Barthelemy, Ramirez Ends in a Split Draw in Las Vegas Battle

Photo courtesy of Ryan Hafey / Premier Boxing Champions

BOXING SCENE - By Ryan Burton

Cannery Hotel & Casino, North Las Vegas, Nevada - In a very entertaining back and forth fight, decorated amateur Leduan Barthelemy (13-0-1) battled Eduardo Ramirez (20-0-3) to a questionable split draw in their featherweight battle. The height and reach advantage that Barthelemy enjoyed was evident from the opening bell. He also had a big speed advantage was difficult for Ramirez to adjust to. Ramirez turned it on with a big fourth as he landed several hard head shots.

The give and take action continued through the fifth and sixth as Barthelemy, the younger brother of former champion Rances Barthelemy, landed softer blows while Ramirez landed heavy artillery. Barthelemy tried to turn the tide in the seventh and began to sit on his shots but Ramirez also had moments. Barthelemy had better ninth and tenth rounds to make the fight closer.

97-93 Barthelemy, 96-94 Ramirez and 95-95 were the final scores.

"I wanted to pressure him all the way through and take away his reach advantage," said Ramirez. "I felt good the whole fight and he never hurt me at any point. I believed in my skills and I performed well. I thought that I won the fight, it was a close fight but I believe that I did what I had to do to win. I would fight him again and beat him even worse."

"It was a very tough, physical fight for both of us," said Barthelemy. "I didn't feel 100 percent but I was able to work through it and I never felt hurt during the fight. He landed on me but I was able to keep my composure. I would definitely fight him again. I'll be ready for another great battle and I'll get the clear victory this time."

In a battle of super featherweight prospects, Alejandro Salinas (9-1) outworked a gritty Duarn Vue (12-1) in a barn burner. The entire fight was fought from close range and Vue endured hellacious shots all night long. Salinas landed at will but wasn't able to finish off his opponent. The final tallies were 80-72, 79-73 and a too close 77-75.

In the opening bout of the telecast, Las Vegas resident by way of Cuba Ivan Jiménez (8-1-1) was defeated by Bryan Figueroa (13-0) of México in their lightweight bout via unanimous decision. After a feeling out process, the action heated up in the third when Figueroa landed several hard shots. He was also warned for low blows for the third time.

Jiménez came out with a sense of urgency in the fourth and landed a hard shot out of the gate to try to slow down Figueroa's momentum but was largely unsuccessful. Jiménez came out with a sense of urgency to close the show strong in the sixth and final round but it was too little too late. The final scores were 58-56 on all three scorecards.

Luis Ortiz: No Way Wilder Can Take My Punch; Will Pay for Mistakes

BOXING SCENE - By Keith Idec

NEW YORK – Luis Ortiz is convinced Deontay Wilder won’t be able to take his power Saturday night.

The strong southpaw from Cuba cannot wait to exploit Wilder’s technical flaws, mistakes Ortiz promises will lead to him knocking out the undefeated champion at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center. The extremely confident Wilder has knocked out 97 percent of his professional opponents, but Ortiz is sure Wilder is in for a devastating awakening when they fight for Wilder’s WBC title.

“There’s no way,” Ortiz said Thursday when asked after their press conference if Wilder will be able to handle his power. “Every mistake he makes, I’m gonna make him pay for it.”

Ortiz told Wilder exactly that, among other things, when they engaged in an intense staredown following Thursday’s press conference.

“I asked him when we were up there, ‘Do you wanna fight right now? We can go right now,’ ” Ortiz said. “I’ve got the hunger and I’m gonna do whatever it takes to win this fight.”

Miami’s Ortiz (28-0, 24 KOs, 2 NC) is confident he is a combination of intelligence, power and skill that Wilder hasn’t come close to encountering during the American’s ascent to stardom.

At the championship level, only Eric Molina appeared to hurt Wilder. Molina (26-5, 19 KOs) wobbled Wilder with a left hook early in the third round of their June 2015 fight.

Wilder quickly overcame that troublesome moment and dropped Molina four times. He knocked out Molina in the ninth round of his first title defense.

