Because the boxing world turns its eyes towards the autumn, all signs point to an exciting September as Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez prepares to defend his super middleweight titles. The contenders in the combo? Edgar Berlanga and Jermall Charlo, two fighters with contrasting styles and profession trajectories, each vying for a shot at boxing’s biggest star.
Canelo Alvarez, the undisputed super middleweight champion, has been a dominant force within the division, with a record that speaks volumes about his prowess and strategic acumen within the ring. Nonetheless, finding a worthy opponent has grow to be a challenge, especially with top fighters like David Benavidez and David Morrell stepping back from potential matchups with Canelo after Canelo’s interest is not quite there for those matchups.
Edgar Berlanga: The Unproven Challenger
Edgar Berlanga, a 26-year-old powerhouse from Brooklyn with a Puerto Rican heritage, has quickly risen through the ranks with a formidable 22-0 record. Known for his early knockouts, Berlanga boasts 17 KOs, mostly against second-tier opponents, which has somewhat limited his credibility within the eyes of hardcore boxing fans. Despite this, his undefeated record and the WBA’s mandatory challenge position him as a robust contender for Canelo’s titles.
Berlanga’s confidence is high, as seen during his recent appearance on the T-Mobile Arena where he claimed to be Canelo’s next opponent. Nonetheless, his lack of experience against top-tier fighters casts a shadow of doubt on his readiness for a title fight of this magnitude.
Jermall Charlo: The Seasoned Fighter with Inactivity Concerns
Jermall Charlo, at 34, brings a distinct level of experience to the table. With a record of 33-0, including 22 KOs, Charlo has proven himself within the middleweight and super middleweight divisions. Nonetheless, his recent inactivity raises questions on his sharpness within the ring. His last fight, a lackluster victory over Jose Benavidez Jr., did little to dispel these concerns. Charlo’s potential as Canelo’s opponent is undeniable, but his recent lack of ring motion might make him a less appealing alternative for a fight meant to attract global attention.
The alternative between Berlanga and Charlo presents a classic boxing dilemma, the unproven, knockout artist with a big following and marketable personality versus the seasoned, technically proficient yet currently inactive fighter. For Canelo, each presents a distinct sort of challenge and a distinct promotional angle. Chris Mannix of DAZN notes that while Berlanga could be the more marketable fight, especially together with his following in Latest York and Puerto Rico, Charlo could potentially offer a more competitive bout given his experience and technical skills.
As September approaches, the choice on who will face Canelo Alvarez within the ring carries significant implications not only for the fighters involved, but for the super middleweight division as an entire. Will Canelo go for the possibly easier but less proven Berlanga, or will he select the more seasoned but currently inactive Charlo?
This matchup decision is not going to only reflect Canelo’s strategy and confidence but may even influence the profession trajectories of Berlanga and Charlo. Because the boxing community waits for the official announcement, the anticipation builds for what may very well be one among the 12 months’s most talked-about fights
