As Canelo Alvarez prepares for his next title defense for his undisputed super middleweight championship, the question arises: who will he face? The options on the table are Edgar Berlanga or Jermall Charlo, with the fight potentially taking place on September 14th or shortly thereafter. Both Berlanga and Charlo present different challenges for Canelo, and the decision will likely come down to which opponent will provide the best preparation for a potential mega-fight against Terence Crawford.
As the former two-division world champion, Jermall Charlo has recently made a comeback after a 2.5-year layoff. His victory over Jose Benavidez Jr. demonstrated his skills and readiness to step back into the ring. Many believe that Charlo would be a more suitable tune-up for Canelo if he is to face Crawford next. With his experience and recent performance, Charlo could provide the necessary challenge to push Canelo to his limits and prepare him for the tough battle ahead.
On the other hand, Edgar Berlanga, with an undefeated record of 22-0, is eager to step into the ring with Canelo. However, doubts linger around Berlanga’s technical abilities, with many labeling him as a straightforward, power-based fighter. While Berlanga may be confident in his skills and talks about facing Canelo for the payday, fans and critics alike question his readiness for such a significant challenge. The lack of quality opposition in Berlanga’s career raises concerns about his ability to compete at the highest level.
If Berlanga were to face Canelo and suffer a defeat, the consequences could be severe. With a loss, Berlanga may fade into obscurity and become just another stepping stone for talented contenders like David Benavidez, Caleb Plant, Diego Pacheco, or Christian Mbilli. The risk of facing Canelo without the necessary experience and skill set could potentially derail Berlanga’s promising career and leave him struggling to regain his footing in the competitive boxing world.
The decision on Canelo Alvarez’s next opponent will have far-reaching implications for both the champion and the contenders. While Jermall Charlo offers a proven track record and a recent return to form, Edgar Berlanga’s ambition and hunger for success cannot be underestimated. Ultimately, the chosen opponent will need to rise to the occasion and prove themselves worthy of sharing the ring with one of boxing’s biggest stars.