Canelo vs. Berlanga Confirmed; Fans Erupt – ‘Canelo Is A Disgrace To Boxing’
Canelo Alvarez will box Edgar Berlanga on September 14 during Mexican Independence Day after getting stripped of his IBF Title, leaving him with three belts.
Alvarez had beaten Jaimie Munguia via a unanimous decision, after which the IBF ordered him to face William Scull. Reports indicated that he had agreed a step-aside deal, allowing him to explore further targets. Chris Eubank Jr., Jermall Charlo, and Berlanga were in the running. Meanwhile, the David Benavidez fight is off the table as the Mexican Monster has committed his future to 175 pounds.
Canelo vs. Berlanga
Berlanga benefits from a massive Puerto Rican fanbase that will help sell the fight. His record stands at 22-0 record. He knocked out Padraig McCrory in his previous fight, but facing Alvarez is a different ball game. While there are concerns that the audience will be split due to The UFC 306 card at The Sphere in Las Vegas, Canelo will fancy his chances of selling a big PPV.
The news is significant as it confirms Canelo’s intentions. The boxer is looking to make the most amount of money with the least amount of risk. Now that he is no longer undisputed, the chances of a Terence Crawford fight are slim. Bud’s desire to request that fight was to become undisputed in a third weight class. Crawford faces Israil Madrimov on August 3 at 154 pounds, meaning he will likely stay at the weight class and aim for undisputed there.
It also proves that Benavidez made the right decision to move up to 175. The Mexican Monster is the WBC and is mandatory for the winner of Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol. The response to the Canelo-Berlanga fight has been mixed. The promoters and boxers who have organized the card have understandably talked it up. Meanwhile, the boxing fanbase has not been impressed with the fight.
Reaction
“Every day, we are preparing. We know that Berlanga is a good fighter, a strong, undefeated fighter. The confrontations within boxing between Mexico and Puerto Rico are always intense fights, very morbid fights, and, above all, very good boxing. Puerto Rico has produced many world champions and Hall of Fame fighters. Mexico has done the same. It will be a very attractive fight against a great fighter in Berlanga who’s undefeated and faced some of the best fighters competing at 168 pounds over the last few years,” Eddie Reynoso (Canelo’s trainer)
“I’m excited for my guy, Edgar Berlanga, to get a shot at the king of boxing, Canelo Álvarez. “I want to thank all the players for helping me get this deal over the line. Canelo vs. Berlanga is renewing the Mexico vs Puerto Rico rivalry, which is the best in boxing history. September 14 is a can’t-miss event for fans around the world,” Berlanga’s manager (Keith Connolly)
“Edgar Berlanga’s nickname is the Chosen One. I’m so happy he got the golden pick for September 14. This is the fight we dreamed about when we signed Edgar last year. He is ready to give everything for himself, his family, and Puerto Rico. You have a young, unbeaten, fearless puncher ready to tackle one of the all-time greats – get ready for drama in Las Vegas,” Eddie Hearn
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