Underwhelming Undercard Lineup
The undercard for the much-anticipated Canelo Alvarez vs. Edgar Berlanga fight on September 14th has been announced, and it’s drawing criticism for its lackluster matchups. The event, set to air on PBC on Prime Video and DAZN PPV from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, is facing backlash for offering fights that many feel are not worthy of a high-profile PPV event.
Erislandy Lara vs. Danny Garcia: A Questionable Match
WBC middleweight champion Erislandy Lara will defend his title against Danny Garcia, a fighter who has been inactive for two years. While Lara (30-3-3, 18 KOs) is a seasoned champion, Garcia’s (37-3, 21 KOs) long absence from the ring raises questions about the competitiveness of this bout. Critics argue that Garcia’s recent inactivity diminishes the appeal of this match-up.
Caleb Plant vs. Trevor McCumby: A Lackluster Clash
Former IBF super middleweight champion Caleb Plant is set to face Trevor McCumby for the WBA interim super middleweight title. Plant (22-2, 13 KOs), who has struggled in recent years, is being matched against the relatively unknown McCumby (28-0, 21 KOs). The fight is seen by many as a poor choice for a PPV undercard, given Plant’s recent performances and McCumby’s lack of notable victories.
Rolly Romero vs. Manuel Jaimes: A Confidence Booster Gone Wrong
Rolly Romero, the former WBA light welterweight champion, will face Manuel Jaimes in a bout that appears to be more of a confidence booster for Romero (15-2, 13 KOs) than a competitive match. Jaimes (16-1-1, 11 KOs) is unranked and lacks significant credentials, making this fight less appealing to fans who expected more from the undercard.
Plant’s Path to Redemption: A Disappointment for Fans
Caleb Plant’s opportunity to fight for a rematch with Canelo Alvarez is seen as a farce by many fans. With Plant’s recent record showing two losses in his last three fights and a long period of inactivity, the idea that he could secure a rematch with Canelo through a victory over McCumby is seen as disappointing and unconvincing.
Danny Garcia’s Title Shot: A Reward for Past Achievements
Danny Garcia, at 36, is being given a title shot based on past achievements rather than recent form. Despite his previous successes, Garcia’s recent performances have been underwhelming, and his lengthy absence from the sport raises concerns about the legitimacy of his title opportunity.
The Missteps in Romero’s Career
Rolly Romero’s recent performances have been disappointing, with losses in two of his last three fights. His bout against Manuel Jaimes is viewed as an attempt to rebuild his confidence, but the lack of challenge posed by Jaimes raises doubts about Romero’s future prospects and the quality of the PPV undercard.
Criticism of the PPV Pricing Strategy
There is no word yet on whether the event will be priced lower to compensate for the underwhelming undercard. Fans are questioning whether the PPV price will reflect the perceived value of the fights, given the lack of exciting matchups on the lineup.
Public and Fan Reaction
The reaction from the public and boxing fans has been largely negative, with many expressing disappointment over the undercard fights. The general sentiment is that the undercard fails to live up to the expectations set by a high-profile event like Canelo vs. Berlanga.
Future Implications for PPV Events
The criticism of this undercard raises questions about future PPV events and the importance of offering compelling matchups to attract viewers. The response to this lineup may influence how promoters approach the structuring of undercards in the future.
