There is unanimous agreement. But also a great deal of confusion. Everyone acknowledges that a fight between Caleb Plant and Edgar Berlanga would be one of 2025’s marquee events. However, there is still no clarity on how or when it will come to fruition. The ongoing back-and-forth between the two fighters only adds to the intrigue.
Returning after a year-long hiatus, Plant fought on the September 15 Canelo-Berlanga undercard. Berlanga, meanwhile, recently fought and defeated an underwhelming underdog, Jonathan Gonzalez-Ortiz, in a first-round stoppage. Post-fight, Berlanga made his intentions clear about who he wanted to fight next. So where does Plant stand in all of this? If ‘Sweethands’ is to be believed, he has already sent a fight contract to Berlanga. He has yet to receive a response. But regardless of Berlanga’s decision, both fighters seem convinced of how the matchup would play out in their favor.
Boxing Social’s Matt Lenihan first asked Plant about the rematch between champion Mikaela Mayer and Sandy Ryan. Praising the ‘great fight,’ Plant highlighted Mayer’s ability to control the action, push the puncher back, land cleaner, harder shots, and dictate the pace as a true ring general.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JULY 19: IBF super middleweight champion Caleb Plant poses on the scale during his official weigh-in at MGM Grand Garden Arena on July 19, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Plant will defend his title against Mike Lee on July 20 at MGM Grand Garden Arena. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Later speaking about his fight, Plant confirmed that he would return to the ring soon, with an official fight announcement expected within a week. The conversation soon shifted to Berlanga. When asked about Berlanga’s recent victory, Plant dismissed it with a simple, ‘not much.’ He confirmed that Berlanga would not be his next opponent but revealed that his team had sent Berlanga a contract.
According to Plant, Berlanga has yet to respond, though he expects an answer within a day or two. “Just stay tuned, but it ain’t going to be him; he don’t want it; he don’t want to fight me,” he said. So Lenihan asked, “You two had that altercation. I think it was near the T-Mobile Arena, and it looked like that fight’s been brewing for a long time. Are you convinced that he doesn’t want to fight you, though?”
Caleb Plant predicts the outcome of a Berlanga fight
Plant responded decisively, “I’m convinced.” When asked what makes him so sure, Plant fired back, “Is he a free agent?” Lenihan confirmed, “Yes.” Plant then stated, “He’s free to go where he wants; he’s free to fight who he wants…. Here I am, so there you go.”
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – AUGUST 05: Edgar Berlanga attends the Canelo Alvarez and Edgar Berlanga press conference on August 05, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage)
Lenihan then asked, “What happens in that fight between you and Edgar? How do you beat Edgar Berlanga?” With a smirk, Plant mimicked Canelo Alvarez’s now-iconic pre-fight gesture and simply said, “Spa*k his a**.” The response drew laughter from those around him.
Though he didn’t go into detail, Plant made it clear that he views himself as the superior boxer. Many observers share that sentiment. With his technical skill set and experience against some of the biggest names in the super middleweight division, most believe Plant would handle Berlanga with ease.
For now, neither Plant nor Berlanga is short on options. As Plant suggested, fans will have to wait for an official announcement regarding his next fight. In the meantime, Berlanga’s next move will also be worth watching. If circumstances align, the two could eventually meet in the ring for what could be one of the most anticipated fights of the year.
What’s your take? Should Plant and Berlanga have taken this matchup more seriously, or are there other factors preventing the fight from materializing?
The post Caleb Plant Uses 3-Words to Declare War on Edgar Berlanga appeared first on EssentiallySports.