Caleb Plant won the year’s knockout contest against Anthony Dirrell, before hosting an unsavory celebration.
30-year-old ex-IBF supermiddleweight champion was competing in his debut fight since being Canelo Alvarez was stopped in their undisputed fight last year.
After landing a big left hook, he returned to the ring with no ring rust.
This result places him back in world title contention, where he could win a rematch against a former foe Canelo.
While he did win the fight against Dirrell with style, the bitter taste of his celebrations after the fight was still there.
Seconds after the devastating blow, Plant stood next to Dirrell where he began to simulate digging his rival’s grave with a shovel.
Harvey Dock, the referee, was quick to stop Plant’s celebration. Dirrell received medical treatment while he lay sprawled on the canvas.
But Plant continued to do the gesture behind Dock’s back as the camera panned to the motionless Dirrell.
Commenting on his celebration, a commentator said: “Oh no, don’t do that. Don’t do that.”
His co-host added: “Caleb frustrated from the histrionics throughout but you don’t want that.”
Speaking in his post-fight interview, Plant remarked: “I’m sure all of you heard how he (Dirrell) hates me and how he said he will never let a white boy beat him.
“Let me tell you something – skin doesn’t win fights, skills win fights.
“And what I’ve got in here is more than he had.
“I was in full control the whole time, my coach kept telling me to stay patient, don’t listen to the crowd, stick to the gameplan.
“And that’s what we did and then, boom baby!”
Plant was competing undercard of Deontay wilder‘s clash against Robert Helenius at the Barclays Center in New York.
He made a successful return as the Bronze Bomber. He defeated his Finnish opponent in round one.
