Canelo Alvarez to face Puerto Rico’s Edgar Berlanga

After defeating countryman Jaime Munguia last May, Mexican icon Canelo Alvarez is set to return to the ring to defend his unified super middleweight titles against WBC No. 1-ranked mandatory contender Edgar Berlanga on Sept. 14.

After granting Munguia a rare all-Mexican bout, Saul “Canelo” Alvarez will now light up the always heated Mexican-Puerto Rican rivalry.

The fight between Alvarez and Berlanga at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas could add another action packed bout to the Mexican and Puerto Rican rivalry. Fights between Julio Cesar Chavez Sr. against Hector Camacho, Hall of Famer Miguel Cotto versus Antonio Margarito and Cotto versus Canelo are bouts boxing fans still remember for their ferocity and vigor. 

This bout could potentially live up to the all-time greats as Canelo Alvarez, 34, is in the prime of his career. The Guadalajara native has defended his unified titles four times effortlessly via unanimous decisions.

He surgically broke down his opponents in those bouts. Alvarez (61-2-2, 39 KOs) has been preparing to face the Nuyorican because it’s always an intense fight when Mexican and Boricuas fight.

“I am very happy for this fight between Mexico and Puerto Rico,” Alvarez said. “It’s exciting to be part of another great Mexico vs. Puerto Rico battle inside the ring because historically we have always offered unforgettable fights full of passion.

“I am proud to contribute to this legacy. And facing an opponent like Edgar Berlanga adds even more excitement and meaning to this event.”

Impressive Berlanga

The undefeated Berlanga (22-0, 17 KOs) is no pushover. The Brooklyn native has made his presence known since he became a professional fighter in 2016. In his first 16 professional fights, Berlanga knocked out all his opponents in the first round. 

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The 27-year-old aims to propel Puerto Rico to the boxing spotlight once again. He hopes to follow the footsteps of Wilfredo Gomez, Felix Trinidad and Cotto. 

“First and foremost, I want to thank the good Lord for putting me in this position,” Berlanga said. “This is the opportunity of a lifetime. I deserve to be here, and I’m going to shock the world and silence the critics by delivering a masterful performance and knocking out Canelo Álvarez.

“I will reclaim what is rightfully ours. I’m ready to make this a historic firefight, continuing the greatest rivalry in boxing.”

The Alvarez-Berlanga fight won’t be the only championship bout on the card. Cuban Erislandy Lara (33-3-3) will defend his WBA middleweight title against Boricua Danny Garcia. Lara knocked out Thomas LaManna in the first round to win the vacant WBA title in 2021.

Since then, the southpaw has successfully defended his title by beating Gary O’Sullivan. The fight was stopped in the fourth round. Earlier this year, the 41-year-old knocked out Michael Zerafa in the second round.

Lara reps Mexico

Although Lara is from Cuba, he urges fans to rally with the Mexican flags in the arena. He plans to represent both Cuba and Mexico in this heated rivalry. 

“My fight with Danny García will be a classic battle between two legendary fighters of our era,” Lara said. “We’ve both faced the best, have impressive resumes and have competed at the top level for a long time. I’m excited for this fight.”

“You will witness greatness in the ring throughout the action-packed night of boxing. I look forward to putting on a show and being the first to knock out Danny García. This will be an epic showdown!”

Garcia (37-3) has been inactive since the summer of 2022. However the two-time division champion is ready to win his third title in three different weight classes. Since suffering his first defeat to Keith Thurman, the 36-year-old from Philadelphia, has lost two of his six fights. 

For Garcia, a win will stir a comeback for the boxer and prove to his fans he is still a champion.  

“This is a legacy fight and an opportunity to win a championship in my third weight class,” Garcia said. “Lara is a great champion who’s been around for a while, but so have I. On Sept. 14, I’m bringing the Danny García show to Las Vegas and making it a historic night.”