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Canelo vs Plant LIVE! Boxing result, fight stream and reaction as Canelo becomes undisputed champion

Canelo vs Plant LIVE! Boxing result, fight stream and reaction as Canelo becomes undisputed champion

Canelo vs Plant - LIVE!

The iconic MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas witnessed the latest slice of boxing history on Saturday night.

The great Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez stopped rival Caleb Plant in the 11th round of a high-profile showdown to become the first ever undisputed super-middleweight champion of the world.

The Mexican superstar twice floored his impressive and awkward opponent in devastating fashion to produce the latest landmark victory of his illustrious 60-fight career, despite an oft-frustrating display that was some way short of his brilliant best.

Canelo is just the sixth male fighter to hold undisputed status since 1988 - following in the footsteps of Bernard Hopkins, Jermain Taylor, Terence Crawford, Josh Taylor and Oleksandr Usyk- and will now have his eyes fixed on fully conquering other divisions, having previously won world titles at four levels from light-middleweight through to light-heavy.

Boxing schedule and results

Canelo Alvarez bt Caleb Plant

Anthony Dirrell bt Marcos Hernandez

Rey Vargas bt Leonardo Baez

Elvis Rodriguez bt Juan Pablo Romero

Fernando Diaz bt Jan Salvatierra

Jose Antonio Meza bt Jose Gomez

Joselito Velazquez bt Gilberto Mendoza

Rances Barthelemy bt Gustavo David Vittori

Follow Canelo vs Plant with Standard Sport’s LIVE blog below!

Read More

Canelo stops Plant to become undisputed super-middleweight champion

Plant aims to get under skin and defences of Canelo in undisputed bout

Canelo hints at time off as hectic schedule culminates in Plant KO

Canelo vs Plant latest news

  • Canelo becomes undisputed super-middleweight champion

  • What next for Canelo after historic night in Las Vegas?

Dana White spotted watching Canelo vs Plant at UFC 268

08:18 , Jonathan Gorrie

Taylor welcomes Canelo to undisputed club

06:05 , George Flood

Pacquiao: Canelo is just too good

06:00 , George Flood

05:46 , George Flood

It’s being reported that Caleb Plant will not attend the post-fight press conferences, having been taken to a local hospital for observation as a precaution after that heavy stoppage.

Hopefully everything is okay.

What next for Canelo?

05:34 , George Flood

Canelo kept his cards very close to his chest in terms of future plans when quizzed during his post-fight interview with Showtime.

But just what could lie in store for the Mexican superstar next with the super-middleweight division now fully conquered?

Will he go back and try to do the same at light-heavyweight, having previously picked up the WBO belt by brutally stopping Sergey Kovalev in 2019 before later vacating?

Hard-hitting Russians Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol and American Joe Smith Jr are the current champions at 178lbs.

There have even been suggestions that he could fancy his chances up at cruiserweight, though surely that is a bridge too far!

05:21 , George Flood

Good to see after the ill feeling and bad blood that had dominated the build-up to tonight’s fight.

05:18 , George Flood

Only five men had previously held all four world titles in the same division since the introduction of the WBO back in 1988.

With his achievement tonight, Canelo follows in the footsteps of Scotland’s current undisputed light-welterweight champion Josh Taylor, as well as former cruiserweight star and now unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk plus the likes of Terence Crawford, Bernard Hopkins and Jermain Taylor.

 (AFP via Getty Images)
(AFP via Getty Images)

Canelo and Plant embrace

04:59 , George Flood

04:39 , George Flood

A gold-clad Canelo is wearing a crown and draped in all of his many belts as he is officially announced as the winner and interviews with Showtime.

A night he will never forget, even if the performance wasn’t quite up to his usual standards for the most part.

A visibly disappointed Plant makes his way backstage.

A valiant effort from the American tonight, but you have to maintain your concentration 100% at all times against a fighter of this quality.

His IBF championship reign is ended after two years.

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

04:32 , George Flood

The cards read 97-93, 96-94, 98-92 - all in favour of Canelo - at the time of the stoppage.

98-92 is absolutely wild. No chance.

Canelo stops Plant in round 11

04:29 , George Flood

Brutal from Canelo in the 11th!

He finally has success with a huge left hook and right uppercut that puts Plant down.

The American somehow gets back to his feet as he staggers around the ring, but his concentration is gone and he still has two minutes before the bell.

Canelo senses his moment and chases after him, landing some huge right hands that put Plant down again after he was hunched against the ropes.

There’ll be no getting up from that. Canelo Alvarez is the first undisputed super-middleweight world champion! History made in Las Vegas.

Good to see Plant up and okay as the two rivals share a long conversation after the fight.

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

Canelo vs Plant

04:26 , George Flood

Both men dig in powerful punches during some close-range trading at the start of round number 10.

Canelo is now clearly stepping up the tempo and urgency, attacking the body well during the latter stages.

Canelo takes the 10th, despite still not unloading anything particularly eye-catching or damaging.

Canelo vs Plant

04:23 , George Flood

Plant is only growing in confidence here as he continues to frustrate Canelo at the start of the ninth.

