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.
For Plant to be jawing a ton after worrying about Dirrell's counters for most of the night is a bit rich. The punch doesn't excuse a brutal performance and an embarrassing post-fight display. #PlantDirrell
— Ben Baby (@Ben_Baby) October 16, 2022
Caleb Plant just knocked Anthony Dirrell out cold with a single hook in R9. Wow.
Referee Harvey Dock tried to stop him after from pretending to dig a grave in celebration. Crowd unhappy. But that's a statement finish.— Brian Campbell (@BCampbell) October 16, 2022
I am not upset with Caleb Plant’s celebration. Those two had genuine animosity. Direll talked A LOT of trash to Caleb Plant. What did you expect? This is boxing at the end of the day.
— And The New. (@undisputed_ko) October 16, 2022
Tito Ortiz use to do that grave digger thing all the time when he won in the UFC. I don’t know why people are being all sensitive over Caleb Plant doing it. Come on guys, it’s the fight game. Emotions are gonna run high, especially after what Dirrell said.
— FIGHT HUB MARCOS (@heyitsmarcosv) October 16, 2022
Was a direct response to Dirrell wearing this throughout fight week. pic.twitter.com/HOleh1duI9
— Jake Donovan (@JakeNDaBox) October 16, 2022
Caleb Plant got the hardest celebration emote pic.twitter.com/cSwbXzGiZ9
— theo 👺 (@777hzT) October 16, 2022
I was disgusted by it
— Oli (@OliG626) October 16, 2022
Coldest celebration to date 10/10
— avgee (@Avci92Avci) October 16, 2022
🚨 Caleb Plant adds fuel to the fire by “DIGGING UP THE GRAVE” after he KO’s Anthony Dirrell 😳#boxing #calebplant #WildervsHelenius pic.twitter.com/TT1euDVosm
— CulturedUpdates (@CulturedUpdatez) October 16, 2022
Man Caleb Plant a savage for this 😂🤣🤣 pic.twitter.com/LjLC8DoocG
— LondonRunzBoxing (@LondonRunz) October 16, 2022
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.
Got a chance to ask Caleb Plant if he has a preference for his next fight but he says he’s down to fight whoever, who do you guys wanna see him fight? I really wanna see a Plant vs. Charlo matchup next #WilderHelenius pic.twitter.com/FM3PbiL87Y
— Hans Themistode (@themistode) October 16, 2022
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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