The current discussion surrounding who will be the next opponent to face Mexican superstar Canelo Alvarez narrows it down to two potential fighters. Unfortunately, David Benavidez does not fall into this category. The upcoming match in September, on Mexican Independence Day, will see Canelo pitted against either Edgar Berlanga from Puerto Rico or Chris Eubank Junior from the UK. However, the excitement among fans for either of these possible match-ups seems to be lacking.
Chris Eubank Junior himself has acknowledged that he is a true middleweight. Nonetheless, if he were to fight Canelo, who holds the title of unified super middleweight king, Eubank Junior would have to move back up to 168 for the first time in years. Eubank Junior’s record does not warrant a shot at Canelo, and it is highly doubtful that the 34-year-old boxer would be able to upset the Mexican superstar. While Eubank Junior possesses a good chin, his fighting style often consists of sporadic bursts of energy. Additionally, although he has a decent punch, it is not at an elite level. The anticipated outcome of a fight between Eubank Junior and Canelo predicts a unanimous decision victory for the latter.
On the other hand, 27-year-old Edgar Berlanga, the undefeated Puerto Rican, emerges as a stronger contender for the coveted opportunity to face Canelo. Berlanga, being a natural 168-pound fighter, possesses more power than his rival contender, Eubank Junior. Despite not having faced elite-level opponents yet, Berlanga initially gained attention with 16 consecutive knockout victories upon turning professional. However, as he faced tougher competition, the knockout streak subsided, with five of his next six fights going the distance. In his most recent bout against Padraig McCrory, Berlanga managed to recapture his knockout prowess by stopping his opponent in six rounds last February.
Of the two potential candidates, Berlanga presents a more enticing option than Eubank Junior. Berlanga’s ability to deliver powerful punches combined with his Puerto Rican heritage sets the stage for a rivalry against Canelo, representing Mexico. Moreover, Berlanga’s undefeated record of 22-0 and his confidence in deserving a shot at Canelo add to his appeal. In an interview with Cigar Talk, Berlanga expressed his readiness to face Canelo, emphasizing his unique skills and knockout potential. While Berlanga’s claims may not completely convince everyone of his readiness for the challenge, he appears to be a more compelling choice compared to Eubank Junior.
The speculation over Canelo Alvarez’s next opponent points towards either Edgar Berlanga or Chris Eubank Junior. While Eubank Junior may lack the qualifications and skillset to pose a serious threat to Canelo, Berlanga’s power, confidence, and potential make him a more intriguing option for the upcoming match. As the decision looms closer, boxing fans eagerly anticipate witnessing Canelo’s next battle and the ultimate outcome of this high-stakes showdown.