Canelo’s Berlanga PPV Numbers Impress Fans – ‘Face Of Boxing No Doubt’
The Canelo Alvarez vs. Edgar Berlanga PPV numbers did better than expected, proving that Canelo still has star power.
Canelo boxed Berlanga on September 14 during Mexican Independence Weekend. The fight competed against the UFC 306 card, which was headlined by Sean O’Malley and Merab Dvalishvili. Before the fight took place, there was a lot of criticism around whether this would sell. The PPV price was set at $89.99, raising serious question marks over whether it was value for money. Boxing fans wanted to see David Benavidez fight, but that never got made as the Mexican Monster now boxes at 175 pounds.
Meanwhile, the links to a Terrence Crawford fight never resulted in that bout getting made. Oscar De La Hoya was critical of the fight, stating it was a snoozefest. He even urged those within the boxing industry to boycott the fight. His last stance emerged when he stated that he would attend the UFC 306 card instead. Those factors suggested that Canelo’s fight with Berlanga could have flopped with the audience.
Canelo’s PPV
But that appears to be far from the case. According to the Sports Business Journal, 650,000 people bought the PPV, resulting in an impressive gate of $17 million. While it was lower than the UFC gate of $22 million, the UFC spent $20 million on the event. Therefore, their live gate has to be considered with the high costs. The news also means that Canelo can continue to choose opponents on his own accord, regardless of the background noise coming his way.
He has several other fights available to him. Outside of Benavidez and Crawford, Chris Eubank Jr. has spoken about wanting to box the Mexican in May next year. Reports indicated they were in talks for the fight before Canelo pursued Berlanga. There have also been connections with Jermall Charlo previously, although the fight never got made as Canelo faced Jermell Charlo instead.
Canelo’s Options
Caleb Plant has also indicated his desire to rematch Canelo. They faced off in 2021 with a fiery build-up that resulted in Canelo cutting Caleb under the eye after swinging at him during their face-off. This was in retaliation after Plant had used the F word and swung at him first. Given that Canelo’s star power continues to hold regardless of who he faces, the prospects of him facing the very best will now require people to put up a big number.
The Mexican demanded $200 million to face Benavidez, which was seen as a way of pricing himself out. Meanwhile, the Crawford fight will also likely require a big figure, although it would not be as much as the Benavidez one. The news means that Canelo is in no rush to face the top names, given reports he earned around $35 million for the Berlanga fight.
If he can continue to take less risky fights and produce big PPV numbers, the Mexican will be in no rush to take any unnecessary risks. He has spoken about his desire to rematch Dmitry Bivol, who faces Artur Beterbiev on October 12. If Bivol comes through and becomes the new Undisputed Light Heavyweight Champion, that fight could be made. And it appears that Canelo will only take the right fight for the right amount of risk if it improves his legacy.
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