Caleb Plant tackled by ref for grave digging celebration of savage KO

Caleb Plant did not hold back when celebrating his KO win over Anthony Dirrell.

The pair met in October 2022 as Plant was looking to bounce back from a first career loss, against Alvarez when he was stopped in the eleventh round and lost his IBF super middleweight world title in the process.

There was a lot of trash-talk in the build-up to the fight between Plant and Dirrell and, after ‘Sweethands’ scored an emphatic ninth round KO, he showed no mercy.

As Dirrell lay unconscious on the canvas, Plant began simulating digging his opponent’s grave with a shovel.

It was a celebration inspired by an emote in a video game, but it certainly didn’t have the desired impact he intended.

At one point the referee even attempted to tackle Plant into his corner to stop him, but the American continued.

This did not sit well with the boxing community, as fighters have faced life-threatening injuries in the ring, so the gesture wasn’t appreciated.

While Plant was mid-celebration, one of the fight commentator’s said: “Oh no, don’t do that. Don’t do that.”

His co-host added: “Caleb frustrated from the histrionics throughout but you don’t want that.”

In his post-fight interview, Plant justified his celebration, saying: “I’m sure all of you heard how [Dirrell] hates me and how he said he will never let a white boy beat him.

“Let me tell you something – skin colour doesn’t win fights, skills win fights.

“And what I’ve got in here is more than he had.

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“I was in full control the whole time, my coach kept telling me to stay patient, don’t listen to the crowd, stick to the gameplan.

“And that’s what we did and then, boom, baby!”

He then went one further by producing his own action figure to commemorate what was the knockout of the year.

“I knew it would be a viral moment and it was really a perfect night,” he told Showtime during the build up to his defeat at the hands of bitter rival David Benavidez.

“I figured that would be the perfect time to drop the action figure. Shovels included.”

Plant got his career back on track with the win over Dirrell despite the controversial ending, but things took a turn for the worse against Benavidez.

His new undefeated rival came in and outboxed him five months later in March 2023, with the American succumbing to defeat on points along the distance.

Despite falling away from the world title mix at super-middleweight, Plant has certainly remained a notable figure in the sport.

He has been involved in a high number of controversial incidents at events, including getting in a physical scuffle with Jermall Charlo last year.

Plant also kicked off with Ryan Garcia, throwing a drink at the superstar in yet another fiery confrontation which has threatened to mar his career.

His next opportunity at redemption will take place against Trevor McCumby in a huge clash on the undercard of Canelo Alvarez’s clash with Edgar Berlanga.

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And Plant can’t see the fight lasting the distance, as he looks to secure a big statement stoppage.

“This is his moment, but it’s his first and last moment,” Plant said.

“I’m excited to face him because he’s an undefeated fighter, and all fighters who are in front of you should be taken seriously.

“This is his big chance, and he has a lot riding on it. It would be a shame for me to let the opportunity slip.

“I’ve seen some tape on him. He’s a spunky guy. It’s his first fight stepping up to the big stage.

“It’s not about getting in some rounds or knocking him out early. I’m going to do my best to stick to the game plan.

“But I don’t see this fight going the distance. The super middleweight division is still hot.

“There are a lot of names being floated around. I feel like I’m in a good spot.”

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