Fans Revolt Over Canelo Alvarez vs. Edgar Berlanga PPV Price: A Clash of Cost and Competition
The boxing world is abuzz with outrage and skepticism as the highly anticipated showdown between Canelo Alvarez and Edgar Berlanga approaches. Scheduled for September 14, this bout has quickly become a focal point for fans’ frustrations, primarily due to the eye-watering pay-per-view (PPV) price and the competition from UFC 306. As Alvarez faces Berlanga, who remains a relatively unknown name compared to other contenders, fans are questioning the value of their investment.
A Pricey Test of Loyalty
The PPV price for the Alvarez-Berlanga clash has been set at a staggering $89.99, a figure that has ignited a storm of reactions. Rick Glaser, a veteran boxing insider, didn’t mince words about the cost. “The #Canelo–#Berlanga PPV is priced at 89.99. At this ridiculous price I may sacrifice the thievery of the PPV, would be my way of thanking #AlHaymon!!! 😆😁😂 #Boxing,” Glaser tweeted, humorously suggesting that the steep price might drive fans to resort to illegal streaming options.
This price tag mirrors that of Alvarez’s previous Cinco de Mayo bout against Jaime Munguia, which also faced criticism for its high cost. With reported PPV sales of 500,000 to 550,000 buys for that event, there’s concern that the Alvarez-Berlanga fight might struggle to meet expectations, especially with a reported fight purse of $35 million. To maintain such high earnings, Alvarez may need to secure a bout against top names like Terence Crawford or David Benavidez, though such fights could demand upwards of $200 million.
The veteran boxing insider revealed, “The #Canelo–#Berlanga PPV is priced at 89.99.”
“That fight isn’t even interesting enough to illegally stream,” they said. The next one twisted Edgar Berlanga’s surname to ‘Bumlanga’. Considering Canelo Alvarez is fighting an opponent of ‘The Chosen One’s caliber, they found the reported PPV price rate absurd. This is what the fan said: “That’s crazy, especially fighting Bumlanga 🤦🏻♂️.”
Fan Reactions: From Outrage to Indifference
The reaction from fans has been overwhelmingly negative. A vocal segment of the boxing community has expressed their discontent with both the PPV price and the choice of opponent. One fan sarcastically commented, “That fight isn’t even interesting enough to illegally stream,” criticizing the bout’s perceived lack of excitement. Another fan took a jab at Berlanga by coining a derisive nickname, “Bumlanga,” highlighting their disapproval of the match-up.
Further skepticism surrounds Berlanga’s ability to even survive the early rounds of the fight. Critics argue that Berlanga might be one of the weakest opponents Alvarez has faced in over a decade. “You think Berlanga makes it 6? This might be the worst opponent Canelo has faced in over ten years,” a fan lamented, questioning the competitiveness of the fight.
“You think Berlanga makes it 6? This might be the worst opponent Canelo has faced in over a decade,” the user said.
In stark contrast, some dedicated Canelo Alvarez supporters are prepared to shell out for the PPV, demonstrating their unwavering loyalty. “I’m buying it, Viva Canelo, the face of boxing; I might also buy it for a relative,” one fan declared, showing that despite the backlash, there remains a segment of the audience eager to support Alvarez.
Competing with UFC 306
Adding to the challenge for Alvarez and Berlanga is the concurrent UFC 306 event, headlined by Sean O’Malley and Merab Dvalishvili. This UFC card, scheduled around the same time, offers a strong lineup that may lure boxing fans away from the Alvarez-Berlanga clash. The battle for viewers between the two events has intensified the scrutiny on Alvarez’s match and its perceived value.
They said, “Will be watching UFC INSTEAD.” But through the stream of derisions, a Canelo Alvarez fan finally emerged. They will buy the PPV, but they might purchase it for others as well. “I’m buying it, Viva Canelo, the face of boxing; I might also buy it for a relative also,” said the follower.
A Packed Fight Card Ahead
Despite the controversy surrounding the main event, September 14 will feature a stacked undercard, including Caleb Plant’s return following his loss to Benavidez, Stephen Fulton’s comeback after the knockout by Naoya Inoue, and Rolando Romero’s effort to restore his reputation after his defeat by Isaac Cruz. These matchups could provide compelling reasons for fans to tune in, potentially offering more value for those who decide to invest in the PPV.
As the date approaches, the Canelo Alvarez vs. Edgar Berlanga fight is shaping up to be a litmus test for Alvarez’s drawing power and the overall appeal of boxing in the face of stiff competition from mixed martial arts.
