation “King” Ryan Garcia in a SHOWTIME PPV production on Saturday, April 22 in a Premier Boxing Champions event from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

 

The pay-per-view telecast will begin at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and features Cuban star and WBA Super Middleweight Champion David Morrell Jr. battling Ghana’s Sena Agbeko in the co-main event. The action will also see an eagerly anticipated rematch between super middleweight sluggers Gabriel Rosado and Bektemir Melikuziev in a 10-round showdown. Kicking off the telecast will be hard-hitting 19-year-old middleweight Elijah Garcia facing rugged Kevin Salgado of Mexico in a 10-round showdown.

 

Davis vs. Garcia is promoted by GTD Promotions, TGB Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions. The telecast is being produced and distributed by SHOWTIME PPV and will be available across pay-per-view providers including DAZN PPV.

 

Tickets for the live event are on sale now and are available through www.axs.com. 

 

A Cuban-native who came to Minneapolis to begin his pro career in 2019, Morrell (8-0, 7 KOs) has quickly shown off the talents that made him a standout in Cuba’s storied amateur scene . The 25-year-old captured an interim title by dominating then-unbeaten Lennox Allen in August 2020 in just his third pro fight. Morell, who trains in Texas with renowned coach Ronnie Shields, added two dominant knockout victories in 2022 as he stopped Kalvin Henderson in June before a 12th-round TKO of the previously unbeaten Aidos Yerbossynuly in November. 

 

“I’m very excited to be the co-main event of this incredible night for boxing,” said Morrell. “’Tank’ Davis is one of the sport’s biggest superstars and my aspiration is to one day be on the Mount Rushmore of boxing next to him. On April 22 I’m going to dispatch my opponent in sensational fashion. And after this fight I want the ‘Mexican Monster’ David Benavidez, but first I have to get past a tough and very capable opponent in Agbeko. I intend to take care of my business on April 22 and then look forward to taking on David Benavidez in a fight that the fans want to see.” 

 

Originally from Ghana and now fighting out of Nashville, Tennessee, Agbeko (27-2, 21 KOs) enters this fight having won his last four contests and 12 of his last 13. The 31-year-old won three times in 2022, including most recently earning a unanimous decision over the previously unbeaten Isaiah Steen last October on SHOBOX: The New Generation®. The only blemish on Agbeko’s record since 2014 is a decision loss in 2021 against top 168-pound contender Vladimir Shishkin.

 

“I’m very thankful to my entire team for this incredible opportunity to fight for the title,” said Agbeko. “This is a stern test against one of the best super middleweights in the world in the co-main event of the biggest fight of the year. This is an opportunity that I relish greatly and is exactly how I envisioned winning the belt. I’ve had a long journey to get to this point, but I’ve always trained like a guy with a target on my back. I want to win the belt and be the fighter that everyone is going after. I have a great team behind me and I can’t wait to properly introduce myself to the boxing world on April 22.”

 

Having faced a deep and extensive list of champions and top fighters throughout his career, the always exciting Rosado (26-16, 15 KOs) will look to repeat his 2021 highlight-reel KO against Melikuziev in one of the year’s biggest surprises when they meet on April 22. The Philadelphia native has gone toe-to-toe with current and former champions Jermell Charlo, Gennadiy Golovkin, Peter Quillin, David Lemieux, Joshua Clottey, Daniel Jacobs and Jaime Munguia in a pro career that dates back to 2006.

 

“It was tough having the fight against ‘Zurdo’ canceled, but now it’s me versus Bek on the biggest fight card of the year,” said Rosado. “I’m focused and ready to put Bek back in check. I look forward to being part of a historical fight card, and I plan on dominating ‘The Bully’ once again!”

 

The 26-year-old Melikuziev (11-1, 9 KOs) heads into April 22 seeking revenge from his 2021 defeat to Rosado and to extend his winning streak to five. Originally hailing from Uzbekistan and now residing in Indio, California, Melikuziev turned pro in 2019 after an impressive amateur career that included gold medals in the 2015 and 2017 Asian Championships. Melikuziev had knocked out six of his first seven pro opponents before running into Rosado’s right hand.

 

“This is the fight I wanted and the most important fight for me today,” said Melikuziev. “This is the fight to right the wrong. I am so lucky to make it on the biggest card of the year. I want to thank my team, my promoter, and of course, Rosado, for giving me this opportunity.”

