By: Sean Crose
“It’s easy to say you’re going to knock me out,” Canelo Alvarez told Edgar Berlanga at a press conference on Tuesday, “but it’s much harder to do it. Saturday night will be tough for him for sure. I’m ready for the knockout. I like the feeling of being knocked out and I’m going to do my best to do it.” Canelo has been criticized for facing Berlanga this weekend instead of facing formidable middleweight superstar David Benavidez, but he doesn’t seem to mind the dodged accusations.
“I really can’t wait for Saturday night,” he continued. “It’s going to be a great fight for everyone. Mexico vs. Puerto Rico is always exciting.” Sure enough, Canelo will represent his native Mexico on Saturday night in Las Vegas, while Berlanga will represent Puerto Rico. Suffice it to say, the rivalry between Mexico and Puerto Rico is one of the greatest in the sport. “It’s an honor to fight on this day,” Canelo said. “Mexico’s Independence Day is very important to us. This day is very special and I’m very proud to fight for the Mexican people.”
Despite being the clear favorite to win the title this weekend, Canelo made it clear at Wednesday’s press conference that he takes Berlanga as seriously as any opponent. “I always give 100 percent to my fights and training, no matter who I’m fighting,” he said. “It’s the same mentality every fight. This one is no different. I’ve had a great training camp and I’m ready.”
The unbeaten Berlanga, of course, is fully aware of the huge fight he faces on Saturday. “This is the opportunity of a lifetime for Team Berlanga,” he said. “This weekend is going to be a shootout. On Saturday night, I’m going to make people believe. We have Puerto Rico and Mexico and we’re going to fight on Saturday night.” Indeed, Berlanga is looking to finish the fight early this weekend. “I’m a knockout artist,” he said. “Every fighter wants to do a knockout. We know he’s a legend and we can’t just go overboard. We have to do it the right way. To knock him out in the sixth round, that’s what we’re aiming for. But we’re ready for 12 rounds if we have to.”
For Canelo, the Hall of Famer wants to prove that he is not over at the young age of 34. “I just want to show everyone that I am still the best,” he said.
