Canelo Alvarez, the WBA, WBC, and WBO super middleweight champion, showcased his merciful side in his last fight against Jaime Munguia on May 4th. Despite having the opportunity to finish off Munguia early in the fight, Canelo chose to carry him through 12 one-sided rounds, hinting at a sense of mercy towards his opponent. This attitude towards Munguia could potentially be repeated in Canelo’s upcoming fight against Edgar Berlanga.
Unlike Munguia, Berlanga possesses a hard-hitting style that could make it challenging for Canelo to show the same level of mercy in their bout. With a record of 22-0 and 17 KOs, Berlanga will be swinging for the fences, determined to knock out Canelo. This aggressive approach from Berlanga may force Canelo to step up his game and not rely on carrying his opponent throughout the fight.
Despite the anticipation for the fight between Canelo and Berlanga, there has been criticism surrounding Canelo’s choice of opponent. Many boxing fans argue that Berlanga is a bottom-tier fighter compared to other potential contenders like David Benavidez or Caleb Plant. This criticism has led some to believe that Canelo is merely padding his record and not challenging himself against high-level opponents.
With Berlanga being perceived as an underdog in the fight, there are concerns about the potential mismatch that could unfold in the ring. Selling this fight for a high price on PPV, coupled with a lackluster undercard, could damage Canelo’s reputation if the bout turns out to be one-sided. The pressure is on Canelo to deliver an entertaining and competitive fight to justify the PPV price tag.
Despite being viewed as the underdog, Berlanga exudes confidence in his abilities to challenge Canelo. At a recent press conference, Berlanga whispered to Canelo that he would show him something different on September 14th. This bold statement reflects Berlanga’s determination to prove himself against the seasoned champion. However, Canelo remains unfazed by Berlanga’s words, confident in his own skills and experience.
Some critics have labeled Canelo’s current phase as a glorified retirement tour, citing his choice of opponents and the level of competition he has faced. The perception that Canelo is avoiding top-tier fighters in favor of easier matchups raises questions about his legacy in the sport. While Canelo’s success in the ring cannot be denied, the quality of his opposition remains a point of contention among boxing enthusiasts.
The upcoming fight between Canelo Alvarez and Edgar Berlanga poses an intriguing matchup with contrasting styles and narratives. As the date approaches, all eyes will be on Canelo to see if he can maintain his merciful approach or if Berlanga’s hard-hitting tactics will force him to fight more aggressively. The criticisms and concerns surrounding the fight only add to the anticipation and stakes for both fighters as they prepare to step into the ring.