Mostly, though, Wilder has managed to avoid getting hit consistently with flush punches. Still, Wilder’s wildness at times leaves him susceptible to counter punches, the skillful Ortiz’s specialty.

“I’ve got power and I’ve got technique,” Ortiz said. “I don’t care. I’m ready to go.”

Ortiz, 38, and Wilder, 32, have combined to knock out 62 of 67 opponents (93 percent), excluding Ortiz’s two no-contests. Each fighter has gone 12 rounds just once, and Ortiz cannot envision that happening a second time Saturday night (Showtime; 9 p.m. ET).

“We’re both two guys with a lot of power,” Ortiz said, “and whoever makes the first mistake, the fight’s gonna be over with. And I’m not making that mistake.”

Keith Idec is a senior writer/columnist for BoxingScene.com. He can be reached on Twitter @Idecboxing.

Errol Spence vs. Carlos Ocampo Deal Reached For June 16

Boxing Scene - By Keith Idec

Errol Spence Jr. will face the opponent everyone expected June 16.

An ESPN.com report early Wednesday morning stated that promoters for Spence, the unbeaten IBF welterweight champion, and mandatory challenger Carlos Ocampo have reached an agreement for them to fight that night. Showtime will televise the Spence-Ocampo match from an undetermined venue in the Dallas area.

The IBF ordered Spence (23-0, 20 KOs), of DeSoto, Texas, to make his next title defense against the unproven Ocampo (22-0, 13 KOs) last month. A purse bid was scheduled for March 6 at the IBF’s headquarters in Springfield, New Jersey, but the IBF informed the involved parties Tuesday night that it was canceled because Tom Brown, the promoter representing Spence, and Zanfer Promotions (Ocampo) came to an agreement.

The 27-year-old Spence – who’s generally regarded as one of the best boxers, pound-for-pound, in the sport – will make the second defense of the IBF welterweight title he won by knocking out Kell Brook (36-2, 25 KOs) in the 11th round May 27 in Sheffield, England, Brook’s hometown. The powerful southpaw stopped former two-division champion Lamont Peterson (35-4-1, 17 KOs), of Washington, D.C., in the eighth round January 20 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

The 22-year-old Ocampo hasn’t beaten a top contender during his climb up the IBF’s rankings.

He is rated No. 3 among the IBF’s 147-pound contenders. The top two spots are vacant, however, which makes Ocampo the leading available contender for the mandatory defense Spence is due to make.

Ocampo will fight outside of Mexico for the first time when he travels to the Dallas area to challenge Spence. He last fought November 11, when Ocampo stopped fellow Mexican Dario Ferman (14-4, 11 KOs) in the seventh round in Chihuahua, Mexico.

Keith Idec is a senior writer/columnist for BoxingScene.com. He can be reached on Twitter @Idecboxing.

Caleb Plant Easily Out-Boxes ‘Porky’ Medina, Remains Unbeaten

Boxing Scene - By Keith Idec

Caleb Plant didn’t exactly excite the crowd in El Paso, Texas, but he boxed well and picked apart Rogelio Medina on Saturday night.

The tactical Plant peppered Medina with jabs, used his athleticism to consistently move out of Medina’s punching range and won their 12-round super middleweight match by unanimous decision. Each of the three judges credited Plant with a wide win (120-108, 119-109, 117-111).

FOX televised Plant’s win as part of the Devon Alexander-Victor Ortiz undercard from the Don Haskins Center.

The Ashland City, Tennessee native’s victory over Medina improved Plant’s record to 17-0 (10 KOs). Mexico’s Medina (38-9, 32 KOs) has lost three of his past five fights.

Medina, 29, was considered a step up in competition for Plant based on the level of opponents Medina has fought during his 10-year pro career. Current or former super middleweight champions David Benavidez, James DeGale, Badou Jack and Gilberto Ramirez all have defeated Medina.

His experience notwithstanding, Medina seemed sluggish a day after failing to make weight for their IBF 168-pound elimination match. He came forward from the opening bell to the final bell, though, because Plant couldn’t hurt him and Plant was content to stick and move his way to victory.

