Huron native in boxing title fight.
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The dream of coaching a boxer to a World Title became a reality Sunday, Jan. 13 for Huron native Justin Gamber. Gamber is the trainer for new IBF Super Middleweight Champion Caleb “Sweethands” Plant, who defeated former champ Jose Uzcategui by unanimous decision in the main event of the Premier Boxing Champions event at Los Angles’ Microsoft Theater. The fight card was aired on FS1 nationwide.
Gamber, who has been working with Plant (18-0, 10 TOKs) full time since 2013, is a lifelong boxing devotee who was been working in the sport for more than a decade. In the afterglow of the big title match, Gamber said he’s still processing the achievement and the reality of handling a world champion.
“I was ecstatic when (Plant) was announced as the winner,” Gamber said. “It was kind of surreal. It’s still sinking in ... in increments.”
The Fight
By most accounts of the boxing press, Plant dominated the fight and won 8 rounds during the 12 round fight. That included a fast start that saw Plant establish a furious pace as both fighters exchanged punches and Plant secured two knockdowns of the champion. It was only the third and fourth times, respectively, that Uzcategui (28-2) has been knocked down in his pro career.
Gamber said while he was encouraged by his fighter’s success, he was concerned with the pace he was setting.
“I think he got caught up in the moment, and even though he was doing well, I was concerned about the pacing,” the coach said. Towards the later rounds, when Plant ostensibly had enough rounds won to coast to a win, Gamber was heard on the telecast advising the contender to stay with the jab and keep his distance. In other words, fight smart.
“Get back to the stick (jab),” Gamber told Plant between rounds.
The official scorecard had Uzcategui winning three of the last four rounds, and the famously hard puncher unleashed dangerous strikes throughout the contest. Plant suffered a cut above his right eye that swelled and bled, but did not affect his ability to ultimately finish the fight.
When the bell rang on the 12th round, Plant raised his hand in triumph and stood on the ropes, clearly believing he had won. Still, it takes a dominant victory to take the belt off a champion in a decision. Gamber said he was never worried the judges would call for Uzcategui’s hand to be raised in controversy.
“I was never concerned and there was never a doubt in my mind,” Gamber said. “It’s so crazy because it’s here now and it finally happened.”
The Aftermath