Boxing world in shock over 'classless' act after sickening KO

Caleb Plant has divided fans after showboating following his knockout victory over Anthony Dirrell in their super middleweight clash.

Plant bounced back from a disappointing TKO defeat to Canelo Alvarez last year to make a statement knockout of his own and announce his return.

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Dirrell and Plant shared some fiery barbs leading into the fight, which spilled over into the ring.

Plant was getting the better of Dirrell throughout the first half of the fight with his swift jab and head movement, but the bout became scrappy towards the ninth.

However, in a moment that had the crowd on their feet, Plant landed a left hook to the body before following it up with a left to the chin.

Dirrell was knocked out cold in one of the most brutal finishes in 2022.

But Plant hadn't forgotten Dirrell's words before the fight.

As Dirrell lay motionless on the canvas, Plant performed a digging celebration as if to imply he was burying his opponent.

The referee ran over to stop Plant from mocking Dirrell.

"Caleb Plant frustrated with the histrionics throughout...but you don't want that," one commentator said.

Boxing world divided over Caleb Plant celebration

Fans were left divided over the celebration following a build-up that simmered with bad blood.

Many labelled the immediate reaction from Plant as 'disrespectful' as his opponent lay hurt and motionless on the floor.

However, others said Dirrell had been taunting Plant all week.

Boxing Scene writer Jack Donovan pointed out that Dirrell wore a T-shirt during the press conferences that inferred he wanted to 'bury' Plant.

Plant was asked about the celebration in his post-fight interview.

And the American said he was just 'burying the beef' between them.

Plant's emphatic victory sets up a super fight with either Jermall Charlo or David Benavidez.

However, Plant said he would fight any opponent as he works his way back to a rematch with Canelo.

Plant was co-main event in New York with heavyweight Deontay Wilder also making his return after some time away from the ring.

The 'Bronze Bomber' also returned in a highly-anticipated bout against Robert Helenius as a No.1 contender eliminator.

After nearly a year away from the ring, Wilder returned but it took him less than three minutes to finish his opponent.

Wilder's heavyweight statement victory comes after his trilogy loss to Tyson Fury late last year.

The division should see Fury face Usyk early next year to unify the heavyweight belts.

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