Plant’s plan was obvious in the first two rounds, when he mostly moved away from Medina and flicked occasional jabs.

By the third round, Plant seemed more relaxed and began throwing more punches against his plodding opponent. A right hand by Plant in that round drew blood from Medina’s nose.

Medina continued following Plant around the ring during the fourth and fifth rounds, and he didn’t have much success. Plant continued to control the action in the sixth round, until Medina landed a left to the body that made Plant hold briefly just before that round ended.

Plant fell to canvas after the bell sounded to end the seventh round, but because their legs got tangled.

A frustrated Medina often challenged Plant to stand and fight. Plant ignored his opponent’s taunts and stuck to his game plan.

Medina managed to land several hard head and body shots during the 11th round that slowed down Plant. The rugged veteran pressured Plant throughout the 12th round as well, but Plant moved, ducked and held his way to the final bell.

Following FOX’s broadcast of the Plant-Medina match, unbeaten lightweight prospect Karlos Balderas went the distance for the first time as a pro.

The 21-year-old Balderas (4-0, 3 KOs) clearly out-boxed Mexico’s Jorge Rojas to win a four-round unanimous decision, but he wasn’t able to put his opponent down. Balderas won all four rounds on each scorecard (40-36, 40-36, 40-36).

Balderas, a 2016 Olympian from Santa Maria, California, rocked Rojas with a right hand to the side of his head barely 20 seconds into their scheduled four-round bout. Despite that early difficulty, Rojas became the first out of Balderas’ four pro opponents to make it out of the first round.

He didn’t land many flush punches in the bout, yet Rojas showed Balderas that he won’t be able to tear through every opponent. Balderas landed a very low left hand that caused a brief break in the action with 38 seconds remaining in the second round.

Keith Idec is a senior writer/columnist for BoxingScene.com. He can be reached on Twitter @Idecboxing.

Rolando Romero Talks Upcoming Fight, Sparring Teofimo Lopez

Boxing Scene - By Ryan Burton

On Saturday, Mayweather Promotions’ prospect Rolando Romero (3-0 3 KOs) will return to the ring for his first fight of 2018.

Across the ring from him will be Alex Silva (3-5). He may not have the prettiest record but Silva’s unorthodox stance should be good for the development of Romero.

"I just know that he is a come forward southpaw. That is about all I know about him. My first two opponents I didn't have no footage on them so I didn't study them. On my last opponent I saw a video but I don't spend much time on that. I adapt and learn very quick in the ring," Romero told BoxingScene.com.

The fight takes place at Sam’s Town Gambling Hall in Las Vegas, Nevada. Mayweather Promotions has consistently put on developmental shows for their up and coming fighters at this venue.

Romero, who’s father was a three-time national champion in Cuba, is hoping to have a busy 2018.  He hopes to be crowned a world champion by the end of next year.

"I want to get as many (fights) as I can get. I want to be 12 or 13-0 by the end of the year so I can get close to fight for a title. Maybe by the end of 2019 I can fight for a title," he explained.

There is no shortage of quality sparring in Las Vegas and Romero has gotten in great work with his friend Teofimo Lopez who is also a lightweight prospect. Lopez was a 2016 Honduran Olympian and Romero said that the intensity level rises every time they get in the ring together.

"Teofimo is my boy. He is good. Honestly I think he was the prospect of the year (last year). We bring out the best in each other in sparring. We are both very competitive people and we want to punish each other," said Romero who finished this interview with a piece of advice for his opponent. "Try not to get knocked the fuck out."

Saturday’s Mayweather Promotions card will be headlined by Sharif Bogere who will face Arturo Santos Reyes in a bout scheduled for 10 rounds.

Send questions or comments to ringsidewriter@gmail.com You can follow Ryan on Twitter @ringsidewriter

Barthelemy Takes Advantage of Delayed Date For Relikh Title Fight

Boxing Scene - By Elisinio Castillo

Rances Barthelemy was so focused for his rematch against Kiryl Relikh, that when they told him the fight had been postponed until further notice, he could not help but grimace. His mind and body were ready for February 10 and now the fight will take place on March 10.

