The Stage is Set

This Saturday, at the Michelob Ultra Arena in Las Vegas, two of boxing's most talked-about fighters, Jermall Charlo and Caleb Plant, will step into the ring in separate bouts. The event, broadcast on Prime Video, could be the precursor to one of the most anticipated fights of the year.

Jermall Charlo: The Comeback King

Jermall Charlo (33-0, 22 KOs) is set to end an 18-month layoff against Thomas LaManna (39-5-1, 18 KOs) in the co-main event. Charlo, a former two-division champion, has been inactive due to injuries and legal issues. However, he remains undefeated and is looking to prove that he still belongs among the elite.

"I want to be busier," Charlo said. "I want to fight three times this year. Maybe fight again in August or September and one more time in December."

Caleb Plant: The Resilient Contender

In the main event, Caleb Plant (23-2, 14 KOs) will defend his WBA super middleweight interim title against Armando Resendiz (15-2, 11 KOs). Plant, a former IBF super middleweight champion, has faced some of the best in the division, including Canelo Alvarez and David Benavidez. Despite coming up short in those fights, Plant has cemented his place as a major player in the division.

"I have a lot on the line," Plant said. "[Resendiz] may have nothing to lose, but I have everything to lose."

The Rivalry

The rivalry between Charlo and Plant dates back to July 2023, when an altercation between the two fighters was caught on camera. The incident, which occurred backstage at the Terence Crawford vs. Errol Spence Jr. weigh-in, set the stage for a potential showdown.

"A man has a right to defend himself," Plant said after the incident. "A grown man touched another grown man in his face, pulling on his beard really hard."

What's Next?

Should both Charlo and Plant emerge victorious, a planned fight between the two will reportedly take place later this year. A Charlo-Plant fight would generate a lot of interest due to their history outside of the ring and their respective positions in the super middleweight division.

"I think the fight with Plant is just as big as a fight with Canelo," Charlo told ESPN. "Every fight is a big fight but that is a fight that needs to take place ... we just have to take care of business first."

Conclusion

With both fighters looking to make a statement, Saturday's event is a must-watch for boxing fans. The outcomes of these fights could set the stage for one of the most anticipated matchups of the year.