Canelo Alvarez vs. Edgar Berlanga: A Showdown of Superstars on Mexican Independence Weekend

The stage is set for one of the most highly anticipated boxing matches of 2024. On Saturday, September 14, at the iconic T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Mexican superstar Canelo Alvarez will defend his WBC, WBA, and WBO super middleweight titles against the young, hungry challenger, Edgar Berlanga. The clash is not just a battle for titles but also a collision of two nations’ pride as the Mexican legend faces the Puerto Rican powerhouse.

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The timing couldn’t be more fitting. Set during the celebration of Mexican Independence Weekend, Canelo, the face of modern Mexican boxing, will look to extend his legacy against a fighter many view as the next big thing. Berlanga, with his unbeaten record and explosive power, is looking to pull off the biggest upset of his career and etch his name into the annals of boxing history.

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The Road to the Fight

Canelo Alvarez (61-2-2, 39 KOs) has had an illustrious career spanning multiple weight divisions, earning titles in four weight classes and establishing himself as one of the greatest fighters of this generation. His impeccable resume includes victories over some of the sport's biggest names, including Gennady Golovkin, Sergey Kovalev, and Miguel Cotto. Despite suffering a rare loss to Dmitry Bivol in 2022 when he ventured into the light heavyweight division, Canelo rebounded with four straight wins, including a dominant unanimous decision victory over Jaime Munguia earlier in 2024.

In July, Canelo was stripped of his IBF title after opting to face Berlanga instead of the organization’s mandatory challenger, William Scull. Though losing the belt was a blow, Canelo has maintained that the fight with Berlanga is what fans wanted, and it is what excites him most. “This is a good fight for the fans,” Canelo said during a press conference in New York. “I know he’s going to bring everything, and I will too. It’s the kind of fight I enjoy a lot.”

Edgar Berlanga (22-0, 17 KOs), meanwhile, has built a reputation as one of the most dangerous punchers in the sport. Hailing from Brooklyn with Puerto Rican roots, Berlanga began his career with an astonishing 16 consecutive first-round knockouts, quickly earning the nickname "The Monster." While his streak of early knockouts has slowed in recent years, his power remains his biggest asset. In February, Berlanga knocked out Padraig McCrory in the sixth round, reminding fans that he’s still a threat to anyone standing in the ring with him.

But this fight with Canelo represents an entirely different challenge. As Berlanga steps up to his first world title shot, he acknowledges the difficulty of facing a seasoned champion like Alvarez. "Canelo is definitely going to bring the best out of me," Berlanga admitted. "This fight is all about intelligence. We have to make sure we match him there. It's will versus will. We're not running. We're going to stay right there and do what we do."

A Clash of Styles and Generations

The fight is as much about boxing skill as it is about legacy. Canelo, 34 years old and at the peak of his powers, has developed into one of the most complete fighters in the sport. He is known for his sharp defensive reflexes, his ability to counterpunch, and his devastating body shots that have broken down many opponents over the years. His ring IQ is among the best in the game, and he knows how to adapt to any style his opponent brings.

Standing at 5'8" with a 70.5-inch reach, Canelo may give up height and reach to Berlanga, but his experience makes him comfortable against bigger opponents. He has consistently faced larger fighters and proven that his skill set can neutralize any physical advantages.

Berlanga, at 6'1" with a 73-inch reach, has a three-inch height and reach advantage over Canelo. He’s younger at 27 years old and boasts an undefeated record, which has given him confidence heading into the bout. Berlanga’s power is his calling card, and he will undoubtedly look to test Canelo’s chin early and often. The question for many is whether Berlanga can maintain his power and effectiveness over the course of 12 rounds against a fighter who thrives in the later rounds.

While Berlanga has struggled to score early knockouts in his recent fights, his most significant test will be how he handles a fighter as seasoned as Canelo. Many critics point out that Berlanga has not faced the level of competition that would prepare him for a challenge like Canelo, but Berlanga sees this as his moment to prove the doubters wrong.

The Stakes Are High

For Canelo Alvarez, this fight is another step toward cementing his legacy as one of the greatest fighters in the history of the sport. He has already accomplished so much, but adding another victory on Mexican Independence Weekend, especially against a rising star like Berlanga, would only enhance his reputation as a modern Mexican icon.

Berlanga, on the other hand, is fighting for everything. A victory against Canelo would catapult him into superstardom and immediately place him among the elite in the super middleweight division. More than just titles are on the line—this is a fight for respect, legacy, and the right to be called one of the best in the world.

Fight Night and Predictions

The fight is expected to be a tactical affair, with Berlanga likely coming out aggressively, looking to impose his power early on. Canelo, ever the strategist, will likely look to weather the early storm, using his superior boxing IQ to frustrate the younger challenger. As the fight progresses, Canelo’s bodywork could wear down Berlanga, potentially setting up a late stoppage or a convincing decision win.

Berlanga’s best chance lies in his ability to catch Canelo early with something powerful. If he can hurt Canelo, it will force the champion into unfamiliar territory, possibly allowing Berlanga to capitalize. However, if the fight goes into the later rounds, it is hard to see anyone out-boxing Canelo.

The Verdict

Canelo Alvarez vs. Edgar Berlanga is more than just a boxing match—it is a clash of generations, a battle between a living legend and a rising star. Whether Berlanga can pull off the upset or Canelo once again proves his greatness, fans are in for an unforgettable night of boxing.

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