Canelo Alvarez Dominates Edgar Berlanga to Retain Super Middleweight Titles by Unanimous Decision
Canelo Alvarez did not secure the knockout he predicted, but he delivered a masterclass in power and precision, defeating Edgar Berlanga by unanimous decision in a thrilling 12-round super middleweight bout on Saturday night. Despite Berlanga’s size and resilience, Alvarez’s dominant performance earned him scores of 117-110, 118-109, and 118-109 from the judges, allowing him to retain his super middleweight titles.
The fight took place at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas in front of a roaring crowd that witnessed the latest chapter in the storied boxing rivalry between Mexico and Puerto Rico. Berlanga, a native New Yorker with Puerto Rican roots, was seen as a rising star and a powerful puncher with an undefeated record. But facing Alvarez, the more experienced and battle-hardened champion, Berlanga found himself in deep waters early on.
The Fight Breakdown
From the opening round, it was clear that Berlanga was giving up more than just experience to Alvarez. Though visibly bigger, standing at 6’1″ compared to Alvarez’s 5’7½”, Berlanga struggled to impose his size advantage on the Mexican icon. Alvarez started off slow, stalking his opponent and throwing jabs to establish his rhythm. Berlanga, confident in his own ability, engaged in some trash talk and tried to use his jab to keep Alvarez at bay.
However, Alvarez quickly took control, demonstrating superior footwork, head movement, and defensive skills that kept Berlanga from landing any meaningful punches early in the fight. In the third round, Alvarez capitalized on a mistake by Berlanga and delivered a devastating left hook that sent the younger fighter to the canvas. The crowd erupted, sensing that a knockout could be imminent.
Berlanga, to his credit, showed incredible heart and resilience. He managed to get back on his feet and withstand the subsequent flurry of punches from Alvarez. Though clearly hurt, he survived the round and continued to fight on. However, from that point on, the fight was largely dictated by Alvarez, who continued to land brutal punches while maintaining his composure under fire.
Tensions Boil Over
As the fight progressed, the tension between the two fighters became increasingly palpable. The two were separated by the referee on several occasions as they exchanged heated words and gestures. Berlanga, perhaps frustrated by Alvarez’s dominance, resorted to some questionable tactics, including a headbutt that earned him a stern warning from the referee.
Alvarez, known for his calm demeanor in the ring, appeared visibly irritated by Berlanga’s actions. “I get a little angry,” Alvarez said after the fight, addressing the Puerto Rican’s roughhouse tactics. “A Mexican man.” His comment drew laughter from the crowd, but it was clear that Alvarez was fully focused on dismantling his opponent.
The trash talk continued throughout the fight, but it was Alvarez’s fists that did most of the talking. Time and again, he landed hard shots to Berlanga’s body and head, wearing down the younger fighter and leaving no doubt as to who was in control. Despite being unable to finish the fight with a knockout, Alvarez’s dominance was undeniable.
The Judges’ Verdict
When the final bell rang, there was little suspense regarding the outcome. The judges scored the fight heavily in Alvarez’s favor, with scores of 117-110, 118-109, and 118-109. It was a comprehensive victory for Alvarez, who once again proved why he is considered one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world.
“I’m the best fighter in the world,” Alvarez declared to the sold-out crowd after the fight, drawing cheers from his legions of fans. With this victory, Alvarez improved his record to an impressive 62-2-2, cementing his legacy as one of boxing’s all-time greats.
Berlanga’s Response
For Berlanga, the fight was a humbling experience. Coming into the bout with a perfect 22-0 record, the 27-year-old had never faced a fighter of Alvarez’s caliber. While he showed flashes of his potential and an ability to absorb punishment, it was clear that he was outclassed by the veteran champion.
“I could have done a lot more, but I was in there with a legend,” Berlanga admitted after the fight. His record now stands at 22-1, and though he suffered his first professional loss, Berlanga remained optimistic about his future in the sport. “This is a learning experience for me, and I’ll come back stronger.”
The Mexico vs. Puerto Rico Rivalry
This fight was billed as more than just a clash of fighters—it was another chapter in the long-standing boxing rivalry between Mexico and Puerto Rico. Over the years, this rivalry has produced some of the most exciting and memorable bouts in the sport, with legendary names like Julio César Chávez, Miguel Cotto, and Felix Trinidad representing their respective nations.
Alvarez, who has long carried the mantle for Mexican boxing, relished the opportunity to face a fighter like Berlanga, whose Puerto Rican heritage added extra significance to the matchup. Throughout the fight, chants of “Canelo, Canelo!” echoed through the arena as Alvarez’s fans urged their hero on.
For Berlanga, the fight was a chance to test himself against one of the best fighters in the world and to represent Puerto Rico on the global stage. While he came up short, the experience of facing Alvarez is something that will undoubtedly shape the future of his career.
What’s Next for Canelo Alvarez?
At 34 years old, Canelo Alvarez continues to defy expectations and maintain his status as the king of the super middleweight division. With a record of 62-2-2 and titles to defend, Alvarez has options for future fights. He could pursue a rematch with Dmitry Bivol, who handed Alvarez one of his two career losses in a light heavyweight bout in 2022. Alternatively, he could seek out other big-name opponents in the super middleweight division, such as David Benavidez.
For now, though, Alvarez can bask in the glory of yet another dominant performance. He has consistently proven himself against the best in the world and shows no signs of slowing down.
Conclusion
Canelo Alvarez’s victory over Edgar Berlanga was a testament to his skill, experience, and ability to perform on the biggest stage. While he didn’t get the knockout he predicted, Alvarez’s unanimous decision win was a statement that he remains at the top of the boxing world. Berlanga, though handed his first professional loss, showed grit and determination and will likely learn from this defeat as he continues his own journey in the sport.
As for the Mexico vs. Puerto Rico rivalry, Saturday night’s fight was another exciting chapter in the saga, with Alvarez once again proving his greatness and further solidifying his place in boxing history.