 

Fighting out of Phoenix, Arizona, Garcia (14-0, 12 KOs) earned a career-best victory in March, blasting out the previously unbeaten Amilcar Vidal in the fourth-round on SHOWTIME® to announce his presence at 160-pounds. The 19-year-old had previously put together a four-win 2022 campaign capped by a second round KO of Cruse Stewart that streamed live on the SHOWTIME SPORTS® YouTube channel and SHOWTIME Boxing® Facebook page. The precocious Garcia has moved fast since turning pro in 2020 and has knocked out six of his last seven opponents.

 

“I’m thrilled to be part of this major pay-per-view event and I’m excited for the opportunity,” said Garcia. “After my last fight, I’ve been in the gym waiting for the time to showcase my skills yet again. I’m planning on putting on a great performance against Salgado on April 22. The main event is a great fight and ‘Tank’ is a beast, and Ryan is undefeated and talented and will be a tough test. But make sure you don’t miss my fight, because it’s going to be a Mexican war for all of the fans.”

 

A native of Mexico City, Salgado (15-1-1, 10 KOs) is the younger brother of former super featherweight champion Juan Carlos Salgado and now fights out of San Antonio, Texas. The 25-year-old turned pro in late 2016 and delivered knockouts in six of his first nine outings. After scoring three-straight knockouts between September 2019 and February 2021, Salgado returned to the ring in October 2021 to defeat Ricardo Banuelos Cernas by unanimous decision before fighting Bryant Perrella to a split-draw in his U.S. debut in April. Salgado bounced back from a September 2022 defeat to Joey Spencer by knocking out Gilberto Flores in the first round of their December 2022 clash.

 

“I know that I’m facing a good opponent, but I’m ready to surprise the boxing world,” said Salgado. “This is a great opportunity for me. I’m grateful to be in this position and I’m coming to take full advantage of it. I’m feeling strong in training camp and I’ll be ready to test Garcia and see where he stacks up.”

Davis Boxing Promotions Results From The Card In Washington, DC

Here are the results from the Davis Boxing Promotions card that took place Saturday night at the Mary Virginia Merrick Center in SE, Washington DC.

(Photos by Daniel Cork)

In the main-event, Brandon Quarles of Alexandria, VA won by split decision against Cleotis Pendarvis of Lancaster, CA in a four-round super middleweight contest.  Two judges scored the bout, 38-37 for Quarles while the other judge scored it 38-37 for Pendarvis. Quarles scored a second-round knockdown, and that looked like the deciding factor to give him the win over Pendarvis.

Ervin Fuller III of Fort Washington, MD recorded a second-round TKO at 0:36 against Sean Williams. This was Fuller's second professional fight of his career. In his debut  last month on February 18, he won a four-round unanimous decision over Alejandro Leon of Deerfield Beach, FL at the Maryland Live Casino & Hotel in Hanover, MD. 

Printice Canada of of Saint Louis, MO won by TKO at 1:31 of round two against Chamar Flowers of Accokeek, MD. After a exchange of punches, Flowers started vomiting in the ring. Referee Eric Irizarry paused the contest and walked Flowers back to corner so the ringside physicians could do an evaluation on Flowers. It was advised for the fight to be stopped. 

The card opened up with four first-round stoppages. 

In his professional debut, Shakell Daly of Hyattsville, MD  scored a first-round TKO at 2:55 against the also debuting Taran Wood. Dalysent Wood to the canvas twice before the fight was stopped.

Silver Spring, MD welterweight Andrew Collins recorded the second victory of his career by TKO at 1:02 of the first-round against the debuting Michael Stevens.

Jamal Johnson of Baltimore, MD TKO at 2:39 against Da’Vaughtae Bess. Both Johnson and Bess scored a knockdown against each other, with Johnson getting the stoppage at second knockdown.

Duane Thompson of Glen Burnie, MD won by TKO at 0:25 of the first-round against Kenneth Smith Jr. to open the Davis Boxing Promotions card.

Hector Luis Garcia vs. Lamont Roach Jr. Match-up Ordered by WBA

The WBA sanctioning body has ordered Hector Luis Garcia to face mandatory challenger Lamont Roach Jr.. 

Garcia and Roach have until April 19th to come to terms. A purse bid would go 75/25 in Garcia's favor. 

After Garcia (16-1, 10 KO's) defeated Roger Gutierrez last August and also defeating Chris Colbert the previous February will make his title defense against Roach (23-1-1, 9 KO's). 

