Canelo Could Box Berlanga In September – ‘We’re Ready To Go’
Eddie Hearn has suggested that Canelo Alvarez could box Edgar Berlanga in September.
Alvarez is coming off a unanimous decision win against Jaime Munguia, as he remained the Undisputed Super Middleweight Champion. There is increasing pressure on Canelo to fight David Benavidez. The Mexican Monster is the WBC Interim Super Middleweight Champion, a position he has had for over two years. Benavidez moved up to 175 and defeated Oleksandr Gvozdyk in his last fight. That means he is the mandatory for the winner of Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol, who face off on October 12.
The Mexican Monster must now pursue the mandatory position at 168 or 175. Canelo was ordered to face his IBF mandatory William Scull next. Canelo and Scull have agreed on a deal to prevent purse bids. However, there are suggestions it could be a step-aside deal. That suggests Canelo could fight Berlanga, who is the WBA mandatory. That is a bigger fight than Scull. Canelo’s Mexican fanbase and Berlanga’s Puerto Rican fanbase could help sell that fight on Mexican Independence Day. Since Berlanga is with Matchroom, someone whom Canelo has worked with, Hearn has said the fight could happen.
Hearn Reacts
“I think there’s a good chance. He’s a mandatory, but Canelo has a few mandatory. I think for all those interim types of fights away from the Crawfords and Benavidez, I think Berlanga is the most attractive [for Canelo]. Mexico vs. Puerto Rico. Edgar will give it everything. He’s a young, fresh puncher. I think it’s an exciting fight. We’re ready to go for that fight, and we’ll see what happens. I don’t mind. Matchroom show, PBC show, or Riyadh season show. Wherever it is, Edgar is our fighter. He’s under contract with us, and I want to see him get the opportunity. Canelo is my chum. It’s a great fight,” Hearn said
Canelo faces problems over the amount of money he will want. The Mexican charged fans $89.99 for the Munguia fight on PPV. Given that the Undisputed Heavyweight Championship fight between Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk cost $69.99, the pricing was criticized. Canelo could only realistically charge that amount again if he fought Benavidez.
Canelo Responds
The Mexican has requested $200 million for the Benavidez fight. That was seen as a way to price himself out. The Saudis are the only people capable of providing those funds. So far, there is nothing to indicate that they will. There are reports that they favor making Canelo face Terence Crawford. While Canelo could always vacate to free up his options, losing the undisputed tag would reduce his commercial value. Regardless, Canelo has said he is the best in the world.
“In the history of Mexico, obviously it’s talking about many fighters. I don’t consider myself the best in Mexican history. At the end of the day, I think my numbers, when I retire, are going to speak for me, and I don’t have to be saying it myself.”At the end of the day, I feel I am the best in the world at the moment, and the best in Mexico at the moment. And that’s what counts,” Canelo stated
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