"At first I felt bad, because in my mind I already saw myself as a champion on February 10," said the Cuban to George Ebro. "Then I took it as something that I had to take advantage of in my favor, to polish certain things, review everything. I will arrive in better condition than I would have in February 10."

The second match against Relikh broke down in principle when Mickey Garcia's opponent, Sergey Lipinets, injured a hand during a training session and was forced to ask for more preparation time. Garcia vs. Lipinets is the headline fight of the show.

The fight venue has been changed from the Alamodome to the Freeman Coliseum in San Antonio, Texas. 

"We are talking about a few more weeks," said Barthelemy, who trains under Professor Ismael Salas. "We have lowered the intensity a bit, but we will soon resume the pace that will allow us get ahead for this commitment. ''

Barthelemy (26-0, 13 KOs) goes for the vacant 140 pound title of the World Association (WBA), in search of becoming the first Cuban to conquer three weight divisions.

When the Cuban and the Belarussian first met on May 20, Barthelemy received a unanimous decision that at that time made him a mandatory challenger for then titleholder Julius Indongo, who would then be defeated by Terence Crawford.

The result of the first fight, however, was so close and controversial that the WBA ordered a new clash between Barthelemy and Relikh (21-2, 19 KO), setting the stage for this rematch that arouses many expectations.

"The goal of winning three titles is something that does not get out of my head," added Barthelemy, who won world titles at 130 and 135 pounds.

"It's almost an obsession, but I've channeled everything to not despair and put into practicing the fight plan that we have already agreed upon. There is little left, and less is needed. March 10 is the appointment."

Rances Barthelemy: I Want Mikey Garcia in My Next Fight

Photo courtesy of Sean Michael Ham / Premier Boxing Champions

Boxing Scene - By Boxing Clever

On March 10 at the Freeman Coliseum in San Antonio, two-division champion Rances Barthelemy (26-0, 13 KOs) will look to become the first Cuban boxer to ever win world titles in three different weight classes when he faces Kirly Relikh (21-2, 9 KOs) in a rematch.

Barthelemy won a controversial decision over Relikh last May.

This time around, the Showtime televised fight will have the vacant WBA super lightweight title will be at stake.

In the main event of that card, Mikey Garcia (37-0, 30 KOs) will attempt to make history by capturing a world title in a fourth weight class when he challenges IBF junior welterweight champion Sergey Lipinets (13-0, 10 KOs), who is making his first title defense.

Barthelemy wants to unify with Garcia next - provided that both of them win that night.

"A fight with Mikey Garcia is something I want. I'm completely focused on this fight against Relikh and making history, but I would be prepared to fight Mikey Garcia soon," Barthelemy said.

Barthelemy promises to make things right in the upcoming rematch, after getting dropped and looking very flat in the first encounter.

According to the Cuban boxer, his boxer felt weak in the contest and there wasn't a lot of energy in his legs for the full twelve rounds.
 
"I'm going to change a lot heading into the rematch. Last May I wasn't myself. I didn't feel like I had my legs coming into the fight and I wasn't able to perform how I usually do. This time my conditioning and nutrition is much improved. I'm going to use my legs and use my jab and put on a boxing clinic," Barthelemy said.
 
"There was nothing surprising about Relikh in the first fight. We knew he'd have power, but unfortunately I had to change my game plan when my body wasn't cooperating. I traded shots and fought his fight. I'm going to stick to my plan this time. Throughout my career I haven't paid enough attention to nutrition. It made my performances inconsistent. Bob Santos has come in and completely changed that. You'll see my conditioning on fight night is the best it's ever been."

Yordenis Ugas vs. Ray Robinson Eliminator on February 10

Boxing Scene - By Elisinio Castillo

Yordenis Ugas is going to be in good company with countryman Rances Barthelemy. The Cuban welterweight contender was added to the February 10th card to fight for something very important for his career: a position close to the top in the International Boxing Federation (IBF) rankings.

As part of that Showtime televised evening from San Antonio, where Barthelemy will look for his third world title, Ugas will face Ray Robinson in a showdown where winner will be placed in the number two position in the IBF's top ten.

