Berlanga vs. Benavidez: The Social Media Clash
Edgar Berlanga, the undefeated super middleweight contender, didn’t hold back in his fiery response to David Benavidez’s criticism. Benavidez had labeled Berlanga’s upcoming fight against unified 168-lb champion Canelo Alvarez as “trash.” This sparked a war of words on social media, with Berlanga calling Benavidez a “dirtbag” and accusing him of being a hater.
The Source of Benavidez’s Frustration
David Benavidez’s frustration is understandable. As Canelo’s WBC mandatory at 168, Benavidez had been waiting for a world title shot against Alvarez since 2022. After being bypassed multiple times, Benavidez decided to move up to 175 pounds in search of more opportunities. It’s no surprise that he’s upset about Canelo choosing Berlanga for his next title defense.
Berlanga Fires Back
Berlanga, who boasts a 22-0 record with 17 knockouts, took to social media to defend himself. “F*** that fat a**. He’s a dirtbag just like his father, and God doesn’t bless nobody who’s always hating on another man. That’s for females, bro,” Berlanga wrote on X (formerly Twitter), responding to Benavidez’s criticism.
Questioning Berlanga’s Record
Critics, including Benavidez, argue that Berlanga’s record is padded with easy opponents. Fighters like Marcelo Coceres, Roamer Alexis Angulo, Padraig McCrory, Jason Quigley, and Steve Rolls are not considered top-tier competition. Many fans view Berlanga as a cherry-pick by Canelo, who is avoiding tougher challenges.
The Fan Backlash
The boxing community has not been quiet about Canelo’s choice of opponent. Many believe that Canelo should have faced Benavidez first before taking on a perceived easier fight against Berlanga. This decision has led to significant fan backlash, questioning Canelo’s legacy and his willingness to face the best in the division.
Berlanga’s Dubious Path
Berlanga’s journey to the Canelo fight is seen by some as a carefully managed rise, avoiding dangerous opponents to maintain an undefeated record. To earn a shot at Canelo, critics argue that Berlanga should have faced fighters like David Morrell, Diego Pacheco, Caleb Plant, Christian Mbilli, and Hamzah Sheeraz. Many doubt that Berlanga could last more than six rounds against such formidable opponents.
Sanctioning Bodies and Inflated Resumes
The issue of inflated resumes is not new in boxing. Critics argue that sanctioning bodies should enforce stricter rules to ensure fighters are tested against top competition before earning title shots. This practice would prevent champions from prolonging their reigns by selecting less challenging opponents.
The Bigger Picture
The criticism of Berlanga’s fight with Canelo highlights a broader issue within the sport. Boxing needs to ensure that title fights feature deserving contenders, not fighters with inflated records. This approach would help maintain the sport’s integrity and ensure that champions face legitimate challenges.
The Potential Outcome
As Berlanga prepares to face Canelo, the pressure is on to prove his worth. A win against Alvarez would silence his critics, while a loss would validate the claims that he was unprepared for such a high-level fight. The outcome of this bout will significantly impact Berlanga’s career trajectory.
Canelo’s Legacy
Canelo Alvarez’s decision to fight Berlanga instead of Benavidez raises questions about his willingness to take on the toughest challenges. While Canelo’s legacy is already well-established, his choice of opponents will continue to be scrutinized by fans and analysts alike.
