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Caleb Plant (21-1, 12 KOs) tasted the first defeat of his pro career on Saturday night at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
In a full division unification, with the IBF, WBO, WBA, WBC super middleweight world titles at stake, Plant suffered a knockout loss at the hands of Mexican superstar Saul “Canelo” Alvarez (57-1-2, 39 KOs).
Plant was dropped twice in the eleventh round, with the contest being waved off upon the second knockdown. It was the first time that Plant had ever been down in his career.
Afterwards, Plant was taken to a local hospital as a precaution and did not attend the post-fight press conference.
During the fight, he won a few rounds and performed better than some had expected with his constant jab and defensive ability.
Plant has now vowed to return stronger than ever in 2022.
“I’ve bent most the world to my will and done it with nothing but passion and skill. I’ll be back. I showed I belong on the top level and I’ll be champion of the world again. I’ve never been scared to go big or go out on my shield. Thank you to all the fans and all my supporters,” Plant stated.
The 28-year-old Plant captured the IBF world title by defeating Jose Uzcategui in January 2019, with two early knockdowns on his way to a clear unanimous decision victory. The fight with Canelo was his fourth defense of the belt – after wins over Mike Lee, Caleb Truax and Vincent Feigenbutz.