1. WBC President Sulaiman Unveils the “Tamaulipas II” Belt
In a surprising move, WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman announced the creation of the “Tamaulipas II” belt, which will be awarded to the winner of the highly anticipated bout between Canelo Alvarez and Edgar Berlanga on September 14th. The announcement, made just days before the fight at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, has ignited a firestorm of criticism from fans and boxing insiders alike.
2. Social Media Backlash: Fans Roast Sulaiman’s Decision
The response from the boxing community has been swift and unforgiving. Fans took to social media to voice their displeasure, accusing Sulaiman of using the belt as a publicity stunt. The consensus among many is that the belt adds no real value to the fight and serves only to bolster the WBC’s presence and align Sulaiman more closely with Canelo.
3. The Belt Canelo Doesn’t Need
Canelo Alvarez, with a record of 61-2-2 (39 KOs), is a seasoned champion who has accumulated numerous titles throughout his career. The “Tamaulipas II” belt, in the eyes of many, is simply unnecessary. Canelo, who already holds multiple titles, is unlikely to see this belt as anything more than a decorative trinket.
4. Berlanga’s Perspective: A Meaningless Prize?
Edgar Berlanga, despite his undefeated record, is not expected to dethrone Canelo. Even if he pulls off a miraculous upset, the “Tamaulipas II” belt would do little to enhance his standing in the boxing world. The fight’s outcome is expected to have much larger implications for Berlanga’s career than any belt could offer.
5. A Missed Opportunity: Waive the Sanctioning Fee
Critics argue that instead of creating a new belt, the WBC should focus on waiving the sanctioning fee for Canelo’s 168-pound title. This would be a move that Canelo would likely appreciate far more than receiving another belt. It would also be a gesture of goodwill from the WBC, showcasing their commitment to the fighters rather than their own branding.
6. Benavidez Sr. Voices His Support for Berlanga
Jose Benavidez Sr., father of super middleweight contender David Benavidez, has expressed his hope that Berlanga can defeat Canelo. His reasoning? A Berlanga victory would open the door for other fighters to contend for the belts that Canelo has held onto for so long. Benavidez Sr. believes that Canelo’s reign has stalled opportunities for other 168-pound fighters.
7. The Reality Check: Berlanga’s Chances Slim
Despite Benavidez Sr.’s wishes, the reality is that Berlanga is a long shot to beat Canelo. The Puerto Rican fighter has been carefully managed throughout his career, facing mostly low-tier opposition. His lack of experience against top-tier fighters is a significant disadvantage going into the ring against a seasoned champion like Canelo.
8. Benavidez Sr.’s Hidden Agenda
While Benavidez Sr. has publicly supported Berlanga, his motivations may not be purely altruistic. There are whispers that Benavidez Sr. is eyeing a potential matchup between his son and Berlanga, should Berlanga emerge victorious. This would set up a lucrative fight for David Benavidez, who has been eyeing a title shot for some time.
9. Canelo’s Take on Benavidez’s Recent Performance
Canelo Alvarez has not been shy about criticizing David Benavidez’s recent performance in the ring. After watching Benavidez struggle in his light heavyweight debut against Oleksandr Gvozdyk, Canelo remarked that Benavidez lacked power and endurance at the higher weight class. Canelo’s critique reflects his belief that Benavidez is not the threat he once was at 168 pounds.
10. The Inevitable Decline: Benavidez’s Struggles at 175 Pounds
David Benavidez’s move to 175 pounds has not been smooth. His struggles against Gvozdyk revealed that he may have been overmatched in the higher weight class. Despite the hype surrounding him, Benavidez’s performance suggests that he may have peaked at 168 pounds, and his future success at 175 remains uncertain.
