The Press Conference Kickoff
WBA, WBC, and WBO super middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez and his challenger Edgar Berlanga faced off today at their kickoff press conference for their September 14th fight, to be broadcast on DAZN and PBC on Prime Video PPV. Held at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, the event set the stage for what promises to be an electrifying showdown.
Tense Yet Respectful Face-Off
Promoted by Eddie Hearn, Berlanga (22-0, 17 KOs) showed no animosity as he crowded Canelo (61-2-2, 39 KOs) during their face-off. Despite the tension, the encounter remained respectful, hinting at the intense competition to come.
Berlanga’s Frustration with Benavidez Fans
During the press conference, Berlanga expressed frustration over the constant comparisons to David Benavidez. “I don’t want to hear about Benavidez,” Berlanga declared, addressing fans who prefer Canelo to fight his WBC mandatory challenger. Berlanga’s anger towards Benavidez’s fans highlights the pressure he feels to prove himself as a legitimate contender.
Berlanga’s View on the Fight
Edgar Berlanga emphasized his focus on the upcoming fight, stating, “September 14th, Berlanga-Canelo, Puerto Rico vs. Mexico.” Despite the criticisms and comparisons, Berlanga remains determined to make the most of this opportunity.
Criticism of Canelo’s Choice of Opponent
Critics argue that Berlanga is one of the least challenging opponents Canelo has faced since his bout with Avni Yıldırım in 2021. Both Yıldırım and Berlanga are seen as lacking in the talent necessary to pose a real threat to Canelo, leading some to question the legitimacy of the matchup.
Berlanga’s Perspective on the Fight
Berlanga, 27, appears grateful for the chance to fight Canelo for his three titles, seeing it as an opportunity to “get that bag.” Without this fight, Berlanga’s future in the sport could have been uncertain, given the lower level of opposition he has faced thus far.
Promoter’s Justification
Eddie Hearn justified the matchup, explaining the rationale behind signing Berlanga and arranging the fight with Canelo. “Thirteen months ago, we signed Edgar Berlanga, and the promise was, we’d deliver the Canelo Alvarez fight,” Hearn said. Despite the criticism, Hearn believes this fight has commercial appeal due to Berlanga’s popularity among Puerto Rican fans in New York City.
Berlanga’s Undeserved Ranking
Many believe Berlanga’s high ranking with the World Boxing Association is undeserved, given his lack of fights against top-tier opponents. However, his popularity in New York City has played a significant role in securing this high-profile fight.
The Commercial Appeal
Hearn emphasized the commercial potential of the fight, stating, “Edgar Berlanga is the mandatory challenger with the WBA. He’s 22-0, he’s a big puncher, he’s Puerto Rican, and it has all the appetite for a great clash.” Despite the criticisms, Hearn remains confident in the fight’s ability to draw viewers.
Berlanga’s Opportunity to Prove Himself
For Berlanga, this fight represents a golden opportunity to prove his critics wrong and establish himself as a legitimate contender in the super middleweight division. With the fight set for September 14th, fans are eagerly anticipating whether Berlanga can rise to the occasion against one of boxing’s biggest stars.
