In the world of boxing, rivalries and comments made between athletes can spark as much excitement as the matches themselves. One such comment recently made waves when Mexican boxing superstar Saul “Canelo” Alvarez threw shade at rising star Edgar Berlanga. Canelo’s quip, “He punches like kids!” in response to Berlanga’s training footage, has sparked a conversation in the boxing community. Berlanga, known for his knockout power, didn’t take the comment lightly. Let’s dive deeper into this brewing rivalry, how Berlanga reacted, and what it means for their potential clash in the ring.
Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, arguably one of the most popular and successful boxers in the world, is no stranger to speaking his mind. With a career that has seen him conquer multiple weight divisions and dominate boxing’s elite, Canelo has earned the right to make bold statements. However, when he took a jab at Edgar Berlanga, it caught the attention of fans and media alike.
Canelo’s comment came after Berlanga’s training footage surfaced online, where the young fighter was showcasing his skills. Instead of praise or acknowledgment of Berlanga’s effort, Canelo responded with a dismissive, “He punches like kids!” This remark didn’t sit well with Berlanga, whose reputation as a powerful puncher is a cornerstone of his boxing identity.
To understand why Canelo’s comment stung so deeply, it’s essential to look at Edgar Berlanga’s rise in the sport. Berlanga, a Puerto Rican-American boxer, has been making headlines due to his impressive knockout streak. Early in his career, he delivered 16 consecutive first-round knockouts, establishing himself as a fighter with serious power.
Known as “The Chosen One,” Berlanga’s aggressive style and knockout power quickly earned him a loyal fanbase and the attention of top promoters. His ability to end fights early and with authority made him one of the most exciting prospects in boxing’s super middleweight division.
As Berlanga’s career progressed, he faced tougher competition and moved away from his early knockout streak, focusing more on his boxing technique and ring IQ. Despite this shift, his reputation as a dangerous puncher remained intact, making Canelo’s comment all the more surprising and, perhaps, hurtful.
Berlanga wasn’t going to let Canelo’s comment slide without a response. The 26-year-old fighter took to social media and interviews to address the criticism head-on. In an Instagram post, Berlanga confidently declared, “I respect Canelo, but I’m here to prove that I’m no kid. My punches speak for themselves, and I’m ready for any challenge.”
In an interview with ESPN, Berlanga elaborated on his response, saying, “Canelo’s comment was unexpected. I’ve worked hard to get where I am, and I respect him as a fighter. But I’m not going to let anyone discredit the work I’ve put in. My punches are my statement, and I’m going to show everyone that I belong at the top.”
Berlanga’s reaction showed maturity and composure, traits that fans have come to appreciate. He didn’t lash out with anger but instead used the opportunity to remind the world of his capabilities and determination.
In boxing, words can be as powerful as punches. Fighters often use verbal jabs to get under their opponent’s skin, and the psychological aspect of the sport cannot be underestimated. Canelo’s comment, whether intended to provoke or not, adds another layer of intrigue to a potential future fight between the two.
For Berlanga, this could be a pivotal moment in his career. Being mentioned by a fighter of Canelo’s stature, even in a negative light, brings additional attention to his name. If Berlanga continues to perform well and climb the ranks, this exchange of words could become a key narrative in the lead-up to a high-stakes showdown between the two fighters.
Both Berlanga and Canelo have busy schedules ahead, but the idea of these two fighters meeting in the ring has fans buzzing with excitement. Canelo, with his vast experience and championship pedigree, remains the top dog in the super middleweight division. However, Berlanga is hungry for greatness and eager to prove that he belongs among boxing’s elite.
For Berlanga, this might be the time to double down on his training and prove Canelo wrong. A few more impressive victories could put him on a collision course with the Mexican superstar. If Berlanga can showcase his power and skill in his upcoming fights, the pressure will mount for a future bout with Canelo.
As for Canelo, his comment may have been a way to remind younger fighters of the gap between being a prospect and becoming a champion. Canelo has faced and defeated some of the toughest opponents in boxing, and he’s not likely to be intimidated by a rising star like Berlanga. However, as we’ve seen in boxing, anything can happen when two fighters with power and pride step into the ring.
Beyond the personal pride and competitive nature of this potential matchup, there’s also the business side of boxing to consider. A fight between Canelo and Berlanga would undoubtedly be a major draw. Canelo’s established star power combined with Berlanga’s growing popularity and knockout reputation could result in a blockbuster event. The promoters, broadcasters, and fans all stand to benefit from such a high-profile showdown.
The buildup to a Canelo vs. Berlanga fight would be filled with drama, storylines, and, of course, trash talk. From a marketing perspective, Canelo’s comment about Berlanga punching like a kid could become a focal point of the promotion. Berlanga, eager to prove his worth, would use the fight to silence his critics and show that he’s ready for the big leagues.