Plant is again caught near the ropes, but what an end to the round from Plant!

He demonstrates his fast hand speed with a great combination and a right hand that pushes Canelo backwards.

He also pops off a left jab upstairs just before the bell.

Is there a massive shock brewing in Las Vegas?!

Canelo vs Plant

04:19 , George Flood

The crowd are getting frustrated as Plant’s clever movement prevents Canelo from detonating any big shots.

Really good use of the left jab from Plant to keep him out of range.

Canelo crushes in a left upstairs as Plant gets caught in the corner.

Enough for another Plant round?

Some of these close ones are probably going to Canelo because, as ever, he’s always walking his opponent down and looks the more positive.

Eddy Reynoso is not happy with Canelo in the corner before the start of the ninth.

Canelo vs Plant

04:14 , George Flood

Plant getting caught near the ropes once more as master tactician Canelo again relentlessly comes forward with his hands low, evidently not fearing any repercussions as Plant struggles to land anything with power.

Canelo is trying to draw Plant in near the ropes now and catch him flush on the counter, but the American wisely doesn’t oblige.

Plant is almost exclusively using his left hand at times here... is there an issue with the right?

Plant’s round.

Canelo vs Plant

04:11 , George Flood

Good work at the start of round six from Plant, but Canelo quickly catches up with him and the relentless pressure is building.

Canelo is getting into range frequently now and Plant eats two powerful right hands as the favourite starts to have much more success - much to the crowd’s delight.

Plant is getting slow again and not moving his feet or keeping Canelo off him with the jab.

Canelo’s hands are low as he comes forward and knows Plant likely won’t hurt him much, giving him a contemptuous look after the bell.

A big round coming up for Plant. This is starting to feel like a trademark Canelo display as the pressure builds and builds.

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

Canelo vs Plant

04:06 , George Flood

A frustrated Canelo is struggling to get into range at the start of the fifth as Plant’s movement comes back and he manages to land a solid right hand.

The Mexican is staying patient, walking down Plant at all times and stepping up the tempo now.

But all the big shots are missing and his attempted body punches are being deflected.

This is impressive from Plant so far. But can he keep it up in the face of relentless pressure?

Canelo vs Plant

04:02 , George Flood

Plant is still moving well at the start of the fourth and keeping the relentlessly stalking Canelo off him with the jab.

But Canelo gets into range near the ropes and lets fly with some stinging body shots that whip the crowd into a frenzy.

Plant recovers from the initial mistake but he’s suddenly a bit sluggish and Canelo just misses with a big right hand.

Plant eats a solid left upstairs after getting caught flat-footed near the ropes.

He takes it well with a shake of the head, but he won’t want to absorb too many of those. He has to keep moving and stay away from the ropes.

Canelo’s round.

Canelo vs Plant

03:58 , George Flood

A busy start to the third from Plant, trying to fire out the shots, use his reach advantage and keep moving as Canelo walks him down.

Plant lands another nifty left uppercut on the inside as Canelo seeks to let his hands go.

It’s good from Plant, but it takes a lot of energy to fight like this and Canelo sneaks a decent left hook around his defences.

Canelo continues to walk him down and lands a couple of lefts as well as missing with a big right.

But Plant is utilising his spearing left jab well before Canelo lands a couple of punches upstairs after the clinch.

A very tight round indeed. Could have gone either way.

Canelo vs Plant

03:54 , George Flood

Canelo comes forward at the start of the second, cutting off the space and the ring, with some powerful shots being deflected off the arms as Plant finds a nice little uppercut on the inside.

Canelo trying to unload that chopping big right where possible as he continually moves into range, but Plant is just about keeping him at bay at the moment and needs to keep moving.

Canelo tries one of those trademark left hooks to the body, but Plant has been quicker to the punch on a few occasions thus far.

A patient Canelo lands a right before the bell.

That’s probably 1-1 through two.

Canelo vs Plant

03:51 , George Flood

Canelo is cautiously sizing up and feeling out his opponent early in round one, firing off his first attempted big shot with just over a minute to go.

The excited crowd are greeting his every punch with howls of delight and expectancy.

Not too much coming from Plant initially either, but the jab looks good and he stays on the move, wisely trying to keep far away from the corner and the ropes.

Canelo ends the round hunting down his opponent in trademark fashion.

First round to the busier Plant, but that won’t bother the Mexican much.

Canelo vs Plant

03:47 , George Flood

Plant is obviously unfazed by his role as pantomime villain tonight as he soaks up the pre-fight boos as Canelo is once again cheered to the rafters.

Referee Russell Mora reads out his instructions, the rivals touch gloves and Alvarez takes a knee to pray in his corner.

Now we’re off and running! Who will become the very first undisputed super-middleweight champion of the world?

03:44 , George Flood

Just the final introductions to come now from Jimmy Lennon Jr before this undisputed showdown is finally underway.

Still a crackling atmosphere around the MGM Grand.

This is all set up to be a special, special night.

