Trevor McCumby targets shock win over Caleb Plant Sept. 14

Super middleweight Trevor McCumby may not be as well-known as Caleb Plant, but he’s hoping to change that when they meet on Sep. 14 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on pay-per-view.

McCumby, a former prospect originally signed with Top Rank Inc., took a five-year hiatus from professional boxing from 2018 to 2023. His return in May 2023 saw him secure three victories, including a win over Christopher Pearson on ProBox TV. This recent success has earned him a shot at Plant, one of the division’s most notable fighters and a former titleholder.

“I have skills as well,” McCumby said at Tuesday’s media workout. “This is my coming-out fight. So, the world is going to see Trevor McCumby, and they’re going to be very shocked.”

McCumby (28-0, 21 KOs), 31, is an undefeated fighter who was once considered a can’t-miss prospect, now teetering on the edge of contender status. Known for his unique style, he dresses like a more refined Kenny Powers from “Eastbound and Down,” embodying a middle America stereotype that might puzzle some Europeans. Despite his quirky exterior, McCumby is serious about his craft.

“I’ve been boxing since I was seven years old,” McCumby said. “I’ve been on really big stages before with other promoters, so this isn’t the first big stage I’ve fought on.”

In his 13th pro fight, McCumby appeared on the undercard of the Tim Bradley-Juan Manuel Marquez pay-per-view at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas. However, this upcoming stage is different—fighting on an Alvarez pay-per-view undercard, one that will be watched by a significant audience. “Oh, I’m stoked. I’m so stoked,” McCumby said. “All these great fighters, we’re all going to get in there and put on a great show.”

Plant (22-2, 13 KOs), the former IBF super middleweight titleholder, last fought in March 2023, losing a unanimous decision to David Benavidez in a pay-per-view headliner. Plant, 32, returns after a bit more than year layoff, with his only defeats coming against Benavidez and Alvarez. McCumby expects nothing less than Plant’s best.

“Every fight to me is the same,” McCumby said. “I train very hard for every fight. I’m expecting the best Caleb Plant, and I’m training for the best Caleb Plant.”

When asked what he plans to showcase on fight night, McCumby responded simply: “Tenacity.”

Lucas Ketelle is a proud member of the Boxing Writers Association of America and author of “Inside The Ropes of Boxing” (available on Amazon). Contact him on X @LukieBoxing.