Ashland City, Tenessee-born Caleb Plant met Phoenix, Arizona-born David Benavidez on March 25 at Nevada’s MGM Grand Arena. It is not ranked as high as the Davis – Garcia or the Fury-Usyk fight. But the contest held significance in the title, the WBC (Interim) Super Middleweight, and the future line-up leading to the undisputed championship currently held by the Mexican Canelo Alvarez. Benavidez, with an 88% knock-out-to-win rate, enjoyed a distinct advantage and won the bout unanimously, outboxing the technically proficient Plant.

The respective camps seem to have made up and greeted each other graciously post-fight. But a public feud and bad-mouthing had marred the match between two upcoming names in boxing. The kick-off press conference might still be afresh in most fans’ memories. The security personnel had to intervene twice to separate Benavidez and Plant from coming to blows.

The former said, “There’s been a lot of sh*t talking going back and forth. But on March 25, I get to put hands on Caleb Plant. And trust me when I say I’m going to beat the living sh*t out of you, p***y. And then when you’re on the f****n’ ground, bleeding from your f****n’ mouth, you’ll learn how to respect a real f****n’ monster.”

It was there for everyone to see bad blood between the two camps. In regular boxing contests, fighters use trash-talking to put down each other. However, in the case of Benavidez and Plant, it never appeared so. Instead, the bitterness appeared so deep that all the doors to a rapprochement seemed closed.

Caleb Plant and David Benavidez feud: How did it all start?

David Benavidez’s father and primary trainer, Jose Benavidez Sr., during an interview given to Fight Hype, revealed that the terms between Plant and their team were initially regular, and they used to visit a common gym for training. However, seemingly the Tennessean didn’t appreciate when ‘The Mexican Monster’ started climbing the ladder and eventually became a world champion.

“I think it was like about four years ago, five years ago. What happened was, you know that we used to talk to Caleb Plant’s team and actually Caleb Plant, we used to train in the same gym. But for some reason, you know, I think everything started with when Caleb already had like about ten fights I believe David had no fights…then David started coming up, and David became a world champion. And he wasn’t a champion he became a champion like maybe like about a year later or so….to be honest, I think he was jealous,” he told.

Then he explained how he once liked Plant’s way of fighting. But things turned upside down when his son David tested positive for banned substances. When he found Plant talking about the issue openly, he spoke with him but to no avail. So instead, the former IBF champion reportedly continued his tirade against the Benavidez camp.

On the other hand, Caleb Plant stated in an interview that the feuding started when Benavidez Sr. mentioned that he often brought up his late daughter Alia Plant in their arguments.

What actually happened between Caleb Plant and David Benavidez in the gym?

Reportedly, David and his elder brother Jose Benavidez Jr. came to the gym where Caleb Plant was training. Soon an altercation ensued, and a fight started between the heated exchange, pushing and shoving. Thankfully, it was quelled before things got out of hand.

When Fight Hype checked with David Benavidez, he responded, “There’s something about my brother, and we’ve seen him at the gym and my brother you know he like he’s a street dude you know he likes all that. So when he goes up to my brother, goes up to him, they’re talking s**t to each other, my brother’s pushing him, but he’s behind his trainer so he’s like he’ll be behind my dad. Caleb Plant like sucker punches my brother, but then my friend right here hits Caleb  Plant in his mouth too.”

In a separate interview given to Fight Hype, Caleb Plant too confirmed punching Jose Benavidez Jr.

David Benavidez on the gym brawl

In the altercation video, David Benavidez is visible standing at the back of the group in a red-full sleeves t-shirt. Right from when Jose Benavidez Jr. pushed Caleb Plant and the following fray, he could be seen standing at the back. But after Plant fired the first punch and a clash sprang, David Benavidez quickly jumped in what appeared to be separating the brawlers.

Caleb Plant’s take on the highly intense gym fight

In another interview, ‘Sweethands’ told Fight Hype that David Benavidez is all talk and show and no action. Even after he punched his elder brother in the gym David Benavidez just stood there and watched.

Read More: “It’s More Brutal”: David Benavidez Declares to Do ‘Better’ Than Canelo Alvarez Against Caleb Plant

He said, “I knew he wasn’t gonna do because when I popped Jose Jr in the face in the gym….and what David do when I popped his brother in his face? Nothing; he stood there and looked at me like a big fat p***y. And what Jose Jr. do nothing, just stood there and looked at me, and then the next day, the gym order made him come over and apologize and say they’re sorry for acting like a fool.”

It’s interesting to note that some four years ago, both Caleb Plant and David Benavidez met on friendly terms in what appears to be the Barclays Center when Adrien Broner drew against Jessie Vargas. While conversing, Jose Benavidez Sr. joined, and the duo departed smiling and hugging.

Between Caleb Plant and David Benavidez, who is your favorite fighter? What are your thoughts on this rivalry? Tell us in the comments below.

Watch This Story: Boxing Schedule March 2023: Caleb Plant vs. David Benavidez, Gilberto Ramirez Comeback Fight Since Dmitry Bivol Loss, Lawrence Okolie’s Title Defense, and More