(Las Vegas) Canelo Álvarez became the first undisputed world champion in boxing history to hold four belts in the middleweight class when he knocked out KO. his rival Caleb Plant at 11e round, Saturday night.
Álvarez (57-1-2, 39 KOs) added Plant’s IBF title to his three WBC, WBA and WBO titles. His regular and efficient performance allowed him to end the fight by deploying all his power in front of Plant (21-1) who was previously undefeated.
The Mexican star recognized as the best pound-for-pound boxer on the planet became the sixth champion to hold four belts. He joined Josh Taylor as the only other undisputed champion in a weight class, in his case in welterweight.
After stopping three of his previous four opponents, Álvarez had to work harder against tenacious Plant. But at the 11e, he broke through Plant’s defense to rain down a flurry of powerful blows that sent him to the floor.
The latter stood up, tottering, and Álvarez sent him back to the mat, which ended the duel by stopping the referee.