As anticipation builds for the highly discussed showdown between Canelo Alvarez and Edgar Berlanga on September 14th, the stakes are rising. During the official weigh-in, Canelo tipped the scales at an impressive 166.8 lbs, whereas challenger Berlanga weighed in slightly heavier at 167.7 lbs. While Canelo comes into the bout with an illustrious record of 61 wins, 2 losses, and 2 draws, Berlanga is an unbeaten contender with a record of 22 victories, 17 of which came by knockout. This bout, priced at $89.99 and viewable on DAZN PPV, is being labeled as potentially one-sided; however, the uniqueness of Berlanga’s size, youth, and punching power adds an intriguing twist.
Canelo, as the reigning WBA, WBC, and WBO super middleweight champion, has faced numerous formidable opponents over the years. However, Berlanga’s capability as a heavyweight puncher places him in a different league. Many experts suggest that Berlanga may bring a level of force that Canelo hasn’t had to contend with since his encounter with Sergey Kovalev back in 2019. Kovalev was a seasoned veteran but perhaps lacked the youthful explosiveness that Berlanga possesses today. This factor alone could contribute significantly to how the fight unfolds, as Berlanga’s ability to dish out punishment is both alarming and captivating.
In face-off encounters, Berlanga has demonstrated a noticeable size advantage over the 5’8” Canelo. Some may argue that the physical differences might create considerable obstacles for Canelo. Given Berlanga’s ability to come down to 168 lbs while being well-suited for the 175-pound division, it raises questions about the effectiveness of Canelo’s strategy. If Berlanga is allowed to rehydrate post-weigh-in unrestricted, he could present challenges that Canelo has not faced before. This scenario invokes the notion that Canelo must adapt his approach early in the fight; being on the defensive while simultaneously looking for openings might be a necessity as Berlanga unleashes his signature heavy shots.
Canelo’s historical strength lies in his defensive acumen, evidenced by his ability to absorb punishing shots while returning fire effectively. However, Berlanga’s propensity for delivered power punches could lead to a psychological battle as much as a physical one. Canelo must think ahead, modifying his typical approach to mitigate the risks posed by Berlanga’s chopping shots aimed at his head. For Canelo to exit victorious, he needs impeccable timing to counter Berlanga’s bombs while capitalizing on openings that arise amidst the chaos.
The dynamics of this fight suggest that Canelo may find himself in unfamiliar territory. Berlanga’s natural size and raw strength might create a unique scenario that challenges Canelo far more than anticipated. Critics and fans alike are left wondering: can Canelo adapt to overcome the daunting challenge presented by Berlanga, or will the young dynamo secure an upset victory with a well-timed knockout? The narrative leading up to the fight is charged with excitement, making this bout one to closely watch.