‘Sweethands’ is one of the most entertaining fighters currently competing in the sport of boxing.
The former world champion has only dropped losses to David Benavidez and Canelo Alvarez, which came either side of Caleb Plant’s brutal win over Anthony Dirrell.
Although his performance against Dirrell is considered to be Plant’s best by many, there are a number of standout fights from the fighter.
This includes Plant’s first-world title defense. Putting on a clinic, ‘Sweathands’ lived up to his nickname.
Caleb Plant dominated Mike Lee to defend world title
After winning the IBF World Super Middleweight title from Jose Uzcategui in January 2019, Plant would aim to defend the title six months later in July.
His first title challenger would be Mike Lee. The fighter had a 21-0 undefeated record, compared to Plant who was unbeaten after 18 fights.
‘White Bear’ Lee was getting his first world title opportunity and had 11 knockouts to his name on fight night. However, it was not a competitive bout between the pair.
In the opening round, Plant started in style. A lead hook would find its way around the guard of Lee, putting the challenger down.
Although Lee would survive until the third round, he would then be put down three times to conclude the fight.
Another two left hooks would put Lee down for the third and fourth times in the fight by the halfway point of round three. Upon the fourth knockdown, the referee waved off the bout.
There were protests from the challenger as the bout was stopped. “Give me time! Give me the 10 [count]!” However, Plant retained his world title.
Caleb Plant would defend his title two more times before meeting Canelo Alvarez
After the impressive win over Lee, Plant would make another two defenses of his IBF World Super Middleweight title.
In February 2020, Plant would defeat Vincent Feigenbutz (31-2) via 10th round TKO.
Although Plant’s activity would be halted by the Covid-19 pandemic, he would return in January of 2021. Taking on Caleb Traux (31-4-2), Plant would win via unanimous decision.
Then, meeting Alvarez in a super middleweight unification bout, Plant would succumb to his first loss. Alvarez defeated Plant via 11th round TKO as one of the greatest Mexican fighters of all time extended his record to 57-1-2.