SAUL ‘Canelo’ Alvarez dominated Edgar Berlanga over 12 rounds in their super-middleweight title clash. Dropping Berlanga in round three, Canelo cleaned up by wide scores of 117-110 and 118-109 (twice) to take a unanimous verdict over the tough but limited challenger.
A classic Mexico vs. Puerto Rico battle graced the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Mexican Independence weekend. The taller man, Berlanga, quickly operated off the back foot as Canelo took the early initiative.
Referee Harvey Dock intervened in round two as both men delved into the dark side of boxing. Notably, Berlanga was still on the defensive despite landing a solid right hand. Berlanga was dropped in the third round by a perfect left hook. Annoyed by his lapse of concentration, Berlanga pounded the canvas and tried to trade.
The pair pushed and shoved in round five as tempered flared. Referee Dock almost ended up on the deck himself. Berlanga’s aggression was ineffective where it mattered, and Canelo’s solid jab worked overtime. Berlanga was on his back at the end of round seven after swinging a big right hand that caused a slip to the canvas.
Berlanga was warned in the eighth for a headbutt as his temperament waned into dangerous territory. A rabbit punch in round nine continued the trend. No doubting his toughness, all Berlanga could offer was defiance as Canelo raised his hand in the final round. The commentary team described him as a Mexican maestro with paintbrushes in his hands.
“He did good, he said he respects me and I’m his idol. It’s an honour for me to represent my country in this way and on this day,” said Canelo, 62-2-2 (39), who did not address a David Benavidez fight next.
Edgar Berlanga, now 22-1 (17), stated: “I fought a legend tonight and hopefully this is the mark of a future legend representing Puerto Rico. I love Mexicans and Mexico man, it’s like my second home. He’s been my idol since I was a kid. I looked up to him growing up since I was an amateur.”
