CALEB Plant used every ounce of his big fight experience and world-level talent to repel the challenge of Trevor McCumby, scoring a stoppage at the close of round nine. As McCumby soaked up hard shots to head and body, referee Allen Huggins jumped in at 2:59.
Boxing two fights before his former conqueror Canelo took to the main event stage, Plant won the WBA Interim super-middleweight title against a dangerous and powerful co-challenger.
Appearing raw in previous outings, McCumby boxed with more patience and ring education here. His power and physical strength were also assets as a solid right hand and a left hook late in the third round had Plant a little wobbly.
The former world champion shook his head and smiled, but he was clearly on notice. McCumby offered an exaggerated dance of his own to ensure everybody knew Caleb had been rocked.
McCumby continued his assault in the third as Plant was back on his knees. Referee Huggins once again ruled “no knockdown”. Unfancied McCumby’s fast footwork allowed him to get into range surprisingly quickly.
That paid off in round four as Plant was finally floored legitimately by what appeared to be a left hook to the arm. Regardless of the method, Huggins took up the count as the sheepish Nashville native acknowledged the scoring blow.
Changing tactics, Plant rediscovered his composure and showboating skills by pushing McCumby onto the ropes for the following rounds. The uppercuts and body shots were on point for ‘Sweethands’, who was very much in the ascendancy by round seven as McCumby’s right eye opened up and began to bleed.
Plant, 23-2 (14), steadily took over from that point on. Forcing Trevor back to the ropes and pounding away with heavy shots until the conclusion. Shipping hard hooks to the head, McCumby suffered his first career loss, falling to 28-1 (21).
“I knew I had him hurt. Time to go to work,” said Plant when rewatching the stoppage. “You know I’m up for the biggest challenges. I’ll sit down with my team and see what’s next.”
