Caleb Plant and Anthony Dirrell do not like each other, and that might be putting it mildly. The two spoke about their animosity leading up to the fight. On Saturday night at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, the two had an opportunity to settler their differences in the ring, and the last word went to Plant
Plant (22-1, 13 KOs) delivered a highlight-reel one-punch knockout over former two-time super middleweight champion Anthony “The Dog” Dirrell (34-3-2, 25 KOs) in the ninth round of their WBC 168-pound title eliminator. Referee Harvey Dock waived off the fight at 2:57 mark of the round.
The Tennessee native was winning on the scorecards 80-72 and 79-73 twice before the knockout.
For the former world champion, who was coming off the first loss of his career against Canelo Alvarez last November, this win was very satisfying.
“This win felt good,” said Plant. “You’ve heard about how much he hates me, but my head and my heart is what won me this fight. I was in control the whole time. My coach told me to stay patient and ease in and that’s what we did. Then, boom!”
After the knockout, Plant was making a shoveling gesture as if he was throwing dirt on a clearly dazed Dirrell. He explained the celebration following the win.
“I was just burying the beef between us, that’s all,” Plant said.
The beef probably is not buried, but again, Plant got the final word.
Plant said he’s wants big fights going forward, so hopefully a fight with David Benavidez or a Jermall Charlo is next.
Photo: Stephanie Trapp/TGB Promotions
