Expert predictions for Canelo Alvarez vs. Caleb Plant on Showtime PPV

Despite the animosity between Canelo Alvarez and Caleb Plant leading up to Saturday’s undisputed super middleweight championship battle in Las Vegas, fight week was all about the work at hand for both competitors.

When asked about the September skirmish between the two that went viral and produced a still noticeable gash below Plant’s left eye, Plant (21-0, 12 KOs) said “the media makes more of it when we do.” The Ashland City, Tennessee native added, “We’ve both been in worse fights. It’s different when the bell rings.”

In the 168-pound category, Alvarez (56-1-2, 38 KOs) will seek to extend his record-breaking run inside the MGM Grand Garden Arena (Showtime PPV, 9 p.m. ET).

The 31-year-old Alvarez is the pound-for-pound best boxer and the sport’s biggest draw. If he beats Plant, he’ll be a full-time light heavyweight.

“I want to be a legend,” Alvarez remarked. “I’m really proud of my journey to get there. I won’t stop till I’ve given it my all. My mind is focused on one thing: winning. Nothing else is in my hands. I only care about what happens inside the ring on Saturday.”

To this bout, Plant will bring top hand-foot speed and an aggressive style not known for one-punch knockouts. The pre-fight storyline has emphasised his mental toughness as he has promised to leave it all in the ring in his biggest pro bout.

mainevent.kayosports.com au : Pay-Per-Views live with Main Event on Kayo Sports

“Canelo stated the Mexicans don’t f—- around,” Plant remarked. “That’s nice to know because we don’t f—- around here either. I’ll do anything to finish the job. That’s what my team and I have done so far. In boxing like in life, I’ve gotten here by all means. I could’ve retired, but I didn’t. I can’t wait until Saturday.”

In terms of whether or not “Sweethands” has the experience or danger to genuinely beat Alvarez, his team has a sense of déjà vu.

“We applaud Caleb Plant’s dedication. The final result is we’re better and we’ll demonstrate it Saturday night,” Eddy Reynoso, Alvarez’s trainer, said. No emphasis on the adversary. I concentrate on my fighter’s abilities.”

Alvarez said Plant has a “style I’ve seen before and know what to do with.” Despite the difficulty of getting a decision against Alvare and the number of times judges have given him the benefit of the doubt, Plant remains unconcerned.

“I picture Jimmy Lennon Jr. proclaiming ‘the new undisputed and undefeated,'” Plant remarked. In a close fight before, I believe Canelo’s team will make the right call Saturday night. All I can think about is the game plan and the job at hand.