03:41 , George Flood

Canelo soaks up the adulation of the crowd, saluting them from all four corners of the ring.

History beckons for the pound-for-pound king.

Here comes Canelo

03:39 , George Flood

Huge roars from an adoring crowd for a gold-clad Canelo as he appears and makes his way to the ring, accompanied by the lead singer of one of Mexico’s most prominent rock bands.

The fans are going wild. What an atmosphere at the iconic MGM Grand.

Plant out first

03:35 , George Flood

Plant out first and he looks cool, calm and composed as he makes his way to the middle.

If he’s feeling overwhelmed by the sheer scale of the challenge ahead tonight, then he’s not showing it at the moment.

Now it’s time for Canelo’s entrance, which I’m sure will be typically elaborate!

Canelo vs Plant - vote for your winner!

03:33 , George Flood

Will this be a straightforward completion on the road to undisputed for the great Canelo, or can Plant spring a huge shock?

Vote for your winner on Standard Sport’s social media poll...

Main event ring walks

03:29 , George Flood

National anthems completed, there’s a real sense of atmosphere and anticipation transmitting through from the MGM Grand.

It’s time for the ring walks!

Dirrell celebration

03:28 , George Flood

Check out that athleticism from a 37-year-old!

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

03:25 , George Flood

It’s time for the national anthems!

Mexico’s up first.

Canelo vs Plant up next

03:20 , George Flood

That’s the undercard done and dusted in Las Vegas.

The undisputed showdown between Canelo Alvarez and Caleb Plant is NEXT!

03:18 , George Flood

Dirrell was apparently behind on two of the judges’ scorecards before crashing in that perfect uppercut.

Rounds two and three weren’t great at all after his fast start, but that’s a highlight-reel punch worthy of winning any fight.

He needs to step up the level of opponent before thinking about the winner of Canelo-Plant of course.

03:15 , George Flood

It’s impossible to overstate just how impressive that shot was from Dirrell.

Hernandez had been testing the waters with a couple of pawing, lazy left jabs and Dirrell whipped in the absolute perfect right uppercut with such outstanding technique and it detonated right on the chin.

One of the punches of his career and you won’t see many better uppercuts than that, period. Just brilliant.

Can the 37-year-old really get back into world title contention at super-middle?

Dirrell stops Hernandez in round four

03:10 , George Flood

WOW!

A stunning, rapid right uppercut from Dirrell at the start of the fourth lands flush on the chin and leaves Hernandez sprawled out on the canvas on his back.

He slowly gets to his feet, but the referee waves it off as Dirrell produces an eye-catching backflip in celebration.

What. A. Punch. Tremendous.

Dirrell vs Hernandez

03:09 , George Flood

Plenty of gruelling close-range exchanges now as the duo continue to trade and each land stinging shots on the inside.

I think the better punches in that close round came from Dirrell, but Hernandez was busier and had the higher work rate.

Dirrell vs Hernandez

03:04 , George Flood

Hernandez comes fighting back at the start of the second, getting close to Dirrell and letting fly with some decent hooks that find the mark.

He then tries to inflict damage at close quarters, digging in shots before and after the clinches as things start to get scrappy.

This has been an impressive round from Hernandez after he looked rather overwhelmed in the first, closing the distance far more effectively now behind a decent jab.

Dirrell suddenly looks a tad sluggish after his quick start. He’s stopped moving his feet.

Dirrell vs Hernandez

03:01 , George Flood

A great start from Dirrell, who looked to impose himself from the first bell with an aggressive, positive approach and some heavy punches.

Round one firmly in the bag.

Dirrell vs Hernandez

02:58 , George Flood

A fast start from Dirrell as he goes straight after Hernandez with some snappy, powerful shots and a crushing left hand in the corner!

This could be over quickly if ‘Madman’ doesn’t adapt quickly here.

‘Expect fireworks’ says Dirrell as he targets Canelo-Plant winner

02:55 , George Flood

Dirrell - who turned 37 in October - is hoping to put on a show in tonight’s co-main event as he harbours hopes of potentially lining up another future title shot against the winner of Canelo-Plant.

“Expect fireworks. I know Marcos brings a good game and he’s a come-forward fighter. It’s going to be a hot one. I’m trying to make my mark and get my shot at the winner of the main event. So I have to make a good statement. I know it won’t be easy and I’m ready for the challenge,” Dirrell said, per British Boxing News.

“This is a big opportunity under one of the biggest fights of this year. I need to get a win and get back to where I was. Once I get this victory on Saturday, we’ll see where the win takes me.

“I believe I’m still one of the elite fighters at 168 pounds. At the end of the day, what I think is all that matters. I bring a lot to the table. I don’t back down from anyone. Come Saturday, you’ll see what this camp did for me.

“I want to leave no doubt in peoples’ minds about who should have next at the super middleweight belts. I’m ready for this opportunity. I gave everything I had in camp and you’ll see it on Saturday.

“With me being a veteran in the game, I think I’m well-equipped to handle the winner of Saturday night’s main event, no matter who it is.

