Mexican superstar Canelo Álvarez scored a one-sided 12-round unanimous decision over the previously unbeaten Edgar Berlanga and retained his unified super middleweight title at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday. The official scores were 118-109, 118-109 and 117-111.
Canelo (62-2-2, 39 KOs) dropped Berlanga with a beautiful lead left hook in round three. It was a flush shot but not a fight ender as evidenced by the round of applause that Berlanga gave his opponent as soon as he hit the deck. The challenger rose gamely and had his moments but he was largely outclassed.
“They said I fight older fighters, now they’ll say I fight younger fighters,” jibed Canelo during his post-fight interview with Prime Video. “They always talk… I’m the best fighter in the world.
“[Berlanga] said he respects me and that I’m his idol. He said he feels bad with the way he acts [during the buildup]. He did good. I got angry [in the fight]. I’m Mexican, man. It’s an honor to fight for my country.”
A composed Berlanga took center ring in round one and kept his left hand in the champ’s face. It was more range-finder than power jab, so Canelo was able to whip in the body shots, but it was still a good start from the underdog.
The action heated up in the third with the knockdown and the crowd went wild. For a moment it looked like Berlanga had lost his composure when he got up because he was swinging from his heels as Canelo sought the finish. The New York-based Puerto Rican was lucky not to ship a huge counter and managed to get through the round.
From there Canelo was largely in control of the contest. Berlanga picked up round seven, which the champion took off, but he couldn’t score the massive direct hit needed to turn things around. Canelo absorbed anything that came his way and only got irritated when Berlanga was free with the head in rounds eight and eleven.
Knowing he needed a miracle, Berlanga went all out in the twelfth and final round. He scored with power shots and shipped some counters in a gallant last stand. And despite all the bad blood that preceded the bout, both men hugged it out at the bell.
This was Canelo's 26 th win in a world title fight. What’s next? We won’t hold our breath for David Benavidez, but other options exist. The Mexican star has said more than once that a rematch with Dmitry Bivol, who defeated him in 2022, remains on his wish list.
If Bivol beats Artur Beterbiev next month, the Canelo return would presumably be for the undisputed light heavyweight championship and that would be a huge event.
Berlanga falls to 22-1 (17 KOs) but he’s only 27 years old and has a bright future ahead of him.
“I fought a legend tonight,” said the Puerto Rican knockout artist. “I looked up to [Canelo] when I was growing up as an amateur. I said that humbly to him. I’d like to thank Team Canelo for the opportunity. He’s the king!”
MORE: Canelo Alvarez vs. Edgar Berlanga live fight updates
Canelo Alvarez vs. Edgar Berlanga fight card
- Canelo Alvarez (c) def. Edgar Berlanga via UD 12 (118-109, 118-109, 117-111) for the WBA, WBC, WBO, and Ring Magazine super middleweight titles
- Erislandy Lara (c) def. Danny Garcia via TKO 9 for the WBA middleweight title
- Caleb Plant def. Trevor McCumby via TKO 9 for the interim WBA super middleweight title
- Rolando Romero def. Manuel Jaimes via UD 10 (99-91, 99-91, 99-91); Super Lightweights
- Stephen Fulton def. Carlos Castro via UD 10 (96-93, 95-94, 94-95); Featherweights
- Roiman Villa vs. Ricardo Salas; Welterweights
- Jonathan Lopez def. Richard Medina UD 8 (80-71, 80-71, 80-71); Super Featherweights
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