REIGNING super-middleweight king Canelo Álvarez will face WBA number one contender Edgar Berlanga on September 14.
The Mexican will be on familiar territory when he steps into the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas for the 10th time in eight years. Canelo’s only loss at the venue came in May 2022 at light-heavyweight against Dmitry Bivol. In his last appearance the 34-year-old defended his undisputed super middleweight championship with a points victory against compatriot Jaime Munguia.
On Mexican Independence Day weekend Canelo will starts as a huge favourite against his 27-year-old opponent who is yet to register an eye-catching win. The world title fight will, however, not feature all four belts with the champion likely to be stripped of his IBF belt for failing to defend the championship against mandatory challenger William Scull. This move will put German-based Cuban into a vacant title fight against IBF number two contender Vladimir Shishkin.
“I am very happy for this fight between Mexico and Puerto Rico,” said Álvarez.
“It’s exciting to be part of another great Mexico vs. Puerto Rico battle inside the ring because historically we have always offered unforgettable fights full of passion. I am proud to contribute to this legacy and facing an opponent like Edgar Berlanga adds even more excitement and meaning to this event.”
Since signing for Matchroom in February 2023 Berlanga has racked up back-to-back wins against Irish opposition in Jason Quigley and Padraig McCrory. Berlanga created some excitement during his early days as a pro winning his first 16 fights in the first round. The former Top Rank fighter has failed to impress, however, since stepping up his opposition and now takes a mammoth leap into elite world-class competition.
Berlanga, however, says he is worthy of the opportunity against one of the sport’s modern greats.
“I deserve to be here, and I’m going to shock the world and silence the critics by delivering a masterful performance and knocking out Canelo Álvarez on September 14.
“I will prove that my Puerto Rican heritage surpasses Mexican boxing, from Gómez to Trinidad to Cotto, and now to Berlanga. I will reclaim what is rightfully ours. I’m ready to make this a historic firefight, continuing the greatest rivalry in boxing: Puerto Rico vs Mexico. Vamos arriba, puñeta!”
