Despite the lack of definite confirmation from Canelo Alvarez, promoter Eddie Hearn remains optimistic about the possibility of Edgar Berlanga facing off against the undisputed super middleweight champion in September. Hearn believes that the clash between the #1 WBA contender, Berlanga, and the dominant Canelo would present a classic Mexico vs. Puerto Rico showdown.
Winning his last fight against Padraig McCrory by a sixth-round knockout, Edgar Berlanga positioned himself as Canelo’s WBA mandatory challenger. Initially mandated to face WBA ‘regular’ champion David Morrell Jr., Berlanga sidestepped that opportunity in favor of holding out for a shot at Canelo Alvarez. While Canelo has not disclosed his preferred opponent for September, the decision could potentially boil down to Berlanga or IBF mandatory challenger William Scull.
Earning comparisons to Floyd Mayweather, Berlanga’s charisma and ability to engage with fans make him an intriguing candidate for a Canelo showdown. Often embodying the role of the villain, Berlanga’s boastful nature draws attention, particularly in his hometown of New York. This polarizing effect could see viewers tuning in not out of admiration for his fighting skills, but rather in anticipation of his defeat. Despite his protected career path under promotional banners like Top Rank and Matchroom, Berlanga’s potential clash with Canelo could elevate his status in the boxing world.
Expressing confidence in Berlanga’s chances of securing a fight with Canelo, Eddie Hearn remains optimistic about the matchup. Acknowledging Canelo’s numerous mandatory challengers, Hearn believes Berlanga stands as a viable option given his status as a fresh and promising puncher. While Berlanga may not have faced top-tier opponents like Benavidez, Plant, or Morrell, his willingness to give his all in the ring makes him an attractive choice for Canelo. Whether the fight takes place on a Matchroom, PBC, or international platform, Hearn is adamant about providing Berlanga with the opportunity to showcase his skills against a marquee opponent like Canelo.
While the potential matchup between Canelo Alvarez and Edgar Berlanga holds a certain level of intrigue, it remains to be seen whether Berlanga is truly ready to face a seasoned champion like Canelo. The clash between Mexico and Puerto Rico could generate significant interest among boxing aficionados, but there are doubts about the competitiveness of the bout. As fans await the official announcement from Canelo regarding his next opponent, the prospect of Berlanga stepping into the ring with a pound-for-pound king like Canelo raises questions about the young contender’s readiness for such a monumental challenge. Ultimately, while the fight may not elicit the same excitement as a high-profile showdown, it could serve as a stepping stone for Berlanga’s career if he manages to rise to the occasion.