Caleb Plant and Jermall Charlo are set to fight in separate bouts during a Prime Video event at Michelob Ultra Arena in Las Vegas this Saturday. Plant, holding a record of 23-2 with 14 KOs, will defend his WBA super middleweight interim title against Armando Resendiz (15-2, 11 KOs) in the main event. Meanwhile, Charlo (33-0, 22 KOs) will make his return to the ring after an 18-month hiatus to face Thomas LaManna (39-5-1, 18 KOs) in the co-main.
If both fighters win, a highly anticipated matchup between Plant and Charlo could occur later this year. Such a fight has generated interest due to their prior interactions outside the ring. Plant was last seen in the ring in September, where he won against Trevor McCumby, while Charlo aims to secure a title in a third weight class after previously holding championships in junior middleweight and middleweight categories.
What’s at Stake?
Each fighter finds themselves at critical junctures in their careers. Charlo, 35, remains undefeated but faces concerns about his long break from competition. His bout against LaManna will serve as a barometer for his abilities. Conversely, a win could set the stage for a major confrontation with Plant, while a loss or poor showing might jeopardize such a possibility.
The Charlo-Plant Rivalry
The tension between Plant and Charlo has roots in a July 2023 incident where Plant slapped Charlo backstage after feeling disrespected. This incident has paved the way for their potential matchup, now made possible by Charlo moving up to super middleweight. While Charlo acknowledges respect for Plant, both fighters are eager to settle their differences in the ring.
Charlo’s Layoff
Despite a promising start, Charlo’s career faced setbacks due to injuries and legal troubles. He has faced multiple arrests and concerns about his activity. Moving forward, Charlo aims to regain momentum by fighting more frequently, expressing a desire to compete up to three times this year.
Plant’s Motivation
Despite his success, Plant still grapples with the losses against elite fighters like Canelo and Benavidez. He feels he has everything to prove against Resendiz, underscoring his ambition to enhance his legacy and demonstrate his competitive spirit. Plant emphasizes that winning remains his primary focus, noting it drives his daily motivation.
