Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez last year set out his desire to unify the major championship belts at super-middleweight in order to further cement his status as an all-time Mexican boxing great, as well as perhaps one of the best of all-time, period.
And he's almost there. All that stands in the way of his achievement is America's unbeaten Caleb Plant.
So, what is on the line this weekend in the big fight?
Here's everything you need to know about Canelo vs. Plant.
Canelo vs. Plant: What's on the line?
Alvarez is the current holder of the WBA (Super), WBC and WBO super-middleweight (weight limit: 168lbs) world championships. He is also The Ring Magazine's super-middle champ, which is held in high regard despite not being an 'official' world title due to its heavy emphasis on being a 'lineal' title (i.e. "the champion is the fighter who beat the previous champion", a concept that lost its way as titles split across multiple major sanctioning bodies).
Of the four main bodies at present, the only belt Canelo does not own is the IBF super-middleweight title, currently owned by — yep, you guessed it — Plant.
Victory for the Mexican will complete his set. However, this fight is 'winner takes all'. Though Canelo is the heavy favourite, he will lose all of his belts to Plant if the American pulls off the upset. That would make Plant the undisputed super-middleweight champion of the world.
How tough is it to become an undisputed champion?
Very tough. It's possible: for instance Scotland's Josh Taylor unified the entire super-lightweight division by defeating Jose Ramirez earlier this year in a similar 'winner take all' scenario. However, you only need to look at the politics surrounding the proposed Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua bout to decide an undisputed heavyweight champion, a bout which ultimately fell through, to see how much effort (and luck) is required to get such a plan over the line.
Once upon a time, there was only one recognised world champion per division. Then, this was disputed by two sanctioning bodies. Then, three. Now, four. And there are other bodies such as the IBO who would like to get their titles elevated to equal footing as well, which would make things even more confusing for fans.
How has Canelo collected this many belts so far?
His quest began last December with perhaps his toughest challenge of the entire 168lbs division, against Britain's then-unbeaten Callum Smith. Smith entered the fight as the defending WBA (Super) champion and also The Ring's recognised lineal titleholder, following his victory in the respected World Boxing Super Series super-middleweight tournament to claim the Muhammad Ali Trophy. In addition, the WBC announced the winner would receive their vacated version of the title.
After decisioning Smith and then defending those three belts in a demolition job against Avni Yildirim, Canelo then put them on the line against the WBO belt of another unbeaten Brit, Billy Joe Saunders. A spectacular shot from Alvarez did serious damage to Saunders and forced his corner to withdraw him from the right, adding to Alvarez's collection. That leaves only Plant to overcome in order to complete the set.
What does WBA (Super) championship mean?
The WBA, in addition to being one of four recognised sanctioning bodies with their own world championship, also attempt to have a 'Super' champion, a 'regular' champion and sometimes more, including one or more 'interim' champion (even if the other various champions are active).
As a result, many boxing outlets (including DAZN) choose to only recognise one at a time. It can often be whoever holds the 'Super' version, or perhaps whichever champion has a more lineal claim to a title belt. However, right now the majority of outlets recognise Alvarez, and only Alvarez, as the WBA's super-middleweight champion.
When is Canelo vs. Plant? Date, start time
- Date: Saturday, November 6
- Main card: 9 p.m. ET / 1 a.m. GMT
- Main event ringwalks (approx): 12 a.m. ET / 4 a.m. GMT
The main card is set to get underway at 9 p.m. ET / 1 a.m. GMT with the main event ringwalks scheduled for 12 a.m. ET / 4 a.m. GMT. As ever with a live fight night, these timings are subject to change depending on the length of the undercard fights.
What Channel/Stream is Canelo vs. Plant?
- U.S.: Showtime PPV
- UK: BT Sport Box Office
The fight will be shown on Showtime PPV in the US, while BT Sport Box Office will broadcast this undisputed title fight in the UK.
Where is the Canelo vs. Plant fight?
The fight takes place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez record and bio
- Nationality: Mexican
- Date of Birth: July 18, 1990
- Height: 5'8"
- Reach: 70.5"
- Total Fights: 59
- Record: 56-1-2 (38 KOs)
Caleb Plant Record and Bio
- Nationality: American
- Born: July 8, 1992
- Height: 6'1"
- Reach: 74"
- Total Fights: 21
- Record: 21-0 (12 KOs)