Canelo Gives Props To Caleb Plant: ‘I Do Respect Him’
Things got personal in the build-up to Canelo vs. Caleb Plant which saw all the super-middleweight belts up for grabs at the sold-out MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas last night.
After months of intense build-up, including a physical altercation at a pre-fight presser, the best fighters at 168lbs finally threw down. Ten rounds of back-and-forth action ensued before Canelo found the finish in the championship rounds.
In the 11th frame, Canelo landed flush with a left hook followed by a right hand that put Plant down for the first time in his career. The American managed to rise to his feet and beat the 10-count but was quickly pounced upon by Canelo who put him down again and this time, referee Russell Mora stepped in to put an end to the action at 1:05 of the 11th.
Canelo became the first-ever Mexican undisputed boxing champion and the historical significance of what he had just done did not escape him during his post-fight interview with Jim Gray.
“It hasn’t been easy to get to this point, but with your support, my family and my team we’ve gotten really far,” Alvarez said through a translator following the historic victory. “This is for everybody, especially for Mexico. This is another one for our team. We did it tonight.”
“This means so much for the history of Mexico to become an undisputed champion,” Canelo added. “There are only six undisputed champions in history. It keeps me happy and very motivated to be one of the six.”
The 31-year-old was quick to put animosity towards Plant to one side after they had fought.
“Caleb is a good fighter,” Canelo said. “I have a lot of respect for Caleb Plant. He was a difficult opponent with a lot of ability and I do respect him. We are both men at the end of the day. He wanted to fight me and still continue. I told him there’s no shame. We had a great fight tonight.” (Transcribed by Boxingscene)
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