Canelo Alvarez has so many fights under his belt that it is hard to keep track of all the great opponents he’s faced over the years. The unified super middleweight champion is now set to fight the undefeated Edgar Berlanga on Saturday, September 14, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Despite being born and raised in New York, Berlanga proclaims himself as a proud Puerto Rican. The PBC for its part has also promoted the fight as a Mexican vs. Puerto Rican showdown. But does the proud history weigh heavily on Canelo? Or is this just another fight for him?

Edgar Berlanga, known for his early knockout power, has boldly predicted a first-round knockout of the seasoned champion in many interviews. While his confidence is unshaken, Canelo has taken these claims in stride, using them as fuel to motivate him. This is far from the first time Canelo will face a Puerto Rican fighter—his memorable clash with Puerto Rican great Miguel Cotto a decade ago remains a highlight of his career. Canelo even expressed his respect for Cotto in the lead-up to this fight but warned that Berlanga, like Cotto, would not escape defeat.

Canelo Alvarez promises a beatdown

Ahead of the clash between the two super middleweight stars, Premier Boxing Champions released a new documentary show titled ‘Gloves Off: Canelo vs. Berlanga.’ The show features all the behind-the-scenes action in the lead-up to this fight and features some exclusive sit-down snippets of the two boxers. In the first episode, viewers saw a driven and focused Canelo Alvarez, who is once again preparing to take on a formidable Puerto Rican contender. “I’ve always respected Puerto Ricans. Especially Miguel Cotto, against whom it was an honor to fight in 