THOSE campaigning at 168lbs are in a strange position at present. The vast majority of fringe world title contenders have already been convincingly trumped by reigning unified champion, Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez.
Two of those men are Edgar Berlanga, 23-1 (18 KOs), and Caleb Plant, 23-2 (14 KOs), who had been linked to a showdown with one another in recent weeks. However, that proposed contest now seems to be dead in the water following yesterday’s announcement of Plant’s next fight, to which Berlanga has labelled his rival as a ‘disgrace to boxing’ in response.
A number of Canelo’s past conquests are hopeful of landing a lucrative rematch during 2026. For now, they seem set to jostle for that privilege amongst themselves over the remainder of this year, in a division where a clear pecking order has not been established.
Yet, of all the rematches that Canelo could accept in the super-middleweight division, the one with fan-favourite Caleb Plant is considered by many to be the most interesting. It would likely perform the strongest in pay-per-view sales.
As such, ‘Sweet Hands’ is out to prove himself as Canelo’s biggest competitor in the weight class. Therefore, a clash with Berlanga, whom the Mexican champion outpointed in September, had been touted. To solidify his claim, Plant would need to better Canelo’s performance and possibly stop the Puerto Rican puncher inside the distance.
Nevertheless, it was revealed yesterday that Plant has snubbed the Berlanga fight and will instead return to face Jose Armando Resendiz. He will notably appear on the same bill as undefeated two-division world champion Jermall Charlo, 33-0 (22 KOs), whom he has also been linked to facing.
On social media, Edgar Berlanga called Plant a ‘disgrace to boxing’, ironically criticising Resendiz as an opponent, after facing similar criticism for opponent selection himself over the years.
“All the s**t @SweetHandsPlant was talking. Now he’s fighting a prospect that’s not ranked and has two losses. You are a f***ing disgrace to boxing man, it is f***ing sad!”
It is now widely expected that Plant-Charlo will be confirmed shortly after completing their twin card on May 31, provided both men come through their respective bouts unscathed.