“I want to fight for something. At this point in my career, I want to fight for something and that’s those world titles. That’s what I’m looking to get to after this fight.”

Dirrell vs Hernandez up next

02:51 , George Flood

Just one fight left now before our main event of the night!

Two-time WBC super-middleweight world champion Anthony Dirrell takes on Marcos Hernandez in another 10-rounder.

Vargas beats Baez via unanimous decision

02:44 , George Flood

The three cards read 99-91, 100-90 and 100-90 - all in favour of Vargas, as expected.

An emphatic win and a pleasing return after stepping up to featherweight following a two-and-a-half year layoff through injury.

He’ll quickly have Gary Russell Jr in his sights.

Russell Jr likely has a mandatory WBC defence coming against the Philippines’ Mark Magsayo early next year.

Vargas vs Baez

02:41 , George Flood

Nice to see the tough and durable if limited Baez get such a good reception from the crowd as he expresses his gratitude to everyone, striving for a word with the great Julio Cesar Chavez, who is ringside commentating for Mexican television.

Vargas vs Baez

02:39 , George Flood

After taking a couple of rounds off, Vargas steps things up again in the final round as his opponent hunts for that late, late knockout blow.

He slips again before the final bell, but clearly no knockdown.

No shortage of effort from Baez as he keeps driving until the end, but he never looked likely to find that one big punch to pull off a shock victory.

A comfortable decision coming for Vargas.

Vargas vs Baez

02:36 , George Flood

A determined Baez is taking so much confidence from Vargas’ drop in levels and clearly takes the penultimate round, but he fails to hurt his tired opponent and knows he needs a knockout given that he must be a long way behind on the cards.

There are multiple ugly head clashes in the ninth, which further marks up Baez’s bloodied face.

10th and final round coming up. Will we have an explosive finish?

Vargas vs Baez

02:31 , George Flood

Both men clearly feeling the pace in a quieter round.

Baez looking for that right hand over the top whenever possible as he springs forward to launch his attacks and close the gap.

Vargas keeps him at bay, but his performance levels have dipped notably here. Perhaps not surprising given the long injury layoff.

Vargas vs Baez

02:28 , George Flood

A tired-looking Vargas gets drawn into a scrap at the start of the seventh as both men trade with Baez now closing the distance far more effectively.

Good shots from each fighter now - Vargas needs to be careful with that right hand over the top.

Vargas stumbles and falls with an arm around his neck but it’s obviously not a knockdown and there’s another feisty exchange before the bell.

Vargas still miles ahead here of course, but Baez is beginning to have more success and it’s a bit more of a contest as we head into round 8 of 10.

Vargas vs Baez

02:23 , George Flood

Credit to Baez, who is clearly durable and tries to come on strong with quicker feet and an overhand right in the second half of round six.

Vargas had started the round in excellent nick once more, but he just lets his foot off the gas somewhat and is given something to ponder after a dominant display up until now.

Slight signs that Vargas is beginning to tire in his first bout for two-and-a-half years? He’s expended a lot of energy tonight with the power put on nearly every single punch.

Vargas vs Baez

02:20 , George Flood

Another, more serious cut has opened up above Baez’s right eye as his corner get to work before the start of the sixth.

That’s nasty and could be a real issue in the second half of this contest.

Blood around the mouth of Baez as well. He’s absorbed a lot of punishment so far tonight.

Vargas vs Baez

02:19 , George Flood

Such a strong variety of punches from Vargas here as he carries on putting those delightful combos together, a left hook to the body followed by a beautiful right hand upstairs.

He’s absolutely cruising, with Baez lunging in desperation in an attempt to halt his superior opponent’s rhythm and momentum.

Baez ends the round on the offensive, but that’s a textbook lesson in how to box off the back foot by Vargas. Superb.

Vargas vs Baez

02:19 , George Flood

Such a strong variety of punches from Vargas here as he carries on putting those delightful combos together, a left hook to the body followed by a beautiful right hand upstairs.

He’s absolutely cruising, with Baez lunging in desperation in an attempt to halt his superior opponent’s rhythm and momentum.

Baez ends the round on the offensive, but that’s a textbook lesson in how to box off the back foot by Vargas. Superb.

Vargas vs Baez

02:14 , George Flood

More stellar footwork from the quality Vargas, who digs in a nice body shot that Baez clearly felt was low.

Vargas continuing to work the body with some further spiteful shots, all of which have such power on them, reeling off more super combos finished off by a blistering right hand.

Blood smeared around Baez’s right cheek from that cut.

This is lovely stuff on his return from a fine technician in Vargas. A considerable gulf in class between the two Mexicans.

Vargas vs Baez

02:10 , George Flood

Baez is cut under his right eye after what looked like an accidental head clash, which the referee quickly points out to the judges at ringside.

Vargas continues to try and crash in those heavy hooks, but he just has to be careful on the occasions when Baez suddenly springs forward with menace on the counter.

Lovely combinations from Vargas, who gets inside and inflicts the necessary damage with fast hands before effortlessly drifting back out of range. Classy work.

Another round for Vargas.