"I have to underline the significance of this for Yordenis, because to win his next fight would be for something very similar to a world title," said Ugas' manager Luis DeCubas Jr. to George Ebro. "Everything he has done so far , all of his growth in the ring would be justified with a win.'

After almost two seasons away from the ring and a couple of failures difficult to digest, Ugas has gone through an impressive second chapter of his career with run of five wins, three of them by way of the knockout.

"What Yordenis has done should be praised, because nobody knew what to expect from him when he decided to return in 2016," DeCubas added. "He has surpassed all expectations and now we expect much more from him."

And the opponent in the other corner, who bears the identical name of the best fighter of all time? To begin with, he has more than 10 years of experience in the ring, he's fought with well-known names like Shawn Porter and his last victory was over Colombian puncher Breidis Prescott.

Robinson, 31, seemed to be on course to reach the heights of the welterweight ranks, when a car accident in 2015 kept him out of action for 18 months, until he returned in October 2016 and he's won his last five and four of them by knockout.

"This is a difficult opponent for Yordenis and he wants the same thing: to rise and to aspire for more," said DeCubas Jr. "But we are confident that he will be able to move forward and continue this climb of wins."

Barthelemy vs. Relikh II For Vacant WBA Title on Garcia-Lipinets

Boxing Scene - By Random Hits

On Saturday, February 10 live on SHOWTIME, at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas, two-division world champion Rances Barthelemy will face Kiryl Relikh in a rematch of their May showdown on SHOWTIME, this time for the vacant WBA 140-pound world title.

The fight will be the co-feature to three-division world champion Mikey Garcia attempting to win a world title in a fourth weight class when he challenges unbeaten IBF 140-pound world champion Sergey Lipinets 

The doubleheader of title bouts in the wide-open 140-pound division sets the stage for a potential unification match.
 
Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Ringstar Sports and TGB Promotions, are priced at $250, $75, $50 and $20. Tickets will go on sale next week and will be available at Ticketmaster.com.
 
Barthelemy (26-0, 13 KOs), who was born in Arroyo Naranjo, Cuba and now lives in Las Vegas, has won world titles at 130 and 135 pounds. He defeated Relikh by unanimous decision in his debut at 140 pound in his last fight on May 20. If he defeats Relikh again, he will become the first Cuban boxer to win world championships in three different weight classes.

He defeated Argenis Mendez by unanimous decision to win the 130-pound world title in 2014 and a year later scored a unanimous decision over Denis Shafikov for the 135-pound world title. Barthelemy, 31, has two brothers, Yan and Leduan, who are professional boxers who he trains alongside with under the tutelage of Ismael Salas.
 
Relikh (21-2, 19 KOs) believes that he won the first match with Barthelemy and that the scorecards did not reflect the competitive nature of the fight. The 28-year-old nearly had Barthelemy out after landing a barrage of punches that penned Barthelemy on the ropes, but he was only awarded a knockdown. In the eighth round, Barthelemy came back to drop Relikh with a body shot.

Shortly after the May 20 title eliminator, the WBA ordered a rematch, this time to be contested for the vacant 140-pound title.  This will be Relikh's second world title shot after the fighter from Minsk, Belarus lost a unanimous decision to Ricky Burns in Glasgow, Scotland on Oct. 7, 2016.

Dela Torre Vows To Bounce Back After Loss To Nyambayar

Photo courtesy of Andy Samuelson / Premier Boxing Champions

Boxing Scene - By Random Hits

Filipino contender Harmonito “Hammer” Dela Torre scored a knockdown in round two, but still suffered his first defeat of his career against Olympic silver medalist Tugstsogt Nyambayar on Nov. 18 (Sunday in Manila) at The Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Dela Torre landed a straight right hand to down Nyambayar in the second round. Nyambayar was able to bounce back to win by a unanimous decision.

“I’m very proud of Harmonito. He put on a great fight and I’m confident he will be back better” said manager Jim Claude “JC” Manangquil, Sanman Promotions CEO. “It was a very close fight. Fight was more competitive than the scorecards show but Nyambayar deserved the victory."

Two judges both scored 78-73 while the other one had it 79-73.

