David Benavidez defeats Caleb Plant via unanimous decision

Results: Benavidez defeats Plant by unanimous decision (115-113, 116-112, 117-111). Benavidez is now WBC Super Middleweight champion!

12:11 a.m. update Benavidez makes his ring walk, ready to square off in front of the Las Vegas crowd.

A matchup of two ultra talented super-middleweights takes place this weekend as Caleb Plant (22-1, 13 KOs) and David Benavidez (26-0, 23 KOs) face-off at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday, March 25. The WBC interim super middleweight title is on the line and the fight will be available on Showtime PPV.

Benavidez is a knockout maestro, entering this bout on a three-fight winning streak, all three victories by TKO. He has an unblemished record of 26 wins, with 23 of those coming by knockout. Last May he finished David Lemieux in the third round with an impressive barrage of punches. Benavidez fires with precision and speed as he is considered one of the most feared super middleweights in boxing.

Plant enters this fight fresh off a 9th round knockout of Anthony Direll back in October 2022. Prior to that bout, he suffered his first professional loss to Canelo Alvarez, as he was stunned in the 11th round and lost via TKO. Despite that shortcoming, Plant demonstrated to the boxing world he could stand toe-to-toe with the best and hold his own.

Benavidez comes into the bout as the favorite at DraftKings Sportsbook. He is a -330 favorite while Plant is a +250 underdog.

David Benavidez vs. Caleb Plant round-by-round results

Round 1: Benavidez 10-9

Benavidez testing out Plant with his straight jab, both fighters examining each other’s style and pace. Very tactical from each corner. The two tie up momentarily and are quickly separated. Neither side connecting, slide edge to Benavidez for being more active and attacking more.

Round 2: Plant 10-9

Plant throwing more punches in this round. Benavidez hunting as well. Pace getting up to speed slightly, Plant boxing a good fight so far. He tries a left hook, shows off his speed with a solid late round combo.

Round 3: Plant 10-9

Plant seems more in attack mode, lands a nice left to Benavidez. Plant stepping up more often. Benavidez showing patience and playing the counter punch. Plant takes this round.

Round 4: Benavidez 10-9

The chess match continues as both show mutual smiles as the fight progresses. Left hook hits Plant and a low blow is missed by the referee. Showmanship displayed from both, Plant dances to end round.

Round 5: Plant 10-9

Benavidez comes out a but frustrated, trying to land more. Plant doing the best job to avoid any damage and succeeding. Plant shakes his head now, even partially blocks a left from Benavidez. Plant showboating some more, the crowd enjoying this. Plant in control.

Round 6: Benavidez 10-9

Plant has been doing a great job of protecting, but Benavidez is starting to land more clean shots. Plant must stay aggressive, Benavidez pushing forward more. Referee steps in to separate the two to end the round, Plant took some punches to end round 6.

Round 7: Benavidez 10-9

Benavidez opens up the round with a flurry and Plant once again ties him up. Plant looks a bit tired as the rounds have progressed. Benavidez much more volume and landing. He seems to have found the hole in Plant’s defense. Benavidez takes this one.

Round 8: Benavidez 10-9

Plant seen hurting multiple times throughout the fight, but the worse in this round. Benavidez is applying the pressure, left hook connects again, this time Plant has bad cut to the nose. Benavidez now teeing off, Plant in a world of trouble. Outside of tying him up, Plant not defending the power shots well and Benavidez is on fire.

Round 9: Benavidez 10-9

Plant starts out with a second shot below the belt and the referee calls for a time. Benavidez seems okay and the momentum is on his side. Plant uncomfortable and looking lost at the moment. Benavidez walking him down landing left straights to the body and following it up with a right hand. Plant is starting to feel overwhelmed.

Round 10: Benavidez 10-8

Plant is hurting and tying up Benavidez at any cost. Body shots landing for Benavidez as well as punishing left hooks up top. Plant attempting to land some punches back, but overhelmed by Benavidez.

Round 11: Benavidez 10-9

Plant is absorbing punch after punch and continues to show resilience. Benavidez getting any punch that he wants and Plant refuses to go down. Benavidez pressing forward with left hooks and Plant continues to defend. Benavidez in another gear, Plant waiting for the bell each round.

Round 12: Benavidez 10-9

Benavidez is a few minutes away from claiming the WBC interim middleweight title. Great game plan and Plant simply could not defend him these past few rounds. Benavidez starts with the effective body shot and lands a nice one. Wisely taking his time, he connects another solid left hook as Plant showing the heart of a warrior.