Vargas vs Baez

02:06 , George Flood

Some early encouragement from Baez as he comes forward in the second, but Vargas doesn’t look unduly bothered and is still largely controlling the pace of the contest and whipping down those punches with his significant reach advantage.

Vargas lands a stinging right hook before the bell, but Baez, to his credit, gets those feet moving quicker and uncorks a straight right to give him something to think about!

A bit of a warning for Vargas there.

Vargas vs Baez

02:02 , George Flood

An aggressive start from Vargas, who immediately sets about peppering his compatriot with powerful blows to head and body.

A huge first round from the former super-bantamweight champion, who continues to let his hands go and thuds in some heavy shots again before the bell.

No sign of any ring rust from Vargas there!

Baez was hurt and far too sluggish, unable to avoid those big punches. Booming body shots already sapping his energy.

Vargas vs Baez

01:59 , George Flood

Here we go.

Vargas much the bigger and taller man here.

Vargas vs Baez up next

01:57 , George Flood

It’s an all-Mexican affair up next as undefeated former WBC super-bantamweight champion Rey Vargas meets Leonardo Baez in a featherweight 10-rounder.

This is Vargas’ first fight since 2019 after a long layoff with injury as he moves up a division and he will be hoping to manoeuvre himself into becoming a future mandatory challenger for WBC champion Gary Russell Jr.

British fight fans will know Vargas best from his win over Gavin McDonnell in Hull back in 2017, when he won the super-bantamweight title in such impressive fashion.

He provided five successful defences before vacating and announcing his intention to move up, only to suffer a broken leg.

A lot of people are very much looking forward to seeing the 30-year-old back in action here.

01:48 , George Flood

Plant and Canelo are both shown arriving backstage at the MGM Grand.

Both champions look nice and relaxed ahead of their massive undisputed battle.

Rodriguez beats Romero

01:42 , George Flood

A really entertaining fight between two power punchers to open up this main card - that was a shuddering left hand and excellent use of angles from Rodriguez to inflict the first defeat of Romero’s pro career.

A fine win from the ‘The Dominican Kid’ to bounce back from his maiden defeat by Kenneth Sims Jr earlier this year.

Romero looked in complete control through three rounds, but he could not deal with those uppercuts that changed the whole tone of the fight.

Rodriguez stops Romero in round five

01:39 , George Flood

The pair are content to stand and trade again in the fifth.

Both land thunderous shots, with Rodriguez looking for that left uppercut again.

But Romero’s clubbing hook provides a reminder of his own power.

But there’s a sublime straight left from Rodriguez opened up by an attempted short right uppercut and Romero is down again!

He sits on the canvas with no attempt to beat the count. Rodriguez with the stoppage!

Rodriguez vs Romero

01:36 , George Flood

What a round from Rodriguez!

That short left uppercut wreaks havoc and has Romero in all sorts of trouble.

The Mexican makes it to the bell, but the complexion of this fight has suddenly changed completely.

A really enjoyable scrap.

Rodriguez vs Romero

01:34 , George Flood

Rodriguez has a lovely left uppercut that Romero is unable to avoid at close quarters as the duo stand and trade in the middle of the ring in the fourth.

This is much, much better from Rodriguez, who is now working the body himself and continuing to rip in those powerful uppercuts.

He follows a big straight left with another bruising left uppercut and right hand and Romero is against the ropes and down on his knee!

He gets to his feet quickly but is on unsteady legs with 20 seconds still to negotiate before the bell...

Rodriguez vs Romero

01:30 , George Flood

Rodriguez has pulled off a few eye-catching shots on the inside here, but he’s unable to keep the determined and relentless Romero at distance for any length of time.

As soon as he’s close enough, the Mexican does not need a second invitation to let his hands go and crash in further sapping body shots.

Another round safely in the bag for Romero.

Rodriguez vs Romero

01:26 , George Flood

Rodriguez is far more active at the start of the second round, though he’s hurt by a body shot and Romero tries to jump on him by the ropes.

He thunders in more hooks and punishing body blows as Rodriguez escapes, though these body punches are visibly slowing him.

Both fighters land towards the end of a much closer round, but it’s probably another for Romero.

Rodriguez vs Romero

01:22 , George Flood

Some vicious hooks crashing in from Romero, who works the body well early on.

Romero looks to let his right hand go, gets caught with a short counter that just makes him think twice.

But he’s quickly back on the offensive, coming forward and letting fly with Rodriguez - trained by Freddie Roach - backed into the corner.

An impressive first round from Romero.

Rodriguez vs Romero

01:19 , George Flood

The first bell sounds and we are underway!

Rodriguez vs Romero up next

01:16 , George Flood

Knockout specialist Elvis Rodriguez vs the undefeated, 14-0 Juan Pablo Romero - sporting a sombrero - is the first fight on tonight’s main card and gets underway imminently, with both boxers now in the ring.

It’s an intriguing 10-rounder at super-lightweight.

The great Jimmy Lennon Jr on the mic as fans begin to stream into the MGM Grand.

