By Ricardo Lezama 
Canelo cartoon with permission from @lunatoonboxing on X.
In a highly anticipated boxing match held on Mexican Independence Day, Saúl “Canelo” Alvarez faced Edgar Berlanga Jr., an undefeated, strong and fairly big (in terms of fight night weight) super middleweight, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. Despite Berlanga’s enthusiastic effort, the bout ended decisively in favor of Canelo, who won by unanimous decision after 12 rounds. Canelo’s extensive experience and skill proved too much for Berlanga.
Consistently, Canelo showcased his dominance throughout the fight with different tactics, like bruising the arms of Berlanga, landing uppercuts, punching in combinations but then evading just a second before the slower Berlanga could counter. Canelo’s defensive movement was always present, and overwhelming combinations in the early stage of the fight cemented that Berlanga would need a difficult KO for success.
Berlanga even anticipated some of these tactics so early on there was a consistent jab and some tendencies to expose his chin were exploited as a result. Once this was nullified by Berlanga raising his guard, Canelo went to the body while also dropping Berlanga. Specficially, in the 3rd round, a lightning left hook floored Berlanga, but the 27 year old Puerto Rican showed his fighting prowess and heart by getting up and clearing the round.
CANELO ALVAREZ
— Danny (@dantheboxingman) September 15, 2024
WITH THE 3RD ROUND KNOCKDOWN‼️#Boxing #CaneloBerlanga
💥💥🥊🥊🥊
pic.twitter.com/KkrGCMsZIB
Nevertheless, Edgar Berlanga did demonstrate remarkable resilience, even after being knocked down early in the contest. He managed to endure the entire 12-round fight, responding with one or two shots to Canelo’s combination while earning respect from fans and commentators alike who noted his toughness and determination. While Canelo’s performance was characterized as systematic and commanding, there were mixed reviews regarding Berlanga’s fighting style, with some observing that he could have utilized his size and range more effectively.
The match not only reaffirmed Canelo’s status as a champion but also raised questions about his next opponent. Among the names being floated in discussions include David Benavidez, who many fans consider a viable threat to Canelo’s reign. However, complaints arose regarding Canelo’s choice of opponents, as some believed he could have faced tougher competition rather than Berlanga.
Throughout the fight, Canelo continuously pressured Berlanga, forcing him against the ropes and landing significant punches. Despite Canelo’s clear victory, there were comments within the boxing community about the lack of a knockout, with fans expressing disappointment at Canelo’s inability to stop Berlanga, especially given the latter’s relatively limited experience in the ring compared to Canelo’s illustrious career. What most do not factor in is that Berlanga is likely huge and outmuscled Canelo in this sense.
Fan Reactions
The actual event was sold out with Dan Rafael noting that T-Mobile was sold out by the event’s start. All in all, 21000 tickets were sold for the T-Mobile Arena. The celebrities were also on hand with Harrison Ford, an older American actor and legend who starred in ‘Raiders of the Lost Ark’ and ‘The Fugitive’. Diego Luna, a very relevant contemporary Mexican and international film star who also appeared on Disney’s Rogue One. Gael Garcia Bernal and Demi Moore were also on hand to add to the glamour of the event.
Me distrae mucho que Gael García Bernal y Diego Luna estén ahí en primera plana #CaneloenAzteca pic.twitter.com/1g69ua7rAD
— Andrea Valpop (@andreavalpop) September 15, 2024
Social media buzzed post-fight, with boxing pundits and fans analyzing the match and emphasizing Berlanga’s unexpected performance under pressure. A more active jab and better reflexes could have made all the difference. Many agreed that while Canelo remains a formidable force in boxing, the fight showcased levels of skill and experience in the sport, and Berlanga’s stock undoubtedly rose despite his loss. Even so, clever defense and explosiveness – even with Canelo’s limited power at a weight class so far above his natural weight – Canelo proved how to dismantle an aggressive power puncher.
As fans digest this weekend’s events, they remain eager to see who Canelo Alvarez will face next and whether Berlanga will look to prove himself against other rising stars in the sport. The fight was an exciting showcase of dedication, skill, and the unpredictable nature of boxing, leaving fans both satisfied and eager for more.