via Getty
SAN DIEGO, CA – MARCH 02: Boxers Canelo Alvarez poses for photos at the press conference announcing the May 7th Canelo Alvarez v Dmitry Bivol fight at the Sheraton Hotel on March 2, 2022 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Matt Thomas/Getty Images) ***Local Caption***
via Getty
SAN DIEGO, CA – MARCH 02: Boxers Canelo Alvarez poses for photos at the press conference announcing the May 7th Canelo Alvarez v Dmitry Bivol fight at the Sheraton Hotel on March 2, 2022 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Matt Thomas/Getty Images) ***Local Caption***
In a significant shift within the boxing landscape, Canelo Alvarez, ESPN’s No. 4 pound-for-pound boxer, has parted ways with Al Haymon’s Premier Boxing Champions (PBC), with two fights still left on his $100 million deal with the promotion. The split comes after the PBC failed to finalize terms for Canelo’s much-vaunted bout against Jermall Charlo on May 4th in Las Vegas. This development opens new doors for Canelo, as discussions pivot towards a potential showdown with Edgar Berlanga in May followed by a match against Jaime Munguia in September.
According to Mike Coppinger of ESPN, “Canelo Alvarez and PBC mutually agreed to part ways, sources told ESPN, with two fights remaining on a three-fight deal signed in June. The pact called for the star boxer to fight Jermall Charlo on May 4. However, Canelo and PBC couldn’t agree to terms. Jermall’s twin brother, Jermell, had a lackluster performance vs. Canelo in September, killing any brotherly revenge angle. And Jermall ended a 29-month layoff in November and failed to impress vs. Jose Benavidez Jr., so there was limited demand for Canelo-Charlo.” The move away from the PBC allows Alvarez to explore fresh matchups, stirring excitement among boxing fans for the year ahead.
Canelo Alvarez and PBC mutually agreed to part ways, sources told ESPN, with two fights remaining on a three-fight deal signed in June. The pact called for the star boxer to fight Jermall Charlo on May 4. However, Canelo and PBC couldn’t agree to terms. Jermall’s twin brother,…
— Mike Coppinger (@MikeCoppinger) February 26, 2024
With a storied career and titles across five weight classes, Alvarez’s next steps are eagerly awaited as he seeks to cement his legacy further. He hasn’t fought since beating the other Charlo brother, Jermell Charlo in September, last year. So what is next for Canelo Alvarez now that the Jermall Charlo ship has almost sailed?
Could Edgar Berlanga be Canelo’s next opponent?
In the wake of his resounding victory over Padraig McCrory on the 24th, Edgar Berlanga wasted no time in targeting a monumental challenge against Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez, boldly stating, “I want him now. Look at Eddie right there. He’s going to make it happen.” Berlanga’s direct challenge emphasized during his post-fight remarks with a pointed reference to Eddie Hearn in the audience, showcased his eagerness to climb the ranks and face one of boxing’s titans.
Alvarez could now return to DAZN, where fights against Edgar Berlanga and Jaime Munguia are in play for May and September. Of course, the big fights for Canelo remain David Benavidez and Terence Crawford.
— Mike Coppinger (@MikeCoppinger) February 26, 2024
This ambition was further solidified by Berlanga’s manager, Keith Connolly, who disclosed, “We’ve had preliminary talks with Eddie Hearn regarding a Canelo Alvarez-Berlanga fight in 2024.” Connolly’s revelation, “Berlanga would be ready to fight Canelo as early as May 4,” underscored the strategic planning behind Berlanga’s bold declaration. Even Munguía is not too far behind. According to the X post, “Edgar Berlanga and Jaime Munguia are in play for May and September.” This means Canelo’s second fight of the year might be Jaime Munguía.
Not so long ago, reports emerged that Canelo was set to make his return to Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing. He left the promotion company early last year to secure his deal $100 million deal with the PBC. Their exact words? “It’s being reported that Canelo Alvarez is set for a sensational return to Matchroom to face Jaime Munguia & Edgar Berlanga.” If Canelo chooses to return, these highly anticipated matches could be his next.
Read more: Dana White Shuts Down Canelo Alvarez vs BMF Fight Winner Rumours
So, to the boxing enthusiasts out there, what are your thoughts on these developments? Do you believe Edgar Berlanga is the formidable opponent Canelo needs to further cement his legacy, or is there another fighter on the horizon who could pose a greater challenge?
