In a sport where narratives are built around hype and prestige, it was raw hunger and pressure that stole the show on Saturday night at the MGM Grand. Armando “El Toro” Reséndiz, seen by many as a stepping stone opponent, outworked and outwilled former IBF super middleweight champion Caleb “Sweet Hands” Plant in a gritty upset win that will resonate across the division.

🔥 The Dawg Came to Bite

Reséndiz wasn’t supposed to win this fight. Coming off a stoppage loss to Elijah Garcia — a middleweight — many doubted whether the Mexican pressure fighter could handle the elite skillset of Plant, a slick boxer with world-class experience.

But from the opening bell, Reséndiz made one thing clear: this wasn’t about technique — it was about heart.

“Underdogs bite hardest when they’re cornered.”
— OddDawgz Motto

He walked Plant down with relentless body attacks, cutting off the ring and never allowing the favorite to settle into rhythm. By Round 4, Plant’s movement was visibly compromised. His gas tank was emptying, and his punches were losing sting.

⏳ Gassed Out and Broken Down

What surprised most observers was how early Plant appeared fatigued. Known for his conditioning and slickness, Plant seemed overwhelmed by the sheer volume and intensity Reséndiz brought. Round after round, El Toro chopped away at the midsection, doubling up hooks, leaning on him in clinches, and draining the energy from the veteran’s legs.

It wasn’t flashy, but it was brutally effective.

“I learned from my loss. This time, I brought my soul.”
— Armando Reséndiz post-fight

🧾 Questionable Scorecards Raise Eyebrows

The fight was clear to most watching: Reséndiz controlled the pace, the damage, and the pressure. Yet, the judges made it uncomfortably close.

• One scorecard even had it 114–114, a draw.
• The others barely favored Reséndiz, creating a sense that boxing’s judging inconsistencies nearly stole a well-earned win.

Fans erupted on social media, questioning how a fighter who did so little in the second half of the bout could’ve kept it so close.

“Boxing judging is a dark art. And sometimes, a dangerous one.”
— Boxing analyst on Twitter

🐂 Redemption of El Toro

Let’s not forget: Reséndiz came into this fight off a TKO loss, moving up a weight class, and facing a former champion with a full camp.

That context makes this performance even more remarkable. It wasn’t just about outboxing Plant — it was about overcoming self-doubt, adversity, and public perception.

Reséndiz didn’t just win a fight. He resurrected his momentum and entered the contender conversation at 168 lbs.

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Final Verdict:
Caleb Plant was the name on the marquee, but Armando Reséndiz was the name fans will remember. Dawgs don’t bark. They bite.