Dela Torre, who has been training under Cuban trainer Moro Fernandez in Miami, Florida since last year, has accepted his first setback.

“Nyambayar is a good fighter. I will train harder and I will be back stronger” said the 23-year old DelaTorre (19W-1L-0D, 12 KOs).

IN OTHER NEWS:  Serdar “Bomber” Sahin from Berlin is the new World Boxing Federation (WBF) World Cruiserweight Champion after winning the vacant title on Saturday, November 18, at the Essen Fairgrounds in Essen, Germany.

With former undefeated World Super Middleweight Champion Sven Ottke in his corner, Sahin, now 27-2 (18), defeated Diego Javier Sanabria, 59-18-3 (46), by third round knockout, possibly breaking the Argentinians ribs with a perfectly placed body-shot.

The fight, waved off by referee Mike Wissenbach at 1:55, was the main event of a show promoted by the worlds youngest promoter, 15-year-old Ranee Schroeder.

In Dole, France, also on Saturday night, Bilel Latreche captured the vacant WBF International Light Heavyweight title with a ninth round stoppage of Finnish visitor Janne Forsman, in front of 2500 spectators on a self-promoted show at La Commanderie.

Latreche, who improved his record to 23-5-1 (5), was the more skilled of the two and had success with his movement and combinations, while Forsman, now 22-9 (14), attempted to land single power-punches but only managed to do so occasionally.

In round nine Latreche scored two knock-downs, forcing referee Christophe Hembert to appropriately call a halt immediately after the second. Time of stoppage was 3:00.

South Korea´s Hye-Soo Park won the vacant WBF Womens Intercontinental Light Flyweight crown at the Gyeyang Gymnasium in her home-town of Incheon, beating previously undefeated Hei Tao Zhang from China.

Televised live by KBS N Sports, Park won a unanimous decision with scores of 96-94 (Man-Deuk Kwon), 97-93 (Kyung-Han Lee) and 98-92 (Yeong Bok Park).

Hye-Soo Park is now 9-8-1 (2), and Hei Tao Zhang 5-1 (2). Promoter was SungSan Hyo Promotion in cooperation with Bumjin Promotion.

Tugstsogt Nyambayar Gets Off The Floor, Decisions Dela Torre

Boxing Scene - By Ryan Burton

Cosmopolitan Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas - In a battle of undefeated featherweight prospects, Olympic silver medal winner Tugstsogt Nyambayar (9-0, 8 KOs) went the distance for the first time in his career, and survived a knockdown, in winning an eight round unanimous decision over tough as nails Harmonito Dela Torre (19-1, 12 KOs). The scores were 79-73, 78-73, 78-73.

The contest started in a close and tactical manner, with both having some success. Nyambayar was landing the more solid punches and seemed to have the edge with the more accurate punches.

Dela Torre applied the pressure in the second and was getting caught by hard shots, but near the end of the round he landed a cracking hook that dropped Nyambayar down hard. King Tug made it up to his feet as the bell sounded to close the round out.

Dela Torre came out swinging in the third and looking to do more damage.  Nyambayar was looking to dig to the body. During an exchange it was Nyambayar who shook up Dela Torre with a hard combination.

The hard punches were raining down from both in the fourth. Nyambayar was landing the flashier punches. In the fifth, a cut opened up above Dela Torre's right eye. Nyambayar continued to land the better punches. They traded hard right hands near the end of the round.

Nyambayar was landing solid shots to the head and body at the start of the sixth and continued to outland Dela Torre for most of the round.

A big shot connected to Dela Torre's chin in the seventh and really shook him up. Dela Torre's mouthpiece went flying and that created a break to help him recover.

Nyambayar once again rocked Dela Torre and had him in serious trouble in the eight and final round. Dela Torre managed to stay up on his feet and survived until the last bell.

ON THE UNDERCARD

Kicking off the card, heavyweight Marlo Moore (1-0) had a successful pro debut stopping Oswaldo Ortega (3-7).

Up next was Oluwafemi Oyeleye (4-0) who won a hard fought unanimous decision over Brandon Adams (4-6-1) in their super welterweight bout.

