What holds Plant back from being an elite fighter?

That´s a good point. This is truly difficult to overcome.
However, there is nothing wrong with his style. The only issue he would have is the reliance on the shoulder roll. But with enough drilling even that can be fixed.
But, I don´t think it can be done by fighting once or twice a year. One would have to get active to drill it out of them in the actual ring and not just in the gym.

 

I always felt Plant could have been better, he's only fought twice since getting ko'ed by Canelo back in 2021, Dirrell walked into a big punch getting Plant a ko and he lost to Benavides. Just too much inactivity

 

If that were the case he wouldn't have 2 losses with one being a knockout loss. You don't need power to dominate at the top level if you have everything else.

 

Doesn`t know how to put all his weight into his shots and only uses his lead hand to keep fighters off while holding his right hand to his chin in an ineffective Philly shell.

 

Lack of power (which is partially attributable to lack of technique) and poor stamina.

 

Exactly.

If you're going to get to elite level without significant punching power (which Plant doesn't have) the you need to be quick, granite chinned, high ring IQ and top class skills.

Forget your GGG or Beterbiev types, they have power - what Plant would have to be is a Bivol or Calzaghe... But he doesn't quite have the skills or ring IQ to pull off the levels of those two.

 

Without intending to get too philosophical... This is kinda why some will say it's too late to change - because by the time you're in your thirties and taking less fights, there just isn't enough full pressure ring time to cement those habits enough that it isn't still nature to revert.

In theory, yes, it's fixable - in practice, it's realistically not happening.

 

Exactly - if he had everything else he'd be a Zags or Bivol... Annoying to fans who love highlight reel KO's, and doubly annoying because he'd keep on winning

But he's lacking enough in other areas that he's not that fighter... And the lack of power then becomes a problem.

 

Beterbiev and GGG are better pure boxers than Plant? lol. You all keep mentioning his lack of power when Bivol has not stopped anyone in his last 8 fights.

 

Stamina and not enough power

 

1. Not only better but MUCH better. You obviously confuse athleticism and "flashiness" with actual skills.

2. Of course, Bivol also lacks power. No doubt about that. But unlike Plant he is very skilled with good fundamentals which enabled him to dominate Canelo while Plant was badly beaten and knocked out against Cinnamon.

 

Beterbiev is not a better pure boxer than Plant. That is laughable. Plant has much better movement, defense, technical ability and fight IQ. Landing jabs on Callum smith does not make you a great boxer.

 

I don’t think he is that good to begin with. I’m not sure why people rate him so highly. No power and just a runner.

 

Dude never had a fan until Canelo stopped him. I don’t get it either. Dudes pretty basic and very average.

 

I bet you thought Amir Khan was levels above Kell Brook in term of skills until they actually fought each other