THERE’S nothing like a Canelo fight weekend in Las Vegas. On September 14, the man who has made T-Mobile Arena his home will face his latest challenge. While many were hoping he would face natural rival David Benavidez, Canelo instead took on a different kind of challenge in Edgar Berlanga.
With no shortage of confidence, Berlanga describes himself as “The Chosen One,” with a prophetic certainty. The Puerto Rican-born New Yorker may need a little divine help to unseat the reigning and defending WBA, WBC and WBO super middleweight king.
If there’s one thing Berlanga has going for him, it’s his chances as a puncher. This is, after all, the same fighter who has a 16-round first-round knockout streak in his career. Since the level of competition has increased, the KOs have dried up. Berlanga has made the jump from Top Rank to Matchroom, winning his last fight against Irishman Padraig McCrory.
Canelo, meanwhile, hasn’t stopped anyone since Caleb Plant felt the wrath of 2021, five fights and 60 rounds ago. That’s why Berlanga could be a sneaky shout to watch from a distance. Keep an eye on the DQ line, too, as Berlanga has a history of losing his cool, even biting opponents in the past. There’s a chance he could take a big bite of Mexican beef if the tides turn dramatically.
Berlanga is at his best when he is proactive and pressing in fights. If he tries to land some bombs here, he will be in serious danger of being countered and taken down at range. He has tried to step out and box in the past but has looked clumsy and unnatural. All of these factors combined mean that Canelo will think he can end his long knockout drought.
Here are Rob Tebbutt’s tips:
Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez wins by KO in rounds 4-6 @ +350
Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez wins by KO in rounds 5-8 @ +200
Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez wins the fight/Under 7.5 rounds @ +125
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