In a thrilling and highly anticipated match, Mexican boxing sensation Canelo Alvarez defeated and dropped the up-and-coming Puerto Rican boxer Edgar Berlanga. The fight has sent shockwaves through the boxing community, with pros ringside offering their raw and candid reactions to Canelo’s decisive victory. This bout was not only a showcase of Canelo’s remarkable skill set but also a stark reminder of the gap that still exists between the elite level and rising stars like Berlanga.
Leading up to the fight, there was considerable buzz surrounding the matchup between Canelo Alvarez, the undisputed super middleweight champion, and Edgar Berlanga, the rising knockout artist with an impressive undefeated record. Berlanga, known for his powerful punches and aggressive style, had knocked out 16 consecutive opponents in the first round early in his career. Many boxing fans wondered if Berlanga could test the seasoned veteran Canelo, who has proven time and again that he is one of the greatest pound-for-pound fighters of his generation.
While some believed that Berlanga’s youth and hunger might challenge Canelo, most experts acknowledged that the Puerto Rican boxer still lacked the technical experience and strategic depth to pose a serious threat to the Mexican icon. Nevertheless, Berlanga remained confident, determined to make a statement by taking on one of the sport’s living legends.
From the opening bell, it was clear that Canelo Alvarez was in control. Displaying his trademark head movement, sharp counterpunching, and impeccable timing, Canelo dominated the early rounds. Berlanga tried to impose his will by pressing forward and throwing heavy punches, but Canelo’s defense proved too elusive.
By the mid-rounds, it became apparent that Berlanga was struggling to adapt. While he had some success in landing body shots, Canelo’s superior ring IQ and experience allowed him to neutralize Berlanga’s offense. In round seven, Canelo landed a perfectly timed right hand that sent Berlanga crashing to the canvas, marking the first time in his career that the Puerto Rican boxer had been knocked down.
The knockdown was a pivotal moment in the fight. Although Berlanga showed resilience by getting back to his feet and continuing to fight, Canelo’s dominance only grew as the bout progressed. With every round, it became more evident that Berlanga was out of his depth, unable to find an answer to Canelo’s precise combinations and masterful footwork.
As the fight unfolded, numerous boxing professionals and analysts who were ringside shared their reactions on social media and in post-fight interviews. Many praised Canelo’s performance, highlighting his ability to dictate the pace and expose Berlanga’s weaknesses.
Oscar De La Hoya, former six-division world champion and boxing promoter, was quick to offer his take on the fight. “Canelo once again proves why he’s the best in the business. Berlanga has power, but power isn’t enough at this level. Canelo’s ring generalship was on full display tonight.”
Similarly, legendary trainer Freddie Roach commented on Canelo’s technical prowess. “It’s not just about throwing hard punches; it’s about knowing when and how to throw them. Canelo set traps all night, and that knockdown in the seventh was a perfect example of his strategic brilliance.”
Teddy Atlas, renowned boxing analyst, also weighed in, emphasizing Berlanga’s need for further development. “Berlanga is a strong kid with potential, but this fight was a wake-up call for him. He’s still got a lot to learn. Canelo exposed his inexperience, and it showed.”
For Edgar Berlanga, the loss to Canelo Alvarez was a humbling experience. Many believed that this fight would be an important learning moment for the 26-year-old boxer. Despite his knockout power and impressive undefeated record leading up to the bout, Berlanga’s deficiencies in footwork, defense, and overall strategy were laid bare by Canelo’s masterclass performance.
In the post-fight press conference, Berlanga was gracious in defeat, acknowledging Canelo’s superiority. “I have to give all the respect to Canelo. He’s a great fighter, and tonight he showed me what it means to be at the top level. I’ll go back to the drawing board and work on improving my skills. This isn’t the end for me – it’s just the beginning.”
With yet another victory, Canelo Alvarez continues to cement his legacy as one of the greatest boxers of all time. Already a four-division world champion, Canelo has faced and defeated some of the best fighters in the world, including Gennady Golovkin, Sergey Kovalev, and Caleb Plant. His win over Berlanga further solidifies his position as the king of the super middleweight division.
Many experts believe that Canelo’s ability to adapt to different styles and consistently deliver high-level performances is what sets him apart from his peers. At 33 years old, Canelo shows no signs of slowing down, and fans are eager to see who he will face next.
For Canelo Alvarez, the question of “what’s next?” looms large. Some speculators have floated the idea of a third fight with Gennady Golovkin, though others believe that Canelo may look to move up in weight again or challenge one of the top contenders in the light heavyweight division.
For Berlanga, the road ahead will be focused on rebuilding and refining his skills. At just 26, Berlanga has time on his side, but he’ll need to make significant adjustments if he wants to compete at the elite level. Working on his defense, footwork, and ability to adapt mid-fight will be crucial in his development as a fighter.
