Promoter Eddie Hearn is still holding onto hope that Edgar Berlanga will be the next opponent for undisputed super middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez in September. Hearn believes that Berlanga, the #1 WBA contender with a record of 22-0 and 17 KOs, could make an interesting opponent for Canelo. He sees this potential matchup as a classic clash between Mexico and Puerto Rico, adding an extra layer of excitement to the fight.
Berlanga’s Path to Canelo
Berlanga secured his position as Canelo’s WBA mandatory challenger after a sixth-round knockout victory over Padraig McCrory last February. Originally the mandatory challenger for WBA ‘regular’ super middleweight champion David Morrell Jr., Berlanga decided to hold out for the shot at Canelo instead. While Canelo has not confirmed his next opponent for September, the choice may come down to Berlanga or IBF mandatory challenger William Scull. Notably absent from the list of potential opponents are David Benavidez and Morrell, as they do not pique Canelo’s interest as exciting matchups.
Eddie Hearn believes that Berlanga could generate significant interest in New York due to his loyal fan base. Berlanga’s brash personality and ability to portray the role of the villain could attract fans who are eager to see him lose. Hearn compares Berlanga to Floyd Mayweather, suggesting that fans may tune in to watch Berlanga’s fights not because they admire his fighting style, but because they are rooting for his defeat. However, Berlanga’s lack of significant wins against top contenders and his protected career trajectory raise questions about his readiness for a fighter of Canelo’s caliber.
Despite the uncertainties surrounding Berlanga’s readiness for a fight against Canelo, Eddie Hearn remains confident in the possibility of this matchup. Hearn acknowledges that Berlanga is a mandatory challenger for Canelo, and there is a good chance that he may be selected for the next fight in September. While Hearn acknowledges that Berlanga may not be ready to face elite fighters like Benavidez or Morrell, he still believes that the Mexico vs. Puerto Rico narrative could make the fight appealing to fans. Hearn expresses his willingness to promote the fight wherever it may take place, emphasizing his commitment to Berlanga as a fighter under his management.
The potential matchup between Canelo Alvarez and Edgar Berlanga has sparked mixed reactions from boxing fans and experts. While some see the Mexico vs. Puerto Rico storyline as a compelling narrative for the fight, others question Berlanga’s readiness to face a fighter of Canelo’s caliber. Only time will tell whether this controversial matchup comes to fruition and how it will be received by the boxing community.