“What a Rip Off”: Outraged Fans React to Canelo Alvarez vs. Edgar Berlanga PPV Price
As the countdown to Canelo Alvarez’s return to the ring narrows, anticipation is at an all-time high. The Mexican superstar, renowned for his prowess and showmanship, is gearing up to defend his unified titles against the formidable Edgar Berlanga. The fight, scheduled for September 14 at the T-Mobile Arena, is being billed as a clash for the ages, drawing on the fierce Mexico vs. Puerto Rico rivalry. However, the spotlight is shifting from the ring to the price tag attached to the pay-per-view (PPV) event, leaving fans in shock and dismay.
Alvarez, at 34 years old, is set to face 27-year-old Berlanga, a rising star known for his heavy hands and unrelenting ambition. The bout is expected to be a high-stakes battle, with Berlanga looking to seize the throne from one of boxing’s biggest names. Yet, the excitement surrounding the fight is being overshadowed by the staggering cost of watching it live, which has ignited a wave of anger and frustration among fans.
He wrote, “The USA PPV price for Canelo Alvarez vs Edgar Berlanga on Sept 14th will be $89.99, PPV .com has revealed.”
They declared, “Then yall complain about illegal streaming after smh.”
They speculated, “No ones ordering this let’s be honest. UFC sphere is also that same night.”
A Price Too Steep: Fans React to the PPV Cost
The revelation of the PPV price has sent shockwaves through the boxing community. Michael Benson of TalkSport took to his X handle to break the news, stating, “The USA PPV price for Canelo Alvarez vs. Edgar Berlanga on Sept 14th will be $89.99, PPV.com has revealed.” The announcement has triggered a torrent of reactions, with many fans voicing their outrage at what they perceive to be an exorbitant price.
They announced, “Lmao what a rip off.”
However, a comment lauded the PBC’s production quality for the events. The comment read, “The fight card is solid and the overall production, fighter interviews, announcing teams, and the in ring product will be better than any other promotion’s PPV. PBC wins again.”
They, therefore, expressed, “Fights are just getting more and more expensive.”
Fan Reactions: Fury and Frustration Spill Over
The high cost of the PPV has drawn widespread criticism, with fans expressing their displeasure in no uncertain terms. Many took to social media to vent their frustrations, highlighting the impact of such steep prices on their willingness to support the event. A common sentiment among fans is that these escalating costs are pushing them toward illegal streaming options, a trend that has plagued major fights in recent years.
One fan bluntly stated, “Then y’all complain about illegal streaming after smh.” This comment echoes a growing concern in the boxing community, where inflated PPV prices are increasingly seen as a catalyst for piracy, potentially costing promoters millions in lost revenue.
Another fan pointed out a significant scheduling conflict that could further impact PPV sales. “No one’s ordering this, let’s be honest. UFC Sphere is also that same night,” they noted, referring to the highly anticipated Noche UFC event, which coincides with the Alvarez vs. Berlanga fight. The unique venue and the allure of UFC are expected to draw a large audience, potentially diverting viewers away from the boxing match.
The dissatisfaction didn’t stop there. Some fans criticized the undercard, which features an aging Caleb Plant and lacks the marquee matchups that typically justify such high prices. “Lmao what a rip off,” one fan declared, encapsulating the sentiment of many who feel that the overall value of the event doesn’t match its cost.
However, not all feedback was negative. A minority of fans defended the price, citing the quality of the production and the overall experience provided by Premier Boxing Champions (PBC). “The fight card is solid, and the overall production, fighter interviews, announcing teams, and the in-ring product will be better than any other promotion’s PPV. PBC wins again,” one comment read. This perspective highlights the divide among fans, with some willing to pay a premium for what they consider a top-tier viewing experience.
A Growing Trend: The Rising Cost of Boxing PPVs
The outrage over the Canelo vs. Berlanga PPV price is part of a broader trend in the sport, where the cost of watching top-tier fights has been steadily increasing. Just a few months ago, fans paid $79.99 to watch Terence Crawford take on Israil Madrimov. Similarly, Alvarez’s previous bouts, including his fight against Jermall Charlo, carried a price tag of $84.99. The consistent rise in prices is leading to growing discontent among fans, many of whom feel priced out of the sport they love.
As the September 14th fight date approaches, the backlash against the PPV cost continues to build. Whether this will translate into lower-than-expected sales or push more fans toward illegal streams remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that the issue of PPV pricing is becoming a flashpoint in boxing, one that promoters will need to address if they hope to maintain the sport’s appeal and accessibility.