Roach bounced back from his 2019 defeat to Jamel Herring with a solid four-fight win streak, including decisions over Rene Alvarado and Angel Rodriguez. 

This bout between Hector Luis Garcia and Lamont Roach Jr. could happen in the summer of 2023 in the United States for the WBA Super Featheweight title.

David Benavidez Say The Fight Will Be Over In The Sixth Round By Knockout Against Caleb Plant

David Benavidez is going into this fight with an undefeated record of (26-0, 23 KO's). His last fight was 10 months ago against David Lemieux, which he won by third-round TKO.

Caleb Plant is (22-1, 13 KOs). His last fight was 5 months and 10 days ago against Anthony Dirrell, which he won by ninth-round knockout.

Benavidez says he’s ready to defend his interim WBC super middleweight title against Caleb Plant in a fight that could result in the victor challenging Canelo Alvarez for his undisputed super middleweight championship.

“It’s a thinking man’s game. I’m a thinking fighter. I have a heavy IQ and a heavy bag of tricks,” said Plant.

David Benavidez:

“Now that he got the fight against Canelo, the next best fight in the division is me vs. Caleb Plant, and I’m just happy to make this happen for the fans.” 

“I’ve already been the mandatory for Canelo for the last two fights, so it’s my right to fight for this fight.

“His weakness is his body shots. I feel that’s his Achilles heel, and he showed that against Canelo. With me, I’m just a big puncher who throws punches in bunches and great body shots. I’m the most accurate puncher in this weight class.

“I punch at 46% in every fight, so that’s a very dangerous thing when you’ve got a big guy that’s a power puncher that throws punches in bunches and is very accurate. So I think I’m dangerous for anybody.

“Personally, for me, I wouldn’t be satisfied with my performance if I don’t get a knockout. That’s how deep this beef goes between me, and him. I want to make this guy pay for everything he said about me and make him remember me for the rest of his life.

“I know he’s a very skillful and talented fighter. That’s why we were very serious in this training camp. We trained for three and a half months. So I gave him all my attention. I know I’m 100% ready for this fight. So whatever he brings to the table, we’re going to be ready.

“I’m comfortable at this weight, but I feel like I’ve been campaigning at this weight for a long, long time. The only reason I stayed at this weight is that I’m only one fight away from fighting for all the belts against Canelo.

“After this fight against Caleb Plant and after the fight against Canelo, then I think it’s time to go up to light heavyweight. I think this is definitely my coming out party. March 25th will be one of my greatest performances.

“The only way you can describe me is the name Mike Tyson gave me. I’m the ‘Mexican Monster,’ baby. I definitely think I’m the best pound-for-pound in the world. I just need the opportunity to prove it to the fans.

“I’m coming to do it in this fight, and I just want to get in there and prove it against the best super middleweights and light heavyweights in the boxing world.

“I feel in all the fights I’ve had, I’ve had it pretty easy. No one has made me bring out my defense and boxing skills. I can do it. I’ve been doing it my whole life. I’ve been boxing since I was two years old.

“This is why I want these opportunities against these other great fighters because I know that when the going gets hard and I get put in those tough situations that make me uncomfortable, the best comes out of me, and I can’t wait to prove it to the world on March 25th.

“I think I’m going to knock him out in the sixth round. I’ve been working extremely hard."

“This camp has been tough, but like I always say, ‘The camps are the hard part. Now it’s time for me to go out and have fun, and do what I love to do."

David ‘Mexican Monster’ Benavidez vs. Caleb Plant this Saturday night in their 12-round super middleweight fight, March 25th on Showtime PPV at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

CALEB PLANT HAS A CONVERSATION ABOUT HIS BAD BLOOD WITH DAVID BENAVIDEZ

Boxing star and former world champion Caleb Plant sat down for a wide-ranging discussion in the latest episode of “The Pivot Podcast” as Plant dove deep into his feud with David Benavidez before they meet live on SHOWTIME PPV this Saturday, March 25 in Las Vegas. The episode will premier today at 12 p.m. ET on the show’s YouTube page.

 

Asked by former NFL stars and the show’s co-hosts Ryan Clark, Channing Crowder and Fred Taylor to explain the origins of his beef with Benavidez, Plant explained that the dispute has simmered for years, with personal comments from David’s father about Plant’s tragically deceased daughter Alia pushing the rivalry to a new level.

