Super middleweight bragging rights are on the line when ex-champion David Benavidez fights another ex-title holder in Caleb Plant. The clash will take place on March 25 from Las Vegas’ MGM Grand Garden Arena. Don’t even think about laying bets on Benavidez vs. Plant until you read this through. We’re previewing the fight ahead and giving you free picks to make right here!
Benavidez vs. Plant Preview
As we preview Benavidez vs. Plant, we should mention no belts are on the line, though it feels like a title fight given the caliber of these two. The unbeaten Benavidez (26-0, 23 KO) is a two-time super middleweight champion. He gave up both belts due to bad mistakes — first getting popped for cocaine in a drug test, then failing to make weight. Benavidez has been his own biggest enemy, but when he’s on, he’s perhaps the second-best middleweight in the world after Canelo Alvarez.
Speaking of Canelo, Plant was a made man after his bout with him — both financially and perception-wise. Plant hung close with Canelo before being TKO’d in the 11th round in late 2021. In the loss, Plant’s three-year run as IBF came to a halt. Plant has fought once since then, knocking out Anthony Dirrell in thunderous fashion in October.
There’s definitely no love lost between either man. The fight press conference in February included Plant mocking Benavides’s drug failures, the two men being separated, and surprise surprise, each predicting their own victory.
As it stands, the best betting sites for boxing are favoring Benavidez comfortably. Moneyline odds can change from now until fight time, but as it stands, here are the Benavidez-Plant odds:
If Benavidez were to win, a matchup with undisputed super middleweight champion Canelo could be in the cards. In the past, Canelo has stated he didn’t want to face a fellow Mexican fighter, but money talks, and Benavidez vs. Canelo is one of the biggest fights to make in boxing right now — and a warranted matchup at that.
For what it’s worth, Canelo predicted a Benavidez win against Plant. “He’s more strong and younger,” said Canelo when asked about the matchup. Do we agree or disagree? Welp, we have full betting picks underneath.
Benavidez vs. Plant Betting Pick
Honestly, we could make a strong argument for either Benavidez or Plant to be our betting pick to win. We think this fight is way closer than the oddsmakers currently have it at. Toss-up fight might be an apt term to use.
Benavidez obviously has the “wow” factor of the two. The 26-year-old is called the “Mexican Monster” for a reason, having stopped the majority of his fights early. The last fighter to last the full 12 rounds with him was nine fights ago way back in 2018. Benavidez was a long-time sparring partner of Gennady Golovkin, and like Triple G, possesses that one-punch-and-it’s-over power.
However, we’d argue Plant is the more technical boxer. Look, he has so-so punching power (despite the devastating Dirrell KO), but outside of that, Plant is very fundamentally sound. He’s smart enough to make Benavidez work for any big opening. Plant is also an excellent counter-puncher, which could keep his opponent at bay.
Perhaps the fight's X-factor will be gas tank. Plant has questionable endurance. He admitted gassing out late to Canelo before being finished. Benavidez, on the other hand, has never really been tested enough to endure a full 12 rounds.
Here’s how we see the fight going: Plant is will lead early. His elusiveness inside the ring should be able to catch Benavidez early on. However, as the bout wears on, Plant will ease up due to fatigue. And just like Canelo did, this is when Benavidez goes in for the “kill” and stops him. Plant is 30 years old. His cardio is what it is at this point, and it will prove to be his undoing.
Take the Benavidez moneyline. And if you want to up your possible payout, consider parlaying that with the under 10.5 rounds (currently -135). We can’t imagine Benavidez outboxing Plant so it’s really KO-or-nothing for the Mexican Monster to prevail.
How To Bet Benavidez vs. Plant
Want to bet on Benavidez vs. Plant? You can easily do so at one of the bookmakers listed below. Any one of these sites will offer a range of Benavidez-Plant odds, especially when it comes to props. This goes for this matchup and any other boxing bout for the rest of the year.
Pay close attention to the details in the table below. We’ve listed up-to-date sportsbook reviews right there in case you need to compare and contrast different sites against each other. While doing so, also weigh the current sign-up bonuses available. As you can see below, these deals range wildly from site to site. No matter what sportsbook you choose to gamble at, these bonuses can fork you free money to wager on Benavidez vs. Plant.
