So much for the staged confrontation between boxers used to promote an upcoming fight.
Canelo Alvarez and Caleb Plant appeared to trade real punches on Tuesday as things turned sour at the start of a press conference to promote their November 6 fight for the undisputed super middleweight championship.
After the event, Plant had a bandage on the right side of his face and said he scratched his sunglasses during the altercation. It started after the fighters were introduced and came face to face for the traditional photoshoot. As usual, boxers wore stern expressions while exchanging words. Then the script gave way to something clearly unforeseen.
Alvarez pushed Plant and barked curses.
Plant came back to Alvarez and swung with a left hand that missed.
Alvarez responded, landing a right hand with a closed fist near Plant’s neck.
Moments after a verbal exchange degenerated into punches, the fighters were separated. It took several minutes to restore order and resume the event at The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California.
As Plant dabbed his right cheek with what looked like a rag, Alvarez tended to his left forearm. It was not clear if Alvarez was injured during the altercation.
Plant said he was unsure why the verbal exchange led to the punches.
Alvarez explained, “He can tell me what he wants, but not to my mother.”
The source of Alvarez’s anger became clearer later during the press conference when Plant said, “So mark my words, on November 6 you will hear the words: ‘The undisputed new middleweight (champion ). The only difference is right after you hear the words “and still undefeated.” ”
Plant, who is 21-0, would go undefeated with a win. Alvarez, who is 56-1-2, laughed at Plant’s remark.
Plant: “Is it funny? Do you think it’s funny? ”
Alvarez: “A little. ”
Plant: “Yeah? Well, keep laughing. You keep laughing mum (expletive), because you know when you’re gonna find out? Soon.”
Alvarez: “Don’t say mother (expletive). Don’t say mother (expletive). ”
Instead, Plant has repeatedly called Alvarez a “drug cheater.”
In 2018, Alvarez was suspended for six months by the Nevada Athletic Commission after testing positive for clenbuterol, a banned performance-enhancing drug.
“Don’t make excuses,” Alvarez told Plant. “Don’t make excuses before the fight.”
The fight, the one that will take place inside a real boxing ring, is not less than seven weeks away.