By Norm Frauenheim –
LAS VEGAS — On the scale, David Benavidez and Caleb Plant did what they had to. They made weight.
Off the scale, they did what they’ve been doing for years. They exchanged profanities, threats and taunts in a noisy feud that will finally escalate Saturday into a real exchange of punches in a fight motivated by a potent mix of anger and mutual contempt. It’s a potent cocktail, a shot glass full of tension, 180-proof.
That tension continued to spill out into the open in a second face-off in as many days Friday after Benavidez and Plant were comfortably within the super-middleweight limit, 168 pounds. Then, they walked around to face each other in front of the scale. What followed was off-the-scale, over-the-top and thoroughly predictable.
Plant stuck out his left hand, which was cocked like a loaded weapon, and pressed his index finger into Benavidez’ neck. Benavidez stepped forward, ready to retaliate. But that’s where it ended.
Wary security quickly intervened, stepping between the and pushing each to opposite ends of the stage at the KA Theatre, a short walk from the MGM Grand Garden Arena, site of Saturday’s night’s simmering grudge match.
“Just exchanging pleasantries,” said Plant, who was at 167.25 pounds.’
For Benavidez, there was nothing pleasant about it.
“He tried to put his finger in my face,” Benavidez (26–0, 23 KOs) said. “I tried to push him back and onto his expletive.”
Benavidez didn’t exactly say expletive. But you get the idea. The Benavidez-Plant feud has been nothing if not for the expletives. On and on, it goes. Finally, the two are expected to mix in a few punches in a bout with enormous stakes.
The winner takes a step toward further stardom and into the pound-for-pound debate. There’s also a possible shot at undisputed super-middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez and the big money that could come with it. The possibilities are life-changing. There’s no other expletive way to describe it.
That accounts for a lot of the tension. But there’s some personal history, too. A long and jagged path precedes their date Saturday in Showtime’s pay-per-view bout (6 p.m. PT/9 pm ET, $74.99). Plant and Benavidez have attacked each other’s families, demeanor, courage and ethics. There’s nothing that one likes about the other..
Perhaps, only a fight can calm the storm — alleviate the personal contempt one has for the other. But don’t count on it.
After the face-off furor, Benavidez was asked if the fight will end the rivalry.
“Effing no,” Benavidez said.
He didn’t say effing. But, by now, you know that.
Benavidez, a Phoenix-born fighter nicknamed “The Mexican Monster” by Mike Tyson, goess iot the fight as the favorite. He’s at least a 3-to-1 favorite. His energy and lanky leverage gives him an edge, especially with his raw power. The consensus is that he’ll walk down Plant (22-1, 13 KOs), scoring a late-round stoppage.
However, it’s not as if Plant hasn’t watched and studied a Benavidez career. He’s demolished almost everyone in front of him. Plant’s chances might rest with his ability to slow him down. A possible tactic: Make Benavidez chase him across a bigger than average ring. It’s 22-feet by 22-feet, a Plant demand met in negotiations.
For Pant, the task is to interrupt Benavidez’ focus and momentum. That might lead to a frustrating fight, both for Benavidez and his fans, many of whom made the trip up from Phoenix.
“In the end, you’ll see my hand raised,” Plant said in a comment that suggests a decision.
Benavidez envisions another kind of ending. In one breath, he promises to send Plant to the hospital. In another, he vows to break his jaw.
He’s not kidding.
You choose the expletive.
