As the boxing world turns its eyes towards the fall, all signs point to an exciting September as Saul ‘Canelo' Alvarez prepares to defend his super middleweight titles. The contenders in the mix? Edgar Berlanga and Jermall Charlo, two fighters with contrasting styles and career trajectories, both vying for a shot at boxing's biggest star.
Canelo Alvarez, the undisputed super middleweight champion, has been a dominant force in the division, with a record that speaks volumes about his prowess and strategic acumen in the ring. However, finding a worthy opponent has become a challenge, especially with top fighters like David Benavidez and David Morrell stepping back from potential matchups with Canelo after Canelo's interest isn't quite there for those matchups.
Edgar Berlanga: The Unproven Challenger
Edgar Berlanga, a 26-year-old powerhouse from Brooklyn with a Puerto Rican heritage, has quickly risen through the ranks with an impressive 22-0 record. Known for his early knockouts, Berlanga boasts 17 KOs, mostly against second-tier opponents, which has somewhat limited his credibility in the eyes of hardcore boxing fans. Despite this, his undefeated record and the WBA's mandatory challenge position him as a strong contender for Canelo's titles.
Berlanga's confidence is high, as seen during his recent appearance at the T-Mobile Arena where he claimed to be Canelo's next opponent. However, his lack of experience against top-tier fighters casts a shadow of doubt on his readiness for a title fight of this magnitude.
Jermall Charlo: The Seasoned Fighter with Inactivity Concerns
Jermall Charlo, at 34, brings a different level of experience to the table. With a record of 33-0, including 22 KOs, Charlo has proven himself in the middleweight and super middleweight divisions. However, his recent inactivity raises questions about his sharpness in the ring. His last fight, a lackluster victory over Jose Benavidez Jr., did little to dispel these concerns. Charlo's potential as Canelo's opponent is undeniable, but his recent lack of ring action might make him a less appealing choice for a fight meant to draw global attention.
The choice between Berlanga and Charlo presents a classic boxing dilemma, the unproven, knockout artist with a large following and marketable personality versus the seasoned, technically proficient yet currently inactive fighter. For Canelo, each presents a different kind of challenge and a different promotional angle. Chris Mannix of DAZN notes that while Berlanga might be the more marketable fight, especially with his following in New York and Puerto Rico, Charlo could potentially offer a more competitive bout given his experience and technical skills.
As September approaches, the decision on who will face Canelo Alvarez in the ring carries significant implications not just for the fighters involved, but for the super middleweight division as a whole. Will Canelo opt for the potentially easier but less proven Berlanga, or will he choose the more seasoned but currently inactive Charlo?
This matchup decision will not only reflect Canelo's strategy and confidence but will also influence the career trajectories of Berlanga and Charlo. As the boxing community waits for the official announcement, the anticipation builds for what could be one of the year's most talked-about fights