Caleb Plant's Grave-Digging Celebration Causes Controversy After KO Win

Photo: Caleb Plant (Instagram)

Caleb Plant caused a stir after knocking out Anthony Dirrell in October 2022. Plant, coming off his first career loss to Canelo Alvarez, was determined to make a statement. After a heated buildup filled with trash talk, Plant delivered a brutal knockout in the ninth round.

As Dirrell lay on the canvas, Plant pretended to dig his grave with an imaginary shovel—a celebration inspired by a video game. The act upset many in the boxing world because of the dangers fighters face in the ring. Even the referee tried to stop him, but Plant kept going. Commentators on the fight expressed concern, saying, "Oh no, don't do that."

In his post-fight interview, Plant explained the gesture. He referenced Dirrell's comments about not losing to a "white boy" and said, "Skin color doesn’t win fights, skills do."

Photo: Caleb Plant (Instagram)

After the fight, Plant took things further by releasing an action figure of himself, complete with shovels, to mark the moment. He later said he knew it would go viral.

Despite the controversial celebration, Plant's win helped him bounce back. However, five months later, in March 2023, he lost to David Benavidez. Though he hasn't held a title since, Plant remains a prominent figure in boxing, with several high-profile incidents, including a scuffle with Jermall Charlo and throwing a drink at Ryan Garcia.


Plant's next fight is against Trevor McCumby, where he hopes to make another statement with a knockout.

Read Next: Dan Hurley Explains Why He Turned Down Lakers Coaching Job

Source: Talk Sports 

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