In the upcoming clash between Edgar Berlanga and Canelo Alvarez, former unified light heavyweight champion Anthony Tarver sees only one possible path to victory for Berlanga. The key, according to Tarver, lies in implementing a strategy similar to the one Dmitry Bivol used to defeat Canelo in 2022. Bivol employed in-and-out attacks to dominate Canelo and secure a 12-round decision victory. While Berlanga may not possess the same level of boxing skills as Bivol, he will need to mimic a similar style to stand a chance against the formidable Alvarez.
Concerns Over Berlanga’s Ability to Take Hard Shots
One of the major areas of concern for Berlanga going into the fight is his ability to withstand the hard shots that Canelo will undoubtedly deliver. Berlanga has shown vulnerability in previous fights, being hurt by opponents like Marcelo Conceres, struggling against Steve Rolls, Roamer Alexis Angulo, and Jason Quigley. While he appeared improved in his last fight against Padraig McCrory, questions remain about his durability against a top-tier opponent like Canelo.
Tarver highlights the significance of Canelo potentially slowing down in the fight against Berlanga. In his last bout against Jaime Munguia, Canelo showed signs of fatigue in the later rounds, despite initially performing well. If Canelo’s stamina becomes a factor in the fight, Berlanga may have an opportunity to capitalize on the champion’s weaknesses. However, Tarver emphasizes that unless Canelo significantly slows down, Berlanga’s chances of victory remain slim.
To stand a chance against Canelo, Berlanga will need to come out swinging from the opening bell. Known for his explosive power, Berlanga’s best chance of success lies in starting fast and putting pressure on Canelo early in the fight. Berlanga’s previous success with 16 consecutive first-round knockouts demonstrates his ability to overwhelm opponents with his aggressive approach. By reverting to his aggressive style and avoiding a more passive boxing approach, Berlanga may have a better chance of challenging the reigning champion.
Edgar Berlanga faces a formidable task in taking on Canelo Alvarez. To have any hope of dethroning the unified super middleweight champion, Berlanga must draw inspiration from past successful strategies and capitalize on any potential weaknesses shown by Canelo. While the odds may be stacked against him, Berlanga’s explosive power and aggressive style could present a challenge to Canelo if executed effectively. Only time will tell whether Berlanga can rise to the occasion and secure a victory against one of boxing’s elite talents.