Note: This story was written before Matt Kelemen's untimely passing.
Co-main events usually conclude at the end of fight night, but when Caleb “Sweethands” Plant defends his WBA super middleweight title on the same evening that Jermall “Hit Man” Charlo debuts in the same weight division, it’s the first of at least two chapters. In order to face each other in the second, Plant will have to fend off Armando “Toro” Resendiz, while Charlo has to toast Thomas “Cornflake” LaManna.
Plant promises to put on the best show if his last bout in Las Vegas against Trevor McCumby was any indication. McCumby’s cocky strut after pushing Plant to the mat gave way to getting his brains rocked while pinned against the ropes, leading to the ref stopping the fight. In his first defense of his title, Plant fights in his adopted hometown against Mexico’s Resendiz, a hungry underdog who won a TKO in February against Fernando Paliza and boasts an eight-knockout streak in his seven-year professional career.
Then again, Plant boasts a spectacular eighth-round knockout of Anthony Dirrell in 2022 that’s one for the history books. Charlo has made history as being half of the most successful twin boxing champions along with brother Jermell, but for his next feat he plans to win a belt in his third weight class. LaManna would like to prevent that from happening. Charlo won a decision over Plant’s arch-rival Jose Benavidez Jr. during his last fight in November 2023, which gives Plant extra incentive to make sure he’s still champion if Charlo beats LaManna.
Mandalay Bay, 8 p.m. May 31, starting at $55 plus tax and fee. premierboxingchampions.com
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