The highly-anticipated fight between four-belt 168-lb champion Canelo Alvarez and challenger Edgar Berlanga is set to take place on September 14th, coinciding with Mexican Independence Day. This event will be broadcasted on DAZN and Prime Video PPV, captivating fans all around the world. However, the choice of opponent and the timing of the fight has sparked controversy and criticism among boxing enthusiasts.
While Alvarez boasts an impressive record of 61-2-2 with 39 knockouts, Berlanga, with a record of 22-0 and 17 knockouts, is not viewed as a formidable opponent by many. Fans were eagerly awaiting a matchup between Alvarez and David Benavidez, the WBC’s #1 ranked mandatory challenger, believed to be the only fighter capable of defeating Canelo in the 168-lb division. Berlanga’s relative lack of experience and unconvincing performances against mediocre opponents have left fans questioning the legitimacy of this fight.
Alvarez’s decision to face Berlanga instead of Benavidez has been interpreted as a strategic move to overshadow UFC 306, scheduled on the same night in Las Vegas. By choosing a less threatening opponent, Canelo aims to maintain his Mexican Independence Day weekend tradition while also asserting dominance over Dana White’s company. However, this move has been met with backlash from fans who expected a more competitive and compelling matchup.
The matchup between Canelo Alvarez, representing Mexico, and Edgar Berlanga, hailing from Puerto Rico, adds an extra layer of intrigue to the fight. Berlanga’s confidence in his Puerto Rican fan base and his bold prediction of 1 million PPV buys highlight the significance of national pride in boxing. However, critics argue that Berlanga’s popularity does not necessarily equate to his skill level, raising doubts about his ability to challenge a seasoned champion like Canelo.
In the lead-up to the fight, Canelo Alvarez has faced significant backlash and criticism on social media platforms. Fans have expressed disappointment and frustration over the choice of opponent, citing Berlanga’s lackluster performances and perceived lack of credibility as a worthy contender. The backlash underscores the high expectations and standards set for a fighter of Canelo’s caliber and reputation.
The upcoming showdown between Canelo Alvarez and Edgar Berlanga is a mixed bag of anticipation, controversy, and skepticism. While the clash of champions promises to be a spectacle on Mexican Independence Day, questions surrounding the legitimacy of the matchup and the competitiveness of the challenger linger. As the boxing world braces for this unconventional pairing, only time will tell whether this fight will live up to the expectations of fans and critics alike.