Luka Plantic failed to repeat Hrgović's success, and was defeated in the fight for the world belt by a controversial break.

Luka Plantić, the undefeated Croatian boxer with a record of 13-0, faces his biggest challenge yet in a high-stakes fight against American contender Lester Martinez, who holds a professional record of 20-0-1. The bout, scheduled for Saturday at the USC Galen Center in Los Angeles, will determine whether Plantić can secure a temporary WBC title in the super middleweight division. A victory would not only grant him the interim championship but also position him as a mandatory challenger for either Canelo Alvarez or Christian Mbilli, depending on the outcome of their upcoming match set for October 31. This fight represents a pivotal moment in Plantić’s career, potentially opening doors to the pinnacle of world boxing. The battle between Plantić and Martinez has been meticulously prepared. Training camps have taken place under intense conditions, with Plantić describing the process as demanding and relentless. He and his team trained twice daily, pushing themselves to maximum capacity. The camp was conducted with no room for rest, emphasizing the importance of physical and mental endurance. According to Plantić, the training regimen was executed to the best of their ability, ensuring they were fully prepared for the challenges ahead. Currently based in Los Angeles, Plantić spent the previous week in a small town near the city called Indio. The temperatures there reached up to 46 degrees Celsius during the day and dropped to 35 at night. The heat proved to be a major challenge, with Plantić expressing frustration over the extreme conditions. Unlike the heat in Croatia, which he described as harsh but manageable, the climate in Indio was unbearable due to its dryness and lack of wind. Even when breezes did occur, they carried scorching air that intensified the discomfort. “It's just awful,” Plantić remarked, highlighting how difficult it was to remain outdoors. In preparation for the fight, Plantić and his trainers analyzed Martinez’s strengths and weaknesses. His team, including coaches from Croatia, Jaroslav and Stanko, as well as local trainer Diaz from Indio, collaborated to develop a strategic plan. They identified key moments in Martinez’s performance, particularly noting that the Mexican fighter begins to decline after the third round. Based on this assessment, Plantić believes that maintaining composure and applying pressure through tempo and intensity could lead to success. “Martinez starts to fall apart after three rounds,” he explained. “I need to stay calm, keep my head clear, and apply pressure.” Despite the extensive preparations, Plantić refuses to make predictions about the outcome of the fight. He acknowledges the unpredictable nature of boxing, where a single punch can change everything. “One punch is enough to end the story,” he said. “There’s always the possibility of a lucky punch. That’s why I’m staying focused, keeping things simple. There’s nothing more to say than that.” His approach reflects a blend of confidence and humility, acknowledging that while strategy matters, the fight itself will ultimately decide the result. This bout carries immense significance for Plantić. Winning would not only provide him with the WBC Silver title but also elevate his standing within the sport, granting him the opportunity to challenge some of the greatest names in boxing. “There’s no doubt this is the biggest fight of my professional career,” he stated. “It offers two opportunities, one for the WBC Silver title and another to become a mandatory challenger for the world title. It would be amazing to face either Canelo or Christian Mbilli.” The fight is set to take place in one of the most iconic venues in boxing, the USC Galen Center, where the stakes are high and the atmosphere electric. As the countdown to the bout continues, all eyes will be on Plantić, ready to test his mettle against one of the toughest opponents of his career.