Plant vs Resendiz / Charlo vs LaManna: Tune-up or Turn up?
On Saturday, May 31st live at the Michelob Ultra Arena in Las Vegas, former IBF super middleweight champion Caleb “Sweet Hands” Plant (23-2, 14KOs) will be facing the number 15 WBA contender Jose Armando Resendiz headlining the card in a 12-round bout with Plant’s WBA Interim World Title on the line. Jermall Charlo (33-0, 22KOs) will be fighting for the first time in two years when he faces off with journeyman Thomas LaManna (39-5-1, 18KOs) in 10-round co-feature with both fights taking place at super middleweight. The fight card will stream live on Prime Video with the action set to begin at 8 p.m. ET. Some are saying that these fights are tune-ups setting up a clash later this year between Plant and Charlo, which there has been and still is bad blood between the two. Plant has slapped Charlo in the face on July 28th 2023 at the Spence Crawford weigh in and they never got to settle this issue.
Plant has notable wins over Rogelio Medina Luna, Mike Lee, Caleb Truax and Anthony Dirrell. Plant also has shared the ring with Canelo Alvarez and David Benevidez. People are talking about his choice of opposition lately though while facing a Trevor McCumby who was able to hurt and drop plant in their outing before losing via TKO. Plant will now be facing the number 15 contender, someone so low in the rankings leaves critics thinking is this the decline of Plant?
Resendiz could win and use Plant as a HUGE steppingstone in his career. Plant is still a notable opponent with a decent resume and former champion as well as current interim champion. Resendiz was quoted, saying “I’m really looking forward to this fight. I’m in excellent shape because I’m facing an elite fighter. My dream has always been to fight against the best and this is making my dream come true. We’re going to give the fans a great fight.” “Caleb remembers me from those sparring sessions, but I’m gonna show him exactly how much I’ve grown. I’m a Mexican fighter, and people are gonna see what I’m capable of.”
Charlo is coming off a two-year layoff. Charlo was quoted saying “This is gonna be a fight. I gotta do what I always do. I expect the best out of Thomas, and I’ll be ready to make the adjustments. I’m back at 100%, stronger and better than before. There’s bigger fish to fry, but I just hope Thomas goes home happy after.” Charlo is undefeated and has notable wins over Brandon Adams, Sergiy Derevyanchenko, Austin Trout, and Jose Benavidez Jr. Charlo definitely has some dynamite in his gloves. Will the layoff and age be a factor in this fight?
LeManna could pull an upset that would catapult his career. LeManna was quoted saying “We’re gonna shock the world on May 31. This is the biggest fight of my life and I’ve been training like it. I’ve gotten more experience since I fought Erislandy Lara. Once the call came for this fight, I answered. I’m here to write my own legacy.”
If Charlo and Plant win then they can settle their beef possibly later this year, but this is boxing and anything can happen. The supposed “tune-ups” can instead “turn up” and pull upsets putting a wrench into the Plant vs Charlo plan. Tune in come fight now and find out what will happen!