Super lightweight prospect Darwin Price improved to 13-0 with a shutout over Angel Hernandez (12-9-2). The scores were 60-54 on all three scorecards.

Mayweather Promotions veteran Lanell Bellows (17-3-1) picked up another KO, stopping Fabiano Pena (15-9-1) in 7 rounds in their super middleweight showdown.

Super bantamweight prospect Angelo Leo (10-0) picked up a stoppage win over Basilio Nieves (10-5).

Later tonight former super welterweight world champion Ishe Smith (29-8) faces former title challenger Julian Williams (33-1-1) in the main event of a Bounce TV televised Premier Boxing Champions card. Light heavyweight veteran Lionell Thompson faces unbeaten Earl Newman (10-0-1) in the co-feature bout.

Caleb Plant: I Need a Big Name To Fight Me, Show My Skills

Boxing Scene - By Ryan Burton

Caleb Plant (16-0) may only be 16 fights into his pro career but he feels that he is ready for the big fights.

In his last fight he dominated Andrew Hernandez over 10 rounds at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.  The fight was televised by Showtime.

The Tennessee native who is now based in Sin City has called out newly crowned WBC super middleweight champion David Benavidez and several other top fighters and prospects in the division with no success.

He is very confident in his skills and his ability to adapt but knows that he needs a bigger name opponent to really make a statement in the division

"I have been calling people out. The way to move up the ladder is to either fight an old big name or a new prospect. Those are the two ways to get your foot in the door. I tried to fight Julian Jackson, I tried to fight Dominic Wade, I tried to fight Jose Uzcategui. The list goes on and on," revealed Plant.

"It is because I want to be great and there is only one way to do that and that is to  fight tough opposition. There is no other way to do that. I can't show the world what I want to be until I get that opportunity but I can't do it alone. It takes two people to make a fight. It takes two people to make a good fight. If I am in there trying and someone else is just surviving that isn't a good fight. I want to make a good fight."

As for what is next, this writer asked Plant if he planned on returning to the ring before the end of the year.

"That is the plan.  We are working on something big, a name everyone knows, a tough fighter.  That is what my team is working on," Plant told BoxingScene.com.

Send questions or comments to ringsidewriter@gmail.com You can follow Ryan on Twitter @ringsidewriter

Caleb Plant Wants David Benavidez Showdown Next

Boxing Scene - By Ryan Burton

Up and coming super middleweight prospect Caleb "Sweet Hands" Plant (16-0) is yearning for a title shot.

At the top of the Tennessee native's wish list is newly crowned WBC champion David Benavidez who captured the title in September when he beat Ronald Gavril via split decision. Most observers thought the fight was nip and tuck and some believed that Gavril deserved the nod after he floored Benavidez in the final round.

Plant, who also fought on the card, was in agreement that the fight was close and is very confident that he can do much better than Gavril.

"I thought Ronald did great. That night after my fight I just wanted to be a fan. I am not saying that I am a fan of them but I just wanted to enjoy the fight.  I wasn't trying to score it or anything like that. I thought Ronald did really well and at times he was out boxing David Benavidez," Plant told BoxingScene.com.

"I will be honest, Ronald is not the best boxer, he's got a ton of heart, good power and is solid all the way around but as far as a skilled boxer, he is not at the top of the list and what was he doing to David?"

The 25-year-old Plant feels that his skill set is vastly superior to that of Gavril and said that he hasn't yet been pushed to put his full arsenal on display.

"No one has seen everything I have. No one has seen everything I can do. They have seen spurts. People say I can cut the ring off and move forward. They know I can throw combinations and break people down. They know I can stick and move and box and that I am good on my feet and my toes. They know I can pick and roll. It is about being well rounded. People who are well rounded make it the farthest because at some point you are going to have to pull a different aspect out (to win the fight)," Plant stated.

Benavidez will likely return to the ring in January in a rematch against Gavril so Plant will likely have at least one interim fight before he gets a crack at the title.  Both fighters are advised by Al Haymon so a future showdown is very likely as long as they both keep winning.

Send questions or comments to ringsidewriter@gmail.com You can follow Ryan on Twitter @ringsidewriter