Canelo Alvarez has finally confirmed his next bout as Edgar Berlanga steps up for a world title shot at the super-middleweight king.
The Mexican superstar puts the WBC, WBA, and WBO super middleweight straps on the line after dropping the IBF crown due to a mandatory order against William Scull. It had initially been thought that a deal would be struck until the official announcement. Scull looks set to fight for the vacant IBF belt after the parties failed to agree on a deal to keep the undisputed titles together.
Canelo loses the status he was proud to hold but goes up against undefeated mandatory contender Edgar Berlanga to appease the WBA’s stipulation instead. The fight occurs on September 14, the 19-year-fight veteran’s usual date of Mexican Independence weekend in Las Vegas.
Discussing the fight, Canelo’s trainer, Eddy Reynoso, is looking forward to a Mexico vs Puerto Rico duel.
“Every day, we are preparing,” said Reynoso. “We know that Berlanga is a good fighter, a strong, undefeated fighter. The confrontations within boxing between Mexico and Puerto Rico are always intense fights, very morbid fights, and, above all, very good boxing. Puerto Rico has produced many world champions and Hall of Fame fighters. Mexico has done the same.
“It will be a very attractive fight against a great fighter in Berlanga who’s undefeated and faced some of the best fighters competing at 168 pounds over the last few years.”
Keith Connolly, Berlanga’s manager, added, “I’m excited for my guy, Edgar Berlanga, to get a shot at the king of boxing, Canelo Álvarez. “I want to thank all the players for helping me get this deal over the line. Canelo vs. Berlanga is renewing the Mexico vs Puerto Rico rivalry, which is the best in boxing history. September 14 is a can’t-miss event for fans around the world.”
Promoter Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions, stated, “Mexican Independence Day weekend is synonymous with big Canelo Álvarez fights, and Saturday, September 14, will be the next chapter of that historic story,” said Brown.
“Canelo has long reigned as the 168-pound king and will put his three unified world titles up against a young, power-punching contender in Edgar Berlanga as he looks to score once again a victory for his home country in the storied rivalry between Mexico and Puerto Rico.”
Finally, Eddie Hearn, Chairman of Matchroom Boxing, aired his views after securing another opportunity to work with Canelo Alvarez.
“Edgar Berlanga’s nickname is the Chosen One. I’m so happy he got the golden pick for September 14. This is the fight we dreamed about when we signed Edgar last year.
“He is ready to give everything for himself, his family, and Puerto Rico. You have a young, unbeaten, fearless puncher ready to tackle one of the all-time greats – get ready for drama in Las Vegas!”
Canelo vs Berlanga official information
This showdown will deliver the latest chapter in the long boxing rivalry between Mexico and Puerto Rico, with the fighting pride of Mexico in Canelo Alvarez dueling Puerto Rico’s Edgar Berlanga. Highlighted by numerous historic matchups, including Salvador Sánchez vs. Wilfredo Gómez and Julio César Chávez Sr. vs. Héctor Camacho, Canelo is no stranger to this heated rivalry, having defeated Puerto Rican Hall of Famer Miguel Cotto in one of the biggest Mexico vs. Puerto Rico fights in recent memory.
In addition to being available for purchase on Prime Video, regardless of Prime membership, fans can also purchase the PPV via DAZN.com and PPV.com. Fans will continue to be able to access the telecast through traditional cable and satellite outlets.
Pre-sale tickets are available Monday, July 29, from 10 a.m. PT until 10 p.m. PT through AXS.com using the code PBC. The public on-sale is scheduled for Tuesday, July 30, at 10 a.m. PT, with tickets available through AXS.com.
Canelo Promotions and TGB Promotions promote the event in association with Matchroom Boxing. Canelo Promotions presents a Mexican Independence Day weekend extravaganza, headlining a PBC Pay-Per-View event available on Prime Video on Saturday, September 14, at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Read all articles and exclusive interviews by Phil Jay. Learn more about the author, experienced boxing writer, and World Boxing News Editor since 2010. Follow on Twitter @PhilJWBN.
