Canelo Alvarez vs. Caleb Plant in play for Sept. 18, according to ESPN

According to ESPN, a super middleweight championship mega bout between Canelo Alvarez and Caleb Plant is possible for Sept. 18. 

A super middleweight unification bout between boxing’s biggest star Canelo Alvarez and IBF champion Caleb Plant is possible for Sept. 18, according to a report from ESPN.

Alvarez (56-1-2, 38 KOs) is widely regarded as the best pound-for-pound boxer in the world. The 31-year-old from Mexico currently holds the WBA, WBC, and WBO super middleweight titles. Plant’s IBF belt is the last piece of the puzzle for Alvarez to become the undisputed divisional champion.

Alvarez is on a tear in 2021. He already has TKO wins over Avni Yildirim and Billy Joe Saunders. A win over the undefeated Plant would likely cement his place as the 2021 Fighter of the Year.

Alvarez parted ways with Golden Boy Promotions late in 2020 after initiating litigation that was settled out of court. He teamed up with Matchroom Boxing and DAZN for a three-fight deal but is not currently under contract. ESPN reports that Alvarez was made an offer by PBC to bring Alvarez vs. Plant to FOX pay-per-view.

ESPN reports that Canelo Alvarez vs. Caleb Plant for the undisputed super middleweight title would take place on FOX PPV

“Canelo, a promotional and network free agent, was offered a one-fight deal with Al Haymon’s Premier Boxing Champions that will likely net Alvarez (56-1-2, 38 KOs) a career-high guaranteed payday,” according to ESPN.

Alvarez is the biggest name in boxing, and Plant is a rising champion who has been flawless in the ring. Plant (21-0, 12 KOs) defeated Caleb Truax by decision in his last contest. He has age and size on his side against Alvarez but lacks the depth of Alvarez’s résumé. Plant’s biggest win came against Jose Uzcategui in 2019 to win the IBF title.

Alvarez vs. Plant would be the biggest fight of 2021. Alvarez is the star, but Plant’s record and title make him an intriguing opponent for Alvarez.  Defeating Plant would complete Alvarez’s takeover of the super middleweight division.

Then again, a win by Plant would highlight the coming of a new superstar in boxing.