Former boxing champion Caleb Plant isn’t familiar with this feeling.
Heading into his fall meeting with Anthony Dirrell, Plant is coming off a loss.
Plant and Dirrell will be part of the FOX Sports pay-per-view event on October 15 from the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. Robert Helenius and Deontay Wilder collide in the main event.
Back in late 2021, Plant suffered his first career loss, falling to Canelo Alvarez for his IBF super middleweight title. After 21 consecutive wins, he must know prepare differently.
“I’m feeling good and I’m thankful to my team. It feels good to be back and I’m excited for my first time fighting in New York,” Plant said. “I’m looking to be impressive on October 15.
“Dirrell has a lot to say about me and says that I hate him, and that’s a strong word, but it’s true. I guess it irks him and it irks me. I don’t hold hands with guys in my division. He doesn’t even know me though. October 15 there are definitely going to be fireworks.
“When I beat him, it will be because I’m better than him. But he already knows that and that’s why he hates me.
During his run, Plant defended his title three times with two finishes vs. Mike Lee and Vincent Feigenbutz. He also topped Caleb Truax via decision.
In 2019, Plant won the championship with a decision win over Jose Uzcategui.
“You saw what Uzcategui did to his brother and what I did to him. I always knew he was a possibility,” Plant said. “He couldn’t even hold onto his title long enough for us to unify and now he’s big mad.
“I try to approach every fight the same and treat every fight the same. I’m all in. I’m focused and motivated. I have a great team and we’re putting together a great plan. I just can’t wait until October 15.