by Oscar Cabrero/ Boxing Contributor

In a candid revelation, Caleb Plant has finally opened up about the circumstances leading to his unexpected smack of Jermall Charlo backstage at the Terence Crawford–Errol Spence Jr. weigh-in on July 28 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The incident, captured in viral footage, sparked intrigue and speculation across the boxing community. Plant’s explanation sheds light on the incident, revealing that it was a culmination of Charlo’s escalating disrespect that triggered his reaction.

Addressing his followers on Instagram Live, the former IBF super middleweight champion recounted how Charlo had insulted him and repeatedly tugged on his beard despite Plant’s initial warnings.

As Plant recounts, he had politely requested that Charlo cease his intrusive behavior and even gave him the decency of a prior warning. However, Charlo’s derogatory remarks and unrelenting invasiveness escalated the situation. Faced with Charlo’s continued taunts and physical provocations, Plant felt cornered and compelled to take a stand.

The breaking point came when Charlo made disparaging remarks and grabbed Plant’s face with even greater force, disregarding Plant’s plea for respect, especially in front of his wife and peers. Feeling pushed to his limits, Plant made the split-second decision to smack Charlo, an action that was swiftly intercepted by security. Plant explained that he saw it as a choice between standing up for himself or tolerating a level of disrespect he could not bear, even if it meant potential consequences.