Oscar De La Hoya is picking David Benavidez to beat former IBF super middleweight champion Caleb Plant when the two meet up in early next year in hopes of the winner getting a Saul “Canelo” Alvarez fight.
“I love the fight. It’s a great fight, it’s a beautiful fight. Styles make fights. I’m a big fan of Benavidez and Plant has a beautiful style, but I’ll believe it when he sees it,” De La Hoya said.
It should be noted that Benavidez comes from knocking out David Lemieux in just three rounds, while Plant saw action last October to stop off Anthony Dirrell with a withering knockout in nine rounds.
“This is the fight I want. I don’t really see competition in the super middleweight division. So winning over champions is personal. But first, I will knock out Caleb Plant.” Benavidez said.
“Whether it’s the next fight or the next one, it doesn’t matter. It will be the same result. I will knock him out,” Benavidez added.
The winner of this bout will have mandatory standing against the WBC champion, Mexican superstar Canelo.
In the event of a fight, De La Hoya, made it absolutely clear that Benavidez is much better than Plant on the ring.
“Based on what Canelo did to Plant, I have always said that Benavidez is probably the best dog at 168.” De La Hoya said.
“The fact that he has a relentless style, the fact that he’s young, it’s going to be one of those Plant tactical fights.” he added.
The Golden Boy Promotions CEO believed that the American fighter has a nice style, but above all.
“I think Benavidez can continue walking it. Youth, power and strength are finally going to win that fight. If Canelo knocked him out, then Benavidez will destroy him.” De La Hoya said.