No Canelo vs Plant delay for UFC 268

01:10 , George Flood

UFC 268 is also taking place at Madison Square Garden in New York tonight, headlined by Kamaru Usman vs Colby Covington 2 for the men’s welterweight title.

Rose Namajunas also defends her women’s straw weight title in a rematch against Zhang Weili, while Justin Gaethje takes on Michael Chandler.

Canelo vs Kovalev was famously delayed back in 2019 to allow UFC 244 (Masvidal vs Diaz) to conclude, but there will be no repeat of that tonight.

“Hell no!” said Showtime boss Stephen Espinoza.

01:05 , George Flood

The PPV coverage is underway in Las Vegas!

Main card action coming up...

Undercard results: Diaz stops Salvatierra

00:55 , George Flood

It’s over in the final early prelim bout, with American super-flyweight Fernando Diaz stopping the previously unbeaten Jan Salvatierra of Mexico in round five.

What a win for Diaz!

Canelo: This is personal

00:51 , George Flood

Canelo is insistent that he will channel the ill feeling and bad blood between himself and Plant in a positive way tonight as he admitted that it has become very personal.

“It changes my mind, this is personal for me,” Canelo told the BBC.

“I’m going to use that in my favour. I’m not going to go crazy but I’m going to do my things in a good way.

“He’s a good boxer, he has a good jab, good moves, he has a lot of skills and the first round is going to be a little complicated for me - but then after four or five rounds I’m going to start doing my job.”

Undercard results: Meza upsets Gomez

00:43 , George Flood

Before Salvatierra vs Diaz, Jose Antonio Meza took a shock decision on the cards against Jose Gomez.

The experienced super-featherweight recovered from a first-round knockdown to take a tight win 76-75, 76-75, 76-75.

Undercard update

00:38 , George Flood

Not too long now until the start of tonight’s televised pay-per-view undercard fights.

In the early prelims, Mexican flyweight Jan Salvatierra is currently going up against Fernando Diaz in an entertaining tussle.

Porter: If anyone can beat Canelo, it’s Plant

00:32 , George Flood

Shawn Porter - who battles Terence Crawford for the WBO welterweight title in Las Vegas later this month - acknowledges that Caleb Plant needs the performance of a lifetime to overcome Canelo tonight, but - like Andre Ward - believes he is capable of pulling off the shock.

“If this fight wasn’t Canelo Alvarez, Caleb Plant has ten fights, but beating this one guy, beating Canelo Alvarez puts him in the Hall of Fame,” Porter said.

“He has to have a Hall of Fame performance, he’s got to use his speed and he’s got to use his confidence.

“He’s got to use his power. I do know he’s got power that’s overlooked and we will see what happens.

“I think if there is somebody in the boxing world that can beat Canelo, it will be Caleb Plant.”

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

Canelo vs Plant tale of the tape

00:25 , George Flood

Here’s how both fighters stack up for tonight’s main event, with Canelo’s details first...

Records: 56 (38)-1- 2 and 21 (12)

Age: 31 and 29

Height: 5ft 9ins and 6ft 1ins

Weight: 11st 9lbs and 11st 8lbs

Reach: 70 1/2ins and 74ins

Canelo targets double triumph for Mexico

00:14 , George Flood

The whole of Mexico will surely be behind favourite fighting son Canelo tonight.

The four-weight world champion would love to make it a double triumph for his country this weekend as compatriot Sergio Perez also races for Red Bull on home turf at Formula One’s Mexican Grand Prix at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez in Mexico City tomorrow evening.

"The fact that I can make history this weekend along with Checo (Perez) is very motivating for me," Canelo said.

"My goal is to make this an unbelievable weekend for Mexico."

Perez qualified fourth on the grid this evening, behind the Mercedes pair Valtteri Bottas and Lewis Hamilton and Red Bull team-mate Max Verstappen.

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

Canelo: My goal is to be an all-time great

00:04 , George Flood

Meanwhile, Canelo has his ambitions rooted firmly in etching his name into the sport’s history as an all-time icon...

“The goal is to be an all-time great,” he said. “I’m so proud of the journey I’ve taken to achieve that. I’m not going to stop until I’ve tried my best to reach that goal.

“Even harder than getting to the top is staying there. That’s why I try to get better each and every day. That’s what I’ve been trying to do from my first fight up until now.”

Plant: I like people rooting against me

00:02 , George Flood

Here’s more from Caleb Plant ahead of a chance to write his name into boxing folklore tonight...

“I have to get the job done by any means necessary,” he said. “That’s what me and my team have done so far to get to this point.

“Whether it’s boxing or in life, I’ve gotten here by any means necessary. I had opportunities to bow out, and I haven’t.

“I’ve been the underdog before. It’s a place I like to be. I like people rooting against me. It gives me extra motivation. But when you’re fighting for undisputed status, you don’t need much more motivation than that.”

Hearn sends Canelo message

00:00 , George Flood

Ward: Plant can shock the world tonight

Saturday 6 November 2021 23:50 , George Flood

There are those, however, that believe Plant is capable of producing the sort of incredible, career-best performance that it will almost certainly take to emerge victorious tonight and walk away with all four super-middleweight titles.

