The boxing world is buzzing with speculation about who will be the next opponent to face Mexican superstar Canelo Alvarez. Surprisingly, David Benavidez is not in the running, leaving two contenders as the most likely candidates for the upcoming fight. The contenders in question are Edgar Berlanga from Puerto Rico and Chris Eubank Junior from the UK. However, the fan base does not seem particularly thrilled about either potential match-up.
Chris Eubank Jr, who himself claims to be a true middleweight, seems to be an unlikely opponent for Canelo Alvarez, the unified super middleweight king. Eubank Jr has not done much to earn a shot at Canelo, and at 34 years old, it is doubtful that he would be able to pull off an upset victory. While Eubank Jr possesses a solid chin, his fighting style is inconsistent with sporadic bursts of action. Additionally, he lacks significant punching power at an elite level, if he has even faced elite competition before. The potential fight between Canelo and Eubank Jr is predicted to end in a unanimous decision victory for Canelo, which may not attract much interest from pay-per-view buyers.
In contrast, 27-year-old Edgar Berlanga, the undefeated Puerto Rican contender, appears to have more promise as a potential opponent for Canelo Alvarez. Berlanga, a natural 168-pound fighter, possesses greater punching power than Chris Eubank Jr and has shown a knack for stopping his opponents. While Berlanga has not faced elite competition either, his string of 16 consecutive knockout wins at the start of his professional career captured the attention of boxing fans. Although his knockout streak ended as he faced tougher opposition, Berlanga regained his momentum by stopping Padraig McCory in six rounds in his last fight in February. With a record of 22-0, including 17 knockouts, Berlanga believes he deserves a shot at Canelo and is determined to prove himself in the ring.
Edgar Berlanga has expressed his confidence in facing Canelo Alvarez, citing the potential match-up as a matter of legacy and national pride, pitting Puerto Rico against Mexico. Berlanga believes that he brings a different dynamic to the ring, with an ability to elevate his performance against top-tier competition. Furthermore, he emphasizes his drawing power as a fighter who delivers exciting knockouts, which resonates with audiences. Despite Berlanga’s bold claims and aspirations, it remains uncertain whether he has convinced the boxing community of his readiness to challenge a seasoned champion like Canelo Alvarez.
While both Edgar Berlanga and Chris Eubank Jr are being considered as potential opponents for Canelo Alvarez, there are doubts surrounding their qualifications for such a high-profile fight. Berlanga’s youth, power, and confidence make him a more intriguing option compared to Eubank Jr, who lacks the track record and credentials to challenge a dominant force like Canelo. Ultimately, the boxing world awaits the announcement of Canelo’s next opponent, hoping for a compelling match-up that will captivate fans and showcase the talents of the sport’s elite competitors.