“Oscar De La Hoya’s Bold Take: ‘Puerto Rico Doesn’t Claim You, Berlanga!’—The Boxing Feud Intensifies”

Oscar De La Hoya Sparks Controversy: “Puerto Rico Doesn’t Claim You, Berlanga”

As the countdown to the highly anticipated fight between Canelo Alvarez and Edgar Berlanga ticks away, the boxing world has been rocked by an unexpected jab from Oscar De La Hoya. With the bout scheduled for September 14 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, De La Hoya has launched a public critique of Berlanga, intensifying the already heated build-up to this Mexico vs. Puerto Rico showdown.

The Battle for Supremacy

The upcoming clash promises to be a thrilling encounter, with Alvarez putting his WBA, WBO, and WBC super-middleweight titles on the line against Berlanga. The fight is marketed as a significant confrontation between two proud boxing nations. Yet, De La Hoya has cast a shadow over the event with his latest comments, questioning Berlanga’s authenticity and legitimacy as a Puerto Rican fighter.

Oscar De La Hoya, who has had a rocky relationship with Alvarez since their separation in 2020, seized this opportunity to take a swipe at Berlanga. In a scathing critique on his ‘Clap-Back Thursdays’ segment, De La Hoya declared, “Edgar Berlanga… He claims he has [the] whole country [Puerto Rico] behind him. Edgar, bro, you are from Brooklyn. I think I am more Puerto Rican than you are and I only lived there for six years.”

High Stakes and High Drama

De La Hoya’s comments are not just a personal vendetta; they are strategically timed to influence perceptions ahead of a significant boxing event. He further disparaged the fight by suggesting it might not draw significant attention, especially with UFC 306 taking place the same night at the Sphere in Las Vegas. De La Hoya’s claim that UFC’s debut event, headlined by Sean O’Malley, would overshadow the boxing match adds another layer of controversy.

Oscar’s critique has sparked a firestorm of reactions. “Oscar De La Hoya just threw major shade at Edgar Berlanga! React!” one fan tweeted, encapsulating the growing buzz around the issue. De La Hoya’s criticism is seen by some as a strategic attempt to diminish Berlanga’s standing, possibly to bolster support for his business partner, Turki Alalshikh, who is heavily involved in the UFC’s sponsorship.

 “Edgar Berlanga… He claims he has [the] whole country [Puerto Rico] behind him. Edgar, bro, you are from Brooklyn. I think I am more Puerto Rican than you are and I only lived there for six years,” Oscar said in the latest edition of his ‘Clap-Back Thursdays’.

A Battle of Personalities

The animosity between De La Hoya and Alvarez has long been evident. De La Hoya’s comments about Canelo not being a genuine contender or choosing easy fights highlight a deeper rift. He recently lambasted Alvarez for allegedly pricing himself out of a potential fight with Terence Crawford, accusing him of avoiding challenging bouts, particularly a showdown with David Benavidez.

In his latest commentary, De La Hoya stated, “This one actually may be my favorite so far. So, it turns out that I am not the only one that thinks that Canelo is an arrogant piece of s**t.” His remarks underscore the bitter rivalry that continues to simmer beneath the surface of professional boxing’s glamorous facade.

“They are going up against the UFC’s debut at the Sphere in Las Vegas. Now, that’s a spectacle that everyone and their mother [have] been waiting to see,” Oscar added.

 “Who is funding it and making it all happen? Turki Alalshikh,” in other words, Oscar’s new business partner. 

Oscar also said, “This one actually may be my favorite so far. So, it turns out that I am not the only one that thinks that Canelo is an arrogant piece of s**t.” Referencing the collapse of the offer between Crawford and Canelo, Oscar added, “He’s outpriced himself so much that the Saudis don’t even want to deal with him and it’s all because he will do anything not to fight David Benavidez.”

Editor’s Insight: The Battle Beyond the Ring

Oscar De La Hoya’s barbed remarks add a dramatic flair to the upcoming fight, transforming it from a mere boxing match into a high-stakes spectacle. His criticisms are not just aimed at Berlanga but also at Alvarez, painting the fight as a clash of egos as much as a battle in the ring.

The personal feud between De La Hoya and Alvarez, compounded by De La Hoya’s strategic positioning as a supporter of UFC’s burgeoning influence, suggests that the stakes extend far beyond the boxing arena. It’s a clash of business interests, national pride, and personal vendettas that will undoubtedly captivate the sports world as September 14 approaches.

As the fight looms, the dramatic build-up, fueled by De La Hoya’s controversial remarks and the competitive edge of UFC 306, promises to make this event one for the history books.