By Jake Donovan

Caleb “Sweet Hands” Plant has been forced to withdraw from Saturday’s show in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The unbeaten middleweight and his longtime girlfriend Carman Jean Briscoe were dealt the worst blow any parent can endure, as their daughter Alia passed away Thursday morning in Nashville, Tenn.

More so than any boxer could ever do in the ring, Alia has been a fighter from her May ’13 birth until her untimely passing. She was initially diagnosed with Aicar Transformylase Imp Cyclohydrolase Deficiency, an extremely rare condition with only two known cases.

Something as simple as a common cold could prove life threatening to her immune system, with the family making upwards of six doctor visits per week at times.

Plant (5-0, 4KOs) was once a gifted former amateur standout from Ashland City, Tenn., roughly 30 minutes from Nashville where he regularly trains at Music City Boxing gym. Among his credentials include the 2011 National Golden Gloves championship as a 19-year old in the 178 lb. division, before dropping down in weight.

The 22-year old entered the pro ranks last May, shortly after signing with high-powered adviser Al Haymon. His debut came on the non-televised undercard of Bermane Stiverne’s knockout win over Chris Arreola in their ESPN-televised rematch at USC Galen Center in Los Angeles, California.

The undefeated knockout artist last fought in December, scoring a 1st round knockout in Chester, Pennsylvania. Plans called for a return to the city for this weekend’s bout, but the lack of available venue space prompted the show to relocate to 2300 Arena in Philadelphia.

Plant’s placement on the card—topped by unbeaten super welterweight prospect Prichard Colon—went from probable to questionable when Alia was once again rushed to the hospital earlier this week. His plan was to spend as much time with his ailing daughter before leaving town just long enough to weigh in, fight and rush home.

All of that changed in an instant, after Alia was placed on life support on Tuesday, reaching a point where machines were the only thing keeping her alive. The precious infant died in her mother’s arms Thursday morning.

On behalf of the BoxingScene.com community, the most heartfelt prayers and condolences are offered to Plant and his family.

Jake Donovan is the Managing Editor of BoxingScene.com, as well as a member of Transnational Boxing Ratings Board and the Boxing Writers Association of America. Twitter: @JakeNDaBox