Veteran trainer Derrick James expects drama in the upcoming super middleweight grudge match between former world champions David Benavidez and Caleb Plant.
Benavidez and Plant will finally settle their difference on March 25, in the main event of a Showtime Pay-Per-View card from the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
“This is an interesting fight. I like both of those guys and I’ve known them for a while. It comes down to who can take it. Who can implement what they do best? Both have fast hands and are athletic. It’s going to come down to fortitude,” James said.
“Both guys share the weakness of depth. Because they’ve never had to dig themselves out of trouble. That’s what we don’t know about, because we haven’t really seen them have to do that. It may not be their weakness, but looking at it from the outside, we don’t really know.”
Benavidez is well known for his engine, as he comes forward by throwing a high volume of punches with both hands. James would advise Plant to use his legs often and do whatever is possible to avoid standing right in front of Benavidez.
On the other hand, James could see Plant using Benavidez’s pressure to his advantage.
“If I was fighting David Benavidez, I would do my best to not let him be himself. I would do whatever I could to offset him. The best way is probably with movement. Because whenever he stands in front of you, it’s a bad day. You better practice holding and clinching, because if you don’t, it’s going to be a long night,” James said.
“If I’m training Benavidez, I’d tell him he has to pressure Caleb. But you have to watch out, because Caleb sets traps. You have to back him down at a distance and hope that he’ll succumb to the pressure. Caleb is a great counter puncher and has great defense. You have to stay two steps ahead of him.”