 

“Boxing is not a job for me,” said Plant. “Boxing is my life. I’m not trying to let anyone disrupt that or get in the way of that. So it is personal for me…As far as David Benavidez, that started out as us agreeing to disagree about who’s better. Over time I think it’s developed into something more…Once you start bringing up someone’s family, that’s a different level…Some things you don’t come back from and for me that’s not reversible.”

 

The clash of former world champions is one of boxing’s most anticipated fights of the year, and a scintillating style matchup that pits the smooth movement and technical boxing skills of Plant up against the brute force of Benavidez, as each looks to add a career-best victory to their resume.

 

“There’s a lot of variables when you go into the ring, but I do expect to get my hand raised in fashion,” said Plant. “I truly believe that. I believe I’m the better boxer and I have the better pedigree. Plus I’m more disciplined, obviously.”

 

The episode also saw Plant break down the many obstacles he’s had to overcome on his road from growing up in poverty in Tennessee, to becoming a renowned world champion in boxing. In what he later describes as the tragedy that led to the biggest pivot of his life, Plant went deep on the passing of his daughter Ali at just 19 months in 2015. For Plant, he says he owes his greatest moment in the ring, the night he became a world champion in January 2019, to the motivation that Alia had provided him.

 

“That moment was indescribable really,” said Plant. “When they announce those words ‘and the new’, it’s something that any kid who’s ever halfway laced up a pair of boxing gloves dreams of one day…Me keeping that promise to Alia that I was going to be world champion, was something that was engraved in me. It didn’t matter who stood across from me that night, there was no one who was beating me.”

 

While Plant carries motivation from that tragedy into the ring, he has learned over the years to harness it into putting on his best performances. Despite the emotion that comes with it, Plant knows that controlling those emotions is ultimately the key to his success, even when an opponent is going to tremendous lengths to get under his skin.

 

“I don’t go in there emotionally,” said Plant. “Seeing Alia go through those things definitely motivated me. I knew that I could do anything after seeing what she went through. You can’t go into the ring emotionally though, it’s a thinking man’s game. I’m a thinking fighter. I have a heavy IQ and a heavy bag of tricks…Over the years I learned how to channel my emotions and go into the ring calm, cool and collected.

 

“They want you to get riled up and tense. Why else does anyone talk shit? To try and get them out of their game. So if I know that’s the reason, why would I give them what they want? Because if I stay calm and stay cool, I can prove that stereotype wrong.”

 

Plant has only suffered one defeat in his career, a 2021 showdown against Mexican superstar Canelo Alvarez for the undisputed super middleweight championship. Although many credited Plant for making it to boxing’s biggest stage, he explained how just making it that far did not satisfy his desire in the sport.

 

“It was a good thing to be part of such a big fight,” said Plant. “Canelo is a great fighter and he’s done a lot of great things. But it doesn’t excite me that I get to stand across from anybody in the ring. I’m here on a mission and to accomplish my own goals. Not to be excited that I’m standing across from someone who’s already done that. I look at myself as on the same playing field as he’s on. I’m excited about getting my hand raised.”

 

In going deeper on his mentality in the sport, Plant laid out his intention to make his name one that resonates and lasts well beyond his career, echoing the desire he had to make it out of extraordinary circumstances into the position he’s in now.

 

“I know the best is brought out of me when I’m challenged,” said Plant. “That can be emotionally or physically. I’m someone who has to be challenged in life for the best to be brought out of me. Those kinds of things just add fuel to the fire for me to not only win, but win in spectacular fashion. I’m not someone who wants to just get in this sport, get money and get out. I really love boxing…I want my name to be written in stone forever. When people talk boxing, I want them to bring my name up.”

Full interview on YouTube 

https://youtu.be/wvSOS_KItQ0

Boxing’s Top Fighters, Experts and More Give Their Thoughts and Predictions On David Benavidez vs. Caleb Plant Showdown

21 out of 29 forecasted a victory for Benavidez in a close and compelling fight, while five favor Plant, two were unsure of who would a win, plus one who said this match-up matching was a clear victory for the sport of boxing.

Here is what those closest to the fight game had to say about the Benavidez-Plant matchup:

 

JERMELL CHARLO, Undisputed Super Welterweight World Champion

“I’m rocking with Plant. Plant has the boxing skills. Benavidez is just one-dimensional. He’s going to come forward and put a lot of pressure on Plant. But styles make fights and so this is going to be a good one. But I’m rocking with Plant.”

