Reigning IBF Super Middleweight champion Jose Uzcategui (28-2, 23 KOs) will be looking to derail the Caleb Plant (17-0, 10 KOs) hype train this Sunday night in the main event of Premier Boxing Champions‘ first card of 2019 on FS1.
The matchup pits two men with not only completely different styles, but they also got to this stage in completely different ways as well.
Uzcategui’s road to a title was a treacherous one. He battled through numerous challengers including a unanimous decision victory over the rough and rugged Rogelio Medina. A setback against Matt Korobov in 2014 seemed to only fuel Uzcategui and his chase for gold.
Since his loss to Korobov he began to mow down the competition, knocking out everyone that was placed in front of him in three rounds or less. That streak landed him a date against the highly touted Andre Dirrell for the interim IBF title.
What proceeded to happen in that bout will never be forgotten. Uzcategui was disqualified for throwing a punch after the bell that resulted in Dirrell being unable to continue.
After the fight was called off, Dirrell’s uncle (Leon Lawson Jr.) jumped into action which led to mayhem. The result of that contest would be later amended in a rematch, which resulted in Uzcategui knocking Dirrell out.
He also lifted the IBF interim title in the process as well. Uzcategui’s interim tag was later lifted as full title holder James DeGale dropped his title, giving Uzcategui the claim as the true champion.
The champion is a wrecking ball in the ring. Few have been able to withstand the punching power he has displayed. For Uzcategui however he is much more than just a puncher as he displayed in his last contest against Ezequiel Osvaldo Maderna.
In that matchup he showed that he has the ability to outbox his opponents as well. Although he has underrated technical skills he is sure to be at a decided disadvantage come Sunday night.
The IBF No. 1 ranked Caleb Plant comes into this contest as an undefeated contender that has looked great thus far. Plant seems to have the ability to box circles around just about anyone in the division.
The concerns for Plant are that he is taking a huge step up in competition. Often times common foes are the best way to compare fighters. They both have shared the ring with Rogelio Medina. They both also managed to defeat him, but Plant did so in much more impressive fashion.
There is a caveat with that statement however as Medina was several years older by the time he stepped into the ring with Plant.
In short, both men have the skills needed in order to defeat the other. Plant will be looking to box his way to a decision victory, while avoiding the power of his opponent. Uzcategui on the other hand will be looking to make this a short night.
Fans can expect a back-and-forth contest from the very beginning. Tune in to FS1 this Sunday to find out who brings home the victory.
