Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez beat Edgar Berlanga by unanimous decision in Las Vegas on September 15, 2024. The Mexican star defended his WBO, WBA, and WBC super-middleweight world titles on Mexican Independence Day.
Canelo knocked Berlanga down in the third round and dominated most of the fight. He out-landed his opponent in every round except one. Berlanga showed toughness, bouncing back from the knockdown and fighting hard until the final bell.
After the fight, Canelo was proud of his performance. He said:
"I did good. Now what they gonna say? I tried younger fighters, they always say I fought older fighters. They always talk. I'm the best fighter in the world."
He also thanked his fans:
"Some people say that you don't love me but guess what? You are here to support me. Viva Mexico, Cabrones!"
Berlanga, while disappointed with the loss, was grateful for the opportunity. He shared:
"We did a big performance, man. I'm upset cause I'm a winner but I fought a legend tonight and hopefully this is the mark of me becoming a future legend representing Puerto Rico."
The fight got reactions from other boxers. Terence Crawford tweeted, "Put me in the game coach!" Shawn Porter noted Canelo's dominance, while Devin Haney praised Berlanga's toughness.
Shakur Stevenson had mixed feelings, first criticizing Canelo but then acknowledging his greatness:
"Canelo a great fighter tho, Gotta respect the fact that he been on top of the game for years and years! ????"
Claressa Shields saw a bright future for Berlanga, tweeting:
"Mannn @EdgarBerlangaJr earned a lot of my respect tonight!!! He will be world champ in the near future! Got skills, heart, chin, & a good jab!!!!! Nothing to hold your head down about!!"
Canelo plans to fight again next May, which will be his 67th professional bout. As for Berlanga, many believe this performance, despite the loss, shows he has what it takes to become a world champion in the future.