 

BRANDON FIGUEROA, Recent winner on SHOWTIME of Interim WBC Featherweight Title

“I'm rooting for Benavidez all the way. I see him knocking (Plant) out in the eighth or ninth round.”

 

SHAWN PORTER, Former Two-Time Welterweight World Champion

“It's a 50/50 fight but I think Caleb takes it. Something's telling me Caleb is in the right place at the right time. I truly think he's going to break down David, and he's going to frustrate David. He's bringing a lot to the ring that David has never been up against. David's spoiled with his pressure. He breaks everyone down, but I don't think he'll be able to do that to Caleb, so I’m picking Caleb in a late-round stoppage.”

 

AMANDA SERRANO, Undisputed Featherweight World Champion

"I usually don't like to make predictions for fights. You just never know in boxing. However, I am going to make one this time for Benavidez vs. Plant. I really do like Plant. I think he is a really nice guy, great fighter. However, for this fight, I have to go with Benavidez.”

 

REY VARGAS, WBC Featherweight World Champion

"Plant-Benavidez will be a very even fight, 50-50. Strategy will be the key factor for whoever comes out on top. Plant has his speed and waist movement. Benavidez with his explosiveness and his strength. I truly believe it is 50/50. I have to lean on the Mexican side, because of that strength and explosiveness."

 

GEORGE KAMBOSOS, JR., Former Unified Lightweight World Champion

“This is a 50/50 matchup. From my point of view Caleb Plant has had better experience and looks in great shape. We saw in his last fight he does have that nice snap, that power and he will definitely out-box Benavidez. I don’t think he will knock him out, but he can hurt him. I’m going with Caleb Plant on a close points decision.”

 

CALEB TRUAX, Former IBF Super Middleweight World Champion

“This is a great super middleweight fight and a big win for boxing. I see it going similarly to Canelo-Plant. Plant will have success early due to his feet and jab, and then Benavidez's pressure and power get him the late stoppage. I'm pulling for Plant to win, being that he is a former opponent of mine.”

 

DAVID MORRELL, Undefeated WBA Super Middleweight Champion

“It's a 50/50 fight. Benavidez has power, but he has never fought against someone with moves like Plant, who will make life hard for him with his speed. I would love to pick a winner, but I just can't, considering how even this fight truly is.”

 

ANDY RUIZ, JR., Former Unified Heavyweight World Champion

"I got my money on Benavidez. He is just a bigger fighter, a stronger guy, ‘The Mexican Monster’. Nothing against Caleb, he is a warrior and we all risk our lives in the ring, but I just feel like Benavidez will be too much.”

 

YORDENIS UGAS, Former WBA Welterweight World Champion

“I was initially going to say 50/50, but now I’m going to lean in favor of Benavidez, 55-45 in his favor.”

 

VLADIMIR SHISHKIN, Undefeated Super Middleweight Contender

“This is a great fight between two elite fighters in the division. I favor Benavidez, but Plant showed improvement after the Canelo fight and that means he is coming to win. I will not be overly surprised if Plant is able to score a points upset over Benavidez.”

 

BOB SANTOS, Sports Illustrated 2022 Trainer of the Year

“I think Benavidez vs. Plant is going to be a tremendous fight in the early rounds. Plant will be having some success moving and boxing, but towards the middle rounds Benavidez will take over and win the fight. That said, I think it’s going to be a tremendous fight and both guys' stock is going to go up.”

 

KEITH IDEC, Boxing Scene

“Benavidez by 11th-round TKO. Plant’s intelligence, movement and skill will enable him to make the most of their fight competitive. The relentless Benavidez pressure and volume punching will eventually wear Plant down, though, and lead to a stoppage in one of the championship rounds.”

 

STEPHEN JACKSON, Former NBA World Champion and “ALL THE SMOKE” Co-Host

“Plant is coming off one of the biggest wins of his career. A big knockout after losing to Canelo. He’s in a good space right now. Benavidez has been looking for a fight, he’s one of the dangerous fighters around right now so it’s going to be a good fight. Caleb is still on his high and he has to win this fight to get back to Canelo. Benavidez has been calling out Canelo for years and this is a stepping-stone. If I have to lean toward a side because you put a gun to my head, I’m going to go with Benavidez.”

