DEGAN: Edgar Berlanga Belongs in the Conversation to fight Canelo Alvarez
Photo: Ed Mulholland/Matchroom Boxing/AFP/Getty Images
As boxing fans, we all dream of our perfect matchup. Previously, the Mayweather and
Pacquiao matchup was at the top of the list.
Now, a new fantasy has emerged. Saul “Canelo '' Alvarez and Edgar Berlanga Is a potential matchup that could be a trilogy down the line.
A Rising Talent
Berlanga is only 24-years-old however, he has been the winner of 17 fights. With a record of 17-0-0, Berlanga is an up-and-comer that is trying to prove he can hang with the best.
Berlanga has shown his ability to finish a fight quickly and decisively. He recorded knockouts in his first 16 fights.
However, in his last fight against Demond Nicholson, Berlanga won the bout in eight rounds with a decisive decision. The outcome of the fight simply does not do Berlanga justice, especially after he knocked down Nicholson four times en route to the win.
Following Berlanga’s convincing win, the rumbles start for an eventual fight with Cancelo Alvarez.
The numbers are there for Berlanga, but how does he fare against one of the best in the division?
The Champ
The only knock that you can put on Alvarez is that he stands just 5 feet 8 inches tall. The body of work is there for Alvarez and the experience is second to none.
Alvarez makes up for his size with his waist and head movements. Alvarez is one of the best at the counter punch, setting up opponents with the waist movements to get them out of position.
Just when a fighter thinks that he has an advantage, he doesn’t with Alvarez and that is why he is the best in his division.
He has evolved his style from the traditional Mexican style and perfected his craft over multiple years in the gym and from his numerous fights according to Boxing Life.
Alvarez currently has a record of 56-1-2 with 38 KOs. His last fight against Billy Joe Saunders saw him capture the WBO World Super Middleweight Title.
Like Berlanga, Alvarez had to go the distance and won in a decision.
The Hype
Bob Arum started the hype train when it came to the prospects of Berlanga competing with Alvarez. In an interview with Sky Sports, Arum planted the seed.
“We hope, within the next two years, he progresses enough that we can put him in with Canelo,” Arum said. “A Puerto Rican against a Mexican in the United States is a dynamite fight.”
One aspect about promotions is that once the seed is planted, it grows. Boxing fans will want this title fight to happen eventually.
Whether this happens remains to be seen. This is all dependent on how Berlanga develops and how long Alvarez can stay on top.