A thrilling super middleweight fight between three-time champion Saul “Canelo” Alvarez and up-and-coming challenger Edgar Berlanga awaits us on Saturday at the T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas.
Canelo, who enters the ring with a record of 61-2-2 (39 knockouts), has made it clear that he wants to knock out Edgar Berlanga (22-0, 17 knockouts) within eight rounds. But “The Chosen One” remains unimpressed. The Brooklyn-born Puerto Rican set the bar even higher and confidently announced: “I’m going to knock him out in the sixth round.”
This duel will not only be a battle of fists, but also a historic clash between two proud nations: Puerto Rico versus Mexico. “It will be a war,” promised Berlanga at the traditional “Grand Arrivals” at the MGM Grand Hotel. “We respect what Canelo has achieved in the ring, but Saturday is about fighting. He wants to hurt me and I will do the same.”
“It wouldn’t be an event without the fans”
Berlanga enjoys the atmosphere, even if the majority of the fans are behind Canelo. For him, it’s all part of the spectacle: “It’s like a concert or WWE, only we’re fighting for our lives,” he explained, adding: “The energy of the fans is crucial. It wouldn’t be an event without them.”
Canelo, who has known the biggest stages in boxing for over a decade, is ready to showcase his experience once again. But Berlanga believes he has the element of surprise on his side this evening. “Canelo has a lot of wear and tear,” said Berlanga. “He’s had over 60 fights and that leaves its mark. He’s not getting any younger and there will be no more words on Saturday – we’ll have to let actions speak for themselves.” It remains to be seen whether Canelo can prove his class once again or whether Berlanga can actually pull off the big upset. One thing is certain: it will be a fight that could make history.
Text by Robin Josten