Former two-weight world champion Andre Ward is one such man.

“I’m not a believer when you face a guy that’s powerful or a guy that’s supposed to have punching power you’re [supposed to] avoid him and being perfect for 12,” he said.

“Like, I don’t believe in that. Like, I like to go rattle their cage. In fact, you gotta rattle the cage.

“What I mean by that is that sometimes you gotta go to that power and smother it.

“You gotta let them know, whoever it is, hey, you can get hurt, too.

“Caleb is a guy that has more power than they realise.

“I think he’s physically strong. I just think it’s always crazy until you do it. It’s easy for fans to choose – the easy pick is Canelo because of his history and everything he accomplished.

“But I’ll support Caleb, win, lose, or draw. But I think he has a great opportunity to go out there and shock the world. He just needs to put his mental on and make it happen.”

Saunders backing former foe Canelo

Saturday 6 November 2021 23:46 , George Flood

Most in the boxing fraternity are obviously plumping for a comfortable Canelo win tonight.

That number includes the Mexican’s previous opponent Saunders...

“I’m gonna go with Canelo on points because of the reason of being Canelo,” he said this week.

“I know how hard it is to get a decision, what tricks they might play leading up.”

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

Undercard results: Velazquez dominates Mendoza

Saturday 6 November 2021 23:41 , George Flood

It’s a comfortable win for 2016 Olympian Joselito Velazquez, who beats Gilberto Mendoza in an eight-rounder with three cards of 80-72 in his favour.

A dominant 14th professional triumph for talented flyweight ‘El Huracan’.

Tyson predicts emphatic Canelo win

Saturday 6 November 2021 23:35 , George Flood

Mike Tyson was present at the weigh-in in Vegas last night and met Canelo, whom has expressed big admiration for ‘Iron Mike’ in the past.

Speaking earlier this year, the former heavyweight champion left no one in any doubt as to how he sees the fight with Plant unfolding.

“Caleb Plant ain’t lasting the distance. He’s going to get clocked. He’s going to get so f****d up. With two human beings, anything is possible, but I think [Canelo] is going to f****** kill him,” Tyson said.

“He’s your friend? You’re going to his funeral. Wait till Alvarez starts hitting that motherf*****g body.”

 (AFP via Getty Images)
(AFP via Getty Images)

Undercard results: Barthelemy stops Vittori in round two

Saturday 6 November 2021 23:22 , George Flood

Rances Barthelemy has produced the first victory of the night at the iconic MGM Grand Garden Arena on the Las Vegas Strip.

Cuba’s former two-weight world champion - now 36 - made light work of Argentine Gustavo Vittori, securing a stoppage in round number two.

Mexico’s two-time Pan American champion Joselito Velazquez is now in the ring, battling Gilberto Mendoza.

This early portion of the undercard is not being televised. The main card gets underway at around 1am GMT.

Plant’s path to undisputed

Saturday 6 November 2021 23:13 , George Flood

Plant - known for his fast hands and stinging jab - is unbeaten in 21 pro fights and became a world champion in 2019 after a win over Rogelio Medina had made him the mandatory challenger for the IBF belt held by José Uzcátegui, who himself was upgraded from interim to full champion after James DeGale had relinquished the title.

Venezuelan Uzcátegui’s reign was to be a short one as he came unstuck in his very first defence, with Plant inflicting two early knockdowns en route to a wide points win.

He completely dominated former light-heavyweight Mike Lee in his own (short) first defence that summer, also later making light work of mandatory Vincent Feigenbutz.

Plant’s last defence was in Los Angeles in January, when, rather than accept a unification clash with Canelo, he instead fought former IBF champion Caleb Truax, winning all 12 rounds on every card in another emphatic triumph.

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

Canelo’s path to undisputed

Saturday 6 November 2021 23:04 , George Flood

So, how exactly did we get here?

Canelo’s glittering career to date has brought world titles in four different divisions from light-middleweight all the way up to light-heavy.

He focused his attentions back on super-middle last year in the aftermath of that devastating knockout of Sergey Kovalev, inflicting Briton Callum Smith’s first defeat in a comprehensive decision victory in San Antonio, Texas to pick up the WBA and WBC belts.

He later retained them with an easy third-round stoppage of hopelessly overmatched mandatory challenger Avni Yildirim before adding the WBO strap with that brutal win over Billy Joe Saunders in May that left the latter needing surgery on a fractured eye socket and cheekbone, with it still not certain that he will return to the ring.

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

Saturday 6 November 2021 22:58 , George Flood

Canelo’s brilliant trainer Eddy Reynoso turns 45 today and has every faith that his fighter will successfully take that final step on the road to undisputed...

Plant: I love being the underdog... this is my destiny

Saturday 6 November 2021 22:53 , George Flood

Plant faced loud boos during the weigh-in as the hugely popular Canelo, by contrast, received the adulation of an adoring crowd.

