Las Vegas: Canelo Álvarez Shows His Class Against Edgar Berlanga
So, over the weekend in Las Vegas, we witnessed Canelo Álvarez doing what he does best: dominating in the boxing ring. The timing couldn’t be better as this showdown came right around Mexican Independence Day, and you could feel the energy in the arena, buzzing with excitement.
The Fight Recap
Canelo faced off against the undefeated Edgar Berlanga, who came in with a lot of hype but was quickly reminded who the real champ was. They went the distance, and in the end, it was a unanimous decision (117-110, 118-109, 118-109) in favor of Álvarez. It was Canelo’s fifth straight title defense that lasted all 12 rounds, and let me tell you, he looked in control from the very first bell.
The first couple of rounds saw Canelo not just playing safe, but setting the rhythm. Then came the explosive moment in Round 3 when he landed a solid left hook that put Berlanga down for the count—at least momentarily. The crowd gasped as Berlanga struggled to regain his footing, but he managed to pull himself off the canvas and continue. You’ve got to give the guy credit for his toughness!
Berlanga’s Resilience
Berlanga didn’t just lie down. He gradually improved his game, continuing his trash talk and attempting to psych Canelo out. At times, the two exchanged words back and forth, turning the fight not just into a physical battle but also a verbal one. Berlanga racked up a couple of missteps along the way, earning a warning for an intentional headbutt and even taking a tumble after swinging for the fences and missing.
Still, he kept pushing forward, showing that he’s got the heart of a fighter even if the judges weren’t on his side at the end. As the match progressed, it was clear that Berlanga was no walkover, but he just couldn’t find a way to match up with Canelo’s power and finesse, even if he threw more jabs than he landed.
Post-Fight Reflections
At the end of the fight, both fighters shared a heartfelt embrace—showing mutual respect after an intense ruckus. Berlanga gained some credibility despite the loss, especially coming in as the underdog against a seasoned champ like Álvarez. You can bet he’s eyeing up his next matchup after demonstrating he has what it takes to be in the ring with the big boys.
As for Canelo, it’s been some time since he finished a fight early; the last time was against Caleb Plant back in November 2021. This raises questions about whether the 34-year-old is showing signs of aging, but hey, he still looked sharp as ever!
What’s Next for Canelo?
Now the big question on everyone’s lips is: where does Canelo go from here? There’s talk about a showdown with rising star David Benavidez, which would certainly be an exciting matchup. But then again, there’s still that itch for a rematch with Dmitry Bivol, who remains the only fighter to dethrone him since the legendary Floyd Mayweather. And let’s not forget the possibility of a mega-fight against the super welterweight king, Terence Crawford. The boxing world waits with bated breath!
In the end, Canelo Álvarez showcased why he’s the undisputed super middleweight champion, and while Berlanga left the ring with a loss on his record, he undoubtedly gained a little more respect from fans and fighters alike. Here’s to more exciting matches ahead!
