Edgar Berlanga Defends His Performance Against Canelo

After stepping into the ring with Canelo Alvarez on September 14, 2024, at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, rising super-middleweight contender Edgar Berlanga is pushing back against criticism that he was merely in survival mode against boxing’s biggest star.

Berlanga, known for his aggressive knockout style, faced Alvarez in what was billed as his biggest test yet. However, the fight played out differently than expected, with Berlanga adopting a more defensive approach, avoiding risky exchanges while trying to outmaneuver the undisputed champion.

Despite losing via unanimous decision, Berlanga insists that he wasn’t simply fighting to avoid punishment.
“People say I was just surviving, but I was executing a smart game plan,” Berlanga said in a post-fight interview. “Canelo is a legend, and I wanted to show I could stand with him, not just brawl recklessly.”

While Berlanga’s supporters argue that he showed impressive composure, critics believe he missed an opportunity to truly test Alvarez, pointing out a lack of sustained aggression. Alvarez, for his part, remained dominant throughout the bout, landing precise combinations and controlling the pace.

Following the fight, Berlanga dismissed talks of a rematch, stating that he plans to focus on new challenges instead of chasing another shot at Canelo. With potential matchups against David Benavidez or Caleb Plant, Berlanga is determined to prove that he can bounce back and establish himself as a legitimate title contender.

Sources: ESPN Boxing, DAZN, Boxing Scene

Sources

Tags: Boxing, Combat Sports