Caleb Plant vs. Mike Lee - Summer 2019

[Ruthless-RKO]

BS.com has learned that negotiations are ongoing for Plant to battle Lee on an undetermined date during the summer. If that deal is finalized, their 12-round, 168-pound championship match would take place either in the Chicago area or in Nashville.

It also would require the unbeaten Lee to move down from his career-long division, light heavyweight, to the super middleweight limit of 168 pounds.

The 26-year-old Plant (18-0, 10 KOs) hopes his first title defense takes place in Nashville, in large part because he hasn’t fought in Tennessee since he turned pro in May 2014. Plant resides in Henderson, Nevada, but he was raised in Ashland City, Tennessee, approximately 20 miles from Nashville.

From television-viewership and ticket-selling perspectives, the 31-year-old Lee (21-0, 11 KOs) is an attractive potential opponent for an optional title defense because the Notre Dame graduate gained mainstream notoriety through a Subway commercial campaign and has established himself as an attraction in the greater Chicago area. Lee’s drawing power there could lead to Plant’s first title defense being held either at Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Illinois, or DePaul University’s Wintrust Arena in Chicago.

Lee is ranked No. 3 by the WBO, No. 9 by the WBA and No. 13 by the IBF at light heavyweight.

He has not weighed less than 173 pounds for any of his 21 professional fights. The 6-feet Lee still is confident, according to multiple sources, that he can comfortably make 168 pounds.

https://t.co/1r6e6NH9Y0?amp=1

[goose 5]

A joke of a bout. Plant is at a much higher level than Lee.

[caldo2025]

Time to put Plant in with some weeds and watch him bloom. That was awful. I tried.

That’s one of those “oops, I didn’t realize that this kid was going to be good” kind of fighters.

[chuck9788]

Plant is at a much higher level than Lee.

Agreed, but Mike Lee brings a large fan base. He's even in "Subway" commercials.

[gilgamesh]

Easy 1st defense for Plant. Mike Lee has been coddled for a long time. I guess they figure they might as well take advantage of the undefeated record while he's still got it...which he won't anymore at the end of this bout.

[jamamb]

when was the last time two white americans fought for a major world title?

[oogiebe]

when was the last time two white americans fought for a major world title?

Boy you are really into this black and white thing, aren't you? How come?

[jamamb]

do i mention black much? i dont really recall.. there are many colours that arent black or whyte , no dichtomy oogie my man


the white thing is just interesting, because surely everyone sees that there has been a lack of white americans in boxing now for various social and cultural reasons. this type of matchup is surely a rarity, and im curious how far back we have to go

[oogiebe]

do i mention black much? i dont really recall..


the white thing is just interesting, because surely everyone sees that there has been a lack of white americans in boxing now for various social and cultural reasons. this type of matchup is surely a rarity, and im curious how far back we have to go

I was just ribbing you. You are correct that there are far fewer white American boxers these days. Off hand I can't think of any white/white American championship fight(s) in the last couple or three decades.

[SenorPipino]

That would take some thinking.

Immediately Haugen and Pazienza came to mind, but there must be others since.

But in the past few decades there really hasn't been a slew of white Americans holding titles.

[black panther]

Nice man real nice

[oogiebe]

First off the fight doesn't make me very excited at all. Lee is a relatively soft puncher, who, if he does get down to 168 may either gain some power, or if it's not an easy drop, may be weaker. He's never been in the ring with anyone near Plant's level, so experience goes to Plant. I don't see this much in the way of a Lee victory so Plant, either way by late stoppage or wide decision.