Canelo-Berlanga Being Targeted For September 14; Fans Unhappy – ‘Boycotting Canelo’
Canelo Alvarez has reportedly decided to defend his Undisputed Super Middleweight Title against Edgar Berlanga.
Alvarez defended his title against Jaimie Munguia with a unanimous decision win. He is facing increasing pressure to fight David Benavidez next, only to demand $200 million. That figure made the fight more unlikely as Canelo switched targets. The IBF had ordered him to face William Scull next. A deal was agreed upon, but reports stressed that it was a step-aside deal. That meant Canelo’s focus was elsewhere.
Initial reports suggested Canelo was in talks with Chris Eubank Jr. The fight would likely have sold out in the UK since Eubank is a mega name. But given Canelo’s desire to continue fighting in the US, any deal would have had to see Eubank fight across the pond. Eubank is not the biggest name in the US, although he could command an army of British fans who would travel across the pond.
Canelo Vs. Berlanga
Jermall Charlo was also mentioned as a possibility. He was in the running before his brother, Jermell Charlo, took the Canelo fight. However, Jermall had been away from the sport for over two years with mental health problems. He only returned last year when he beat Jose Benavidez Jr. His increasing inactivity meant the fight would struggle to sell with the fans, meaning he was not seen as the top option.
Now, Berlanga is seen as the leading candidate. A fight for Mexican Independence Day on September 14 is being planned, meaning Canelo would go head-to-head with the UFC’s 306 event from The Sphere in Las Vegas. Berlanga is undefeated with a 22-0 record. He stopped Padraig McCrory in his last fight. His other main wins were over Steve Rolls and Jason Quigley. This is by far his biggest test, but he will have the support of his Puerto Rican fanbase.
Benavidez Reacts
Canelo knows a win takes him closer to a possible mega-fight with Terence Crawford. The news has also had an impact on Benavidez. The Mexican Monster has been the WBC Interim Super Middleweight Champion for over two years. The WBC has not made the mandatory order, nor did they strip Canelo. Benavidez responded by moving up to 175 pounds to take on Oleksandr Gvozdyk for the WBC Interim Light Heavyweight Title.
He secured a unanimous decision win, making him the mandatory for the winner of Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev. They will fight for undisputed on October 12. But after beating Gvozdyk, Benavidez said he was moving back to 168 pounds. The decision to change his mind means that Benavidez is no longer interested in Canelo as he seeks his path. Benavidez’s promoter, Sampson Lewkowicz, has confirmed as much.
“This was the decision of [Benavidez]. He doesn’t want to lose any more time waiting for Canelo. He wants to create his own legacy. [And] he will go down his own path without Canelo,” Lewkowicz said
Canelo has earned the right to choose his opponent. But his decision has alienated some fans, who simply want to see him box the best fighters.
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