Canelo Alvarez Triumphs Over Edgar Berlanga in Unforgettable Night of Boxing

In a compelling display of skill and dominance, Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez retained his unified super-middleweight titles with a unanimous decision victory over Edgar Berlanga at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The bout, held in front of a crowd of more than 20,000, not only showcased Alvarez’s continued supremacy in the ring but also marked a significant moment for boxing enthusiasts celebrating Mexican Independence Day.

Alvarez Maintains Dominance

From the outset, Alvarez, the four-weight world champion, asserted his authority over the ring. His prowess was evident early on, as he delivered a crushing right hand in the third round that floored Berlanga. The Mexican’s ability to control the pace of the fight was apparent as he maintained his dominance throughout the contest.

The judges’ scorecards reflected Alvarez’s superior performance, with two judges scoring the fight 118-109 and a third giving it 117-110, all in favour of the Mexican. This victory extended Alvarez’s impressive record to 62 wins, 2 losses, and 2 draws, while Berlanga, who entered the bout with a perfect record, now stands at 22-1.

Berlanga’s First Defeat

For Berlanga, the fight represented a significant challenge, and it was clear that he struggled against the seasoned Alvarez. Despite his efforts to mount a comeback after the knockdown, Berlanga was unable to overcome the relentless pressure from the champion. Alvarez’s tactical approach and fierce body blows kept Berlanga on the defensive, highlighting the experience gap between the two fighters.

In the later rounds, Alvarez’s control of the fight became more pronounced. A powerful right hand in the ninth round further demonstrated his dominance, leaving Berlanga visibly shaken. Despite Berlanga’s attempts to provoke Alvarez and his defiant attitude as they entered the 12th round, he could not achieve the knockout he had anticipated.

Alvarez’s Reflection and Impact

Following the fight, Alvarez expressed a sense of accomplishment and pride, especially given the significance of the date. “I did good,” Alvarez commented. “Before they say I fought older fighters. Now what are they going to say? I fight younger fighters? They always talk. I’m the best fighter in the world. It means a lot. It’s an honour for me to represent my country on this day. I feel proud about it.”

Alvarez’s victory is particularly noteworthy given his recent decision to vacate the IBF belt in July to face Berlanga instead of the IBF’s mandatory challenger, William Scull. This decision highlighted Alvarez’s willingness to take on challenging opponents, further cementing his reputation as one of boxing’s elite figures.

Looking Ahead

With this win, Alvarez continues to solidify his position at the top of the super-middleweight division. His performance against Berlanga not only reinforces his status as a dominant force in boxing but also raises questions about his next steps. As he remains the holder of the WBA, WBC, and WBO titles, the boxing world will be keenly watching to see who will be the next to challenge him.

For Berlanga, the defeat represents a significant hurdle in his career. The young fighter, despite his previous unbeaten record, faced a tough lesson in the ring against a seasoned champion. How he rebounds from this setback will be crucial in shaping his future trajectory in the sport.

Alvarez’s victory is a testament to his enduring skill and resilience, and as he celebrates another successful title defence, the boxing world continues to be captivated by his remarkable career.