But that reaction and status as a huge underdog does not seem to faze him whatsoever.

“Saturday night you’ve got your first undisputed champ and his name is Caleb Plant”, the American said.

“I love being the underdog. Cheer for him all you want, boo me all you want.

“This is what I do, I was born for this, this is my destiny”.

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

Canelo offers final Plant warning

Saturday 6 November 2021 22:46 , George Flood

So what exactly did Canelo - who showed up to the weigh-in wearing some very interesting golden silk pyjamas - say to Plant during last night’s tense exchanges?

"I say, 'You will see tomorrow. It's time'," the Mexican told Showtime.

"I don't need to say anything. It's time. He will feel something different, believe me.

"Like I say before, for every action, there's a reaction. I feel blessed, I feel motivated for all my fans. It means a lot."

 (AFP via Getty Images)
(AFP via Getty Images)

A feisty rivalry

Saturday 6 November 2021 22:43 , George Flood

The build-up to tonight’s main event has certainly been feisty... to say the least.

Canelo admits there has never been as much animosity between him and a single opponent in his illustrious 59-fight career to date.

The duo came to blows during a press conference six weeks ago, with the scuffle leaving Plant with a cut below his right eye that thankfully was not serious enough to place the fight in jeopardy.

They were denied a face-off at the final presser this week, though things got heated once again at last night’s weigh-in, with a heavy security presence keeping them separate but plenty of barbs once again exchanged as Canelo and Plant had to be pulled away from one another.

Canelo tipped the scales at 168lbs, with Plant - who is almost four inches taller than his opponent - a fraction lighter at 167.

 (AFP via Getty Images)
(AFP via Getty Images)

Plant aiming to get under Canelo’s skin again

Saturday 6 November 2021 22:33 , George Flood

Try as they might, few if any boxers have got under the skin of Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez.

Billy Joe Saunders was arguably the most vocal in trying to rattle the Mexican ahead of a fight in which the Briton ended up in hospital being treated for fractures to his eye socket.

Callum Smith was more reserved in his own pre-fight build-up but, like Saunders, genuinely believed he was the one to finally dethrone arguably boxing’s biggest name.

Where Saunders and others tried and failed, Canelo’s latest opponent, Caleb Plant, appears to have unearthed something in his Las Vegas opponent on Saturday night.

Plant is not one lacking in self-confidence and has talked up his chances of unifying the super-middleweight division – he has the IBF belt while his rival has all the rest – and he appears to have got under his skin.

At a press conference to publicise the fight in September, American Plant made barbs about Canelo’s mother and his trainer, and called him a cheat – a nod to a positive test for clenbuterol back in 2018. The two came to blows, with Plant left with a cut under his right eye.

Click here to read Matt Majendie’s big fight preview in full

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

Canelo vs Plant prediction

Saturday 6 November 2021 22:25 , George Flood

The points defeat to Floyd Mayweather in 2013 remains the only loss of Canelo’s glittering career and he provided a sharp reminder - as if one was needed - of his awesome ability and power with a punishing stoppage of Saunders, who was left needing surgery on a broken eye socket and cheekbone amid questions over whether he will fight again.

Plant may be unbeaten in 22 professional contests to date and have a clear reach advantage as well as a steely determination and self-confidence, not to mention an incredibly tough path to this point, but he’s never fought anyone remotely close to this level before.

As much as it would be superb to see this feud explode into a memorable undisputed clash for the ages, what we seem very likely to get is a one-sided contest that Canelo dominates in trademark fashion, either coasting to a wide decision or pushing for an emphatic stoppage.

We’re going with Canelo by a stoppage in the middle rounds, likely with one of those bruising, trademark body shots, to become only the sixth undisputed boxing world champion since 1988.

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

Fight card in full

Saturday 6 November 2021 22:24 , George Flood

Canelo Alvarez vs Caleb Plant

Anthony Dirrell vs Marcos Hernandez

Rey Vargas vs Leonardo Baez

Elvis Rodriguez vs Juan Pablo Romero

Jose Manuel Gomez vs Jose Antonio Meza

Rances Barthelemy vs Gustavo David Vittori

Joselito Velazquez vs Gilberto Mendoza

Jan Salvatierra vs Fernando Diaz

How to watch Canelo vs Plant

Saturday 6 November 2021 22:24 , George Flood

TV channel: In the UK, Canelo vs Plant is available to watch live on pay-per-view via BT Sport Box Office at a cost of £19.95.

Live stream: Those that have purchased the fight can also watch live online via the website or BT Sport Box Office app.

Welcome to Canelo vs Plant LIVE coverage

Saturday 6 November 2021 22:15 , George Flood

Good evening and a very warm welcome to Standard Sport’s latest boxing LIVE coverage!

It’s a big one tonight from Las Vegas, with pound-for-pound king and bonafide superstar Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez looking to take that final step on the road to undisputed status as he battles fellow super-middleweight world champion Caleb Plant in a huge showdown.

Stay tuned for all the build-up to tonight’s main event, which is expected at around 4am GMT, plus regular updates and results from the undercard!