Reséndiz: ‘I knew I was going to win’

On Saturday night at the Michelob ULTRA Arena at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Jermall Charlo handled his business when he defeated Thomas LaManna by sixth-round TKO.

Now, if Caleb Plant defeated Armando Reséndiz, as many expected, the two would face off later in 2025.

While Charlo did his part, Plant did not. In a surprising turn of events, Reséndiz pulled off the upset and defeated Plant by split decision in the main event.

One judge inexplicably scored the fight 115-113 for Plant, while two others scored the fight 116-112 for Reséndiz.

The fight was highly competitive for the first five rounds. Over the first five rounds, Plant outlanded Reséndiz 41-34, according to Compubox, but the second half of the fight was dominated by Reséndiz (16-2, 11 KOs). He wobbled Plant (23-3, 14 KOs) in Round 6 with the right hand and had him hurt again in Round 8.

Photos from Sean Michael Ham/TGB Promotions

Through rounds 6-12, the 26-year-old Reséndiz outlanded Plant 152-67. Overall, Reséndiz, who won the last seven rounds on two judges’ scorecards, dominated the punch stats according to CompuBox, out-landing Plant 186-108.

“I knew that everybody was going to be against me, because on paper of course he was the favorite, but I believed in myself,” said Reséndiz after the win. “My corner believed in me. And then we did exactly what we came to do.”

However, despite being outlanded and dominated in the second half of the fight, the 32-year-old Plant believed he had done enough to win.

“I felt like it was close and in a close fight; sometimes it switches the other way,” said Plant. “I feel like I was in control enough and using the whole ring, using my jab, but the judges saw it the other way.”

The logical fight for Reséndiz is a matchup against Charlo, but according to Reséndiz, he’ll fight anyone.

“I didn’t really worry about what people say,” said Reséndiz. “I knew I was going to win. I didn’t worry at all. I knew it was gonna be a tough fight, and we gave them a great fight…I’m ready to fight anyone. Whoever the public wants.”

It was a disappointing night for Plant, but to Reséndiz’s credit, he looked like the more potent, better fighter.