On September 14, 2024, boxing fans witnessed one of the most anticipated super middleweight showdowns as Canelo Álvarez successfully defended his WBC, WBA, and WBO Super Middleweight World Titles against Edgar Berlanga. This fight, held at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, had garnered significant attention due to Berlanga’s undefeated record and knockout power. However, Canelo proved once again why he is considered one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world.
Pre-Fight Build-Up
Canelo Álvarez, 34, entered the ring with an impressive record of 61-2-2, including 39 knockouts, while Berlanga, a younger and taller fighter at 27, held a spotless record of 22-0 with 17 knockouts. The Mexican superstar was heavily favored going into the fight, but Berlanga’s knockout ratio (77.27%) had fans and analysts speculating about a potential upset.
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The Fight Breakdown
Right from the opening bell, it was clear that Canelo came with a precise game plan to neutralize Berlanga’s power and reach. Berlanga, standing at 6’1″, enjoyed a height and reach advantage, but Canelo’s ability to slip punches and work inside proved decisive.
Round 1-3: Establishing Control
Canelo began the fight with a methodical approach, carefully gauging Berlanga’s power while landing sharp counters. Berlanga tried to assert his jab and keep Canelo at a distance, but the Mexican star quickly found his rhythm, landing body shots that started to slow down the Puerto Rican challenger. Berlanga’s power was evident in his early punches, but Canelo’s defense minimized their impact.
Mid Rounds: Tactical Domination
By the middle rounds, Canelo had fully taken control of the bout. His head movement and footwork were exceptional, allowing him to slip past Berlanga’s punches and counter with punishing shots. In rounds five and six, Canelo landed a series of powerful hooks to the body that visibly weakened Berlanga. The Puerto Rican began to show signs of fatigue, and his output dropped significantly as Canelo increased his pace.
Final Rounds: Canelo’s Mastery
In the final rounds, Canelo showcased his experience, exploiting Berlanga’s defensive gaps and capitalizing on every mistake. Although Berlanga displayed heart and resilience, he was unable to land any meaningful shots to turn the fight in his favor. Canelo, on the other hand, continued to apply pressure, mixing in uppercuts and hooks that left Berlanga struggling to keep up.
The Decision
After 12 rounds, Canelo Álvarez was awarded a unanimous decision, with all three judges scoring the bout in his favor. The final scorecards read 118-110, 117-111, and 119-109, reflecting Canelo’s dominance throughout the fight. Berlanga, despite his best efforts, was unable to pose a serious threat to Canelo’s titles.
Post-Fight Reactions
In the post-fight interview, Canelo expressed satisfaction with his performance, emphasizing that he executed the game plan perfectly and avoided any unnecessary risks. He praised Berlanga’s toughness but highlighted his own experience as the key to victory.
Berlanga, on the other hand, acknowledged that Canelo’s skills were on another level, stating, “I knew he was great, but being in the ring with him showed me what it takes to reach the top.” He remained confident that this experience would only make him a better fighter moving forward.
What’s Next for Canelo?
With this win, Canelo Álvarez further solidified his status as the king of the super middleweight division. The next step for Canelo is uncertain, but discussions have already begun regarding potential matchups with other top contenders in the division or even a possible return to light heavyweight to face some of the bigger names in that class.
Berlanga’s Future
As for Berlanga, this loss, the first of his career, is a learning experience. His raw power and determination are undeniable, but he now understands the level of skill and experience required to compete with the sport’s elite. Berlanga will likely return to the drawing board and work on his weaknesses before making another run at a world title.
Final Thoughts
The Canelo vs. Berlanga fight was a showcase of Canelo Álvarez’s brilliance. While Berlanga put up a brave fight, the Mexican superstar’s experience, tactical precision, and defensive prowess proved too much for the young contender. Fans of Canelo are already speculating about his next move, while Berlanga will take valuable lessons from this defeat as he continues to develop in his career.
This fight not only reaffirmed Canelo’s dominance in the sport but also highlighted the challenges young contenders face when stepping into the ring with a seasoned champion.
Final Words
The September 14 showdown will be remembered as another chapter in the storied career of Canelo Álvarez. His ability to adapt, control, and dominate the fight against a dangerous opponent like Berlanga demonstrates why he remains at the pinnacle of boxing. While Berlanga’s perfect record was shattered, he showed tremendous heart, and this loss will likely be a stepping stone for his future growth in the sport.
As the boxing world looks forward, the question remains: who can dethrone the Mexican legend? For now, Canelo stands tall as the unified super middleweight champion, and Berlanga will regroup, hungry for another chance at glory.
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