Resendiz Upsets Plant; Charlo Returns Stops LaManna

Photos - Sean Michael Ham/TGB Promotions

Armando Reséndiz  (16-2, 11 KOs) pulled off the upset over former world champion Caleb Plant (23-3, 14 KOs) and captured the Interim WBA Super Middleweight Title via a split-decision in the main event of PBC Championship Boxing on Prime Video Saturday night from Michelob ULTRA Arena at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas. Reséndiz was victorious with two scores of 116-112, overruling one judge’s 115-113 verdict.

Reséndiz was determined from the outset to give Plant all he could handle, following Plant around the ring looking to set up power punches. Reséndiz was able to land numerous flashy power punches, punctuating his work in a strong round three that set the tone early for a high-pitched duel.

Plant showed off his boxing acumen to land pot shots and jabs that didn’t deter Reséndiz, but scored nonetheless. Reséndiz broke through again in round seven, wobbling Plant with a counter right hand and left hook to take the frame. Reséndiz worked his way to the victory with two scores of 116-112, overruling one judge’s 115-113 verdict.

“I knew that everybody was going to be against me, because on paper of course he was the favorite, but I believed in myself,” said Reséndiz. “My corner believed in me. And then we did exactly what we came to do.”

“I felt like it was close and in a close fight, sometimes it switches the other way,” said Plant. “I feel like I was in control enough and using the whole ring, using my jab, but the judges saw it the other way.”

“It wasn't that he was putting so much pressure on me,” said Plant. “He caught me with one overhand right. That was pretty good. But other than that, nothing really hurt me or stunned me.”

“I didn’t really worry about what people say,” said Reséndiz. “I knew I was going to win. I didn’t worry at all. I knew it was gonna be a tough fight and we gave them a great fight…I’m ready to fight anyone. Whoever the public wants.”

“I felt like I did good,” said Plant. “I used my jab, I used the whole ring and was patient, but I wasn’t the better man tonight…I’ll just get back with my team. Go home to my family, spend time with my daughter. My son’s on the way and you know we’ll regroup and we’ll be back."

In the co-main event, unbeaten two-division champion Jermall Charlo (34-0, 23 KOs) dropped veteran contender Thomas “Cornflake” LaManna (39-6-1, 18 KOs) three times, eventually forcing a stoppage after the fifth-round of their super middleweight clash (official stoppage :01 into round six).

"It feels good to be back,” said Charlo. “I'm thankful to everyone who stood by me, I love y'all. It goes on man. I’m back. You know you gotta go through things to get better…I felt good. I got to work and I knew my timing was there. Shout out to my trainer Hylon Williams Sr.”

"I'm just looking to stay well-known and relevant,” said Charlo. “No more dark places and keep my head straight. I just want to encourage everyone in the world, keep God first, keep God first.”

"It is what it is, I did the best I could,” said LaManna. “The doctors are here for a reason and they made their decision. I'm disappointed, but it's boxing…Charlo was sharper than I expected. I expected him to come out guns blazing a little more. He's a two-time world champion for a reason. He has a great, heavy jab and he did what he had to do."

Undefeated Yoenli Feliciano Hernandez (8-0, 7 KOs) rode a second-round knockdown to a 10-round unanimous decision triumph over Kyrone “Shut It Down” Davis (19-4-1, 6 KOs). Hernandez earned the decision on all three cards, by the score of 100-89 according to each judge.

Super welterweight Isaac Lucero (17-0, 13 KOs) delivered a dominating second-round knockout of the previously unbeaten Omar Valenzuela (23-1, 20 KOs), dropping him hard in round two before a final flurry forced referee Mike Ortega to halt the action 2:57 into the round.