 

ROBERT LITTAL, Black Sports Online

“I believe this is truly a 50/50 fight with an amazing clash of styles between someone they call the ‘Mexican Monster’ and the other they call ‘Sweethands.’ In the end I think Caleb Plant survives an early assault from Benavidez and uses the knowledge from the Canelo fight and puts on a boxing clinic down the stretch to win a unanimous decision.”

 

GREG BEACHAM, Associated Press

“I like Benavidez by late-round stoppage. His toughest opponent has usually been himself, but I still think he can reach his full potential. Benavidez should be motivated by a talented, confident veteran opponent like Plant, who could easily take this fight if Benavidez shows up unfocused or unprepared. Benavidez’s strength and talent are the determining factors for me in an excellent matchup.”

 

MORGAN CAMPBELL, New York Times:

“Benavidez by very close decision. Might be split decision, might be majority decision, but I think he’ll win seven rounds.”

 

LARGE, Barstool Sports

“Although both fighters possess both attributes, I still see this one as strength versus speed. And Benavidez’s power will get to Plant by the late rounds. Benavidez by KO Round 8-10.”

 

PAUL PIERCE, Former NBA World Champion and “Ticket & The Truth” Co-Host

“I’m going with Plant. That’s my man. I met Caleb Plant – I’ve sat with him at a fight and I had a moment with him so I’m going with Caleb Plant. I ain’t gonna lie though, Benavidez is a beast.”

 

KEVIN IOLE, Yahoo! Sports

“David Benavidez W12 Caleb Plant: I love the fight given the talent level of the two and the significance within the division. Plant has everything he needs to win this fight, but I see Benavidez as something of a sleeping giant. He has enormous untapped potential and I believe this fight is coming at the right time for him. I see it as a nailbiter that Benavidez pulls out down the stretch with crisp combination punching.”

 

DAN RAFAEL, Fight Freaks Unite

“It's an outstanding matchup but I think Benavidez will win. Plant is a good boxer but Benavidez is a brutal puncher with excellent power and an excellent chin. Plant may have some success boxing for stretches in a good fight, but Benavidez will break him down and stop him late.”

 

DEMARCUS COUSINS – Four-Time NBA All-Star

“I do like Plant. I question his power, but Plant is a very skilled boxer. I don’t know though, I might have to go the other way with this one [and pick Benavidez]. Benavidez is a monster.”

 

JOE SANTOLIQUITO, Ring Magazine

“I like Benavidez. I think he's simply too big, and too strong for Plant. Benavidez knows the stakes and will come in acutely prepared. Plant will try to out-box Benavidez and get the fight into the later rounds, but with that comes some risk. Benavidez wins by late-round stoppage.”

 

ADRIANA NORIEGA, Fox Deportes

“Benavidez vs. Plant is a great, 50/50 fight. Two contrasting fights that make for a very interesting clash. On one side, you have 'The Mexican Monster' with the physical advantages, power and aggressive style that defines him. I expect Plant to use his sweet hands, his timing, his speed and his footwork to potentially frustrate Benavidez. If the fight ends early, I expect Benavidez to win. If it goes to the judges, Plant has the better chance in my book.”

 

MICHAEL ROSENTHAL, Boxing Junkie

“I have a lot of respect for Plant, who I believe is an elite athlete with an elite skill set. And he showed us against Anthony Dirrell that he's no slouch in the power department. I just think that Benavidez has too much firepower for him. He's an offensive juggernaut, a guy who breaks down opponents with ferocious, relentless pressure that has resulted in 23 knockouts in 26 fights. Plant will have some success early, but Benavidez will land more and more punches as the fight progresses and score a late stoppage. Benavidez KO 9.

 

CLAUDIA TREJOS. DAZN/PROBOXTV/BYB

“This will be an explosive fight. Benavidez with the advantage of height and advantage of youth will use his skills to make Plant fall into his fighting style. We can never discount Plant's grit – a boxer who has proven his warrior spirit inside and outside the ring. Benavidez always does his homework and has power to go along with it – a win against Plant puts him on track for the highly anticipated fight against Canelo. I can see Benavidez taking this opportunity to show off his complete tool set. Benavidez by KO in the later rounds.”

 

ABE GONZALEZ, Big Fight Weekend

“David Benavidez versus Caleb Plant is a dream fight for the purist. I can see Caleb Plant frustrating Benavidez early with his boxing ability and movement. However, in the later rounds, after those Benavidez punches start to add up, he will slow Plant down and stop him around the ninth or 10th round.”