Edgar Berlanga is confident that he will be able to defy the odds and pull off a major upset by defeating the boxing superstar Canelo Alvarez in their upcoming fight. Many in the United States don’t believe that Berlanga is ready for this level of competition, viewing his title shot as a result of various factors such as his popularity in New York City and the promotional efforts of Eddie Hearn. Critics point to Berlanga’s less than stellar performances in his recent fights, including being dropped by Marcelo Conceres and struggling against Roamer Alexis Angulo and Steve Rolls.
The general consensus among fans is that Canelo Alvarez is simply going through the motions, facing lesser opponents in what has been dubbed his “Bum of the Month” tour. Berlanga is seen as just another in a long line of opponents that Canelo is using to boost his bank account. However, Berlanga sees this fight as an opportunity to showcase his skills and establish his name in the world of boxing. Despite doubts from the public, Berlanga remains confident in his abilities, stating that he has been ready for this moment.
Reality Check
While Berlanga talks a big game, his resume doesn’t quite stack up to Canelo’s. Some have questioned Berlanga’s sincerity in claiming to be prepared for this fight, especially since he turned down opportunities to face tougher opponents like David Morrell or Caleb Plant. His notable wins have come against mid-tier competition, and many believe that he is not on the same level as Canelo. The fact that he is getting this title shot primarily due to his WBA ranking and promotional ties adds fuel to the criticism.
Berlanga has been vocal about his desire to represent Puerto Rico in the ring, emphasizing the historical rivalry between Puerto Rican and Mexican fighters. However, there has been some pushback against Berlanga’s claims of Puerto Rican heritage, as he was born in the United States. Critics view his use of Puerto Rican identity as a marketing ploy rather than a genuine reflection of his background. Prominent figures like Oscar De La Hoya have called out Berlanga for allegedly exploiting his heritage for promotional purposes.
The upcoming fight between Edgar Berlanga and Canelo Alvarez has generated significant buzz and controversy within the boxing community. While Berlanga exudes confidence and determination, many remain skeptical of his chances against the seasoned champion Canelo. Whether Berlanga can truly shock the world and emerge victorious on September 14th remains to be seen, but one thing is certain – this fight has captured the attention of fans and critics alike.