Caleb Plant was intensely focused and uninterested in lighthearted banter during the final press conference leading up to his semi-final bout against Jose Armando Resendiz this Saturday. Should Plant and his rival Jermall Charlo both secure victories in their respective upcoming matches, a highly anticipated fight between them is expected to take place later in the year.
For this potential Plant-Charlo clash to happen, Charlo must first navigate his way past Thomas ‘Cornflake’ LaManna, just as Plant needs to defeat Resendiz. Plant believes his extensive experience in high-profile fights will be a significant factor in their Las Vegas encounter. Having participated in world title eliminators and championship bouts over the past eight years, `Sweethands` is accustomed to competing under immense pressure with major consequences.
The former IBF super-middleweight champion detailed his wealth of experience, mentioning past opponents such as Canelo Alvarez, David Benavidez, former two-time world champion Anthony Dirrell, former world champion Jose Uzcategui, former world champion Caleb Truax, and the tough competitor `Porky` Medina. He stated, “I think experience plays a big factor in every fight. And that`s something I`ve had, whether it`s me fighting against Canelo, fighting against David Benavidez, Anthony Dirrell, former two-time world champ, Jose Uzcategui, world champ, Caleb Truax, former world champ, ‘Porky’ Medina, who was a tough competitor. That was a title eliminator in 2017.”
Turning his attention directly to the seemingly amiable Resendiz, Plant delivered a strong, personal challenge:
“I’m the biggest, baddest dude you ever fought. Ever. I’m talking to you. I’m the biggest, baddest dude you ever fought in your life. We’re going to find out.”
Despite Plant`s intensity, Resendiz (15-2, 11 KOs) grinned back as the Spanish interpreter relayed the growing animosity and did not challenge his opponent`s assessment.
He readily agreed, saying, “You’re the toughest opponent I’ve ever had in my life. You’re an elite fighter, a world champion. I’m not going to contest that. In fact, that motivates me, I’m already a winner being able to face off against the best like you.”
Plant, wearing a leather motorcycle vest from his new clothing line, sharply retorted, “You’re only a winner if you get your hand raised.”
Unperturbed by the exchange, the California-based Mexican fighter Resendiz has been preparing to bridge the experience gap by incorporating various training strategies, ensuring he is fully ready for the best possible version of Plant (23-2, 14 KOs) when they meet in the ring.
Resendiz emphasized that he has multiple game plans available: “I have a lot of different strategies, not just Plan A. If I have to go out there and brawl and be in another war, I will. If it’s a more tactical fight and I have to be more cerebral, I can do that too. All that matters is to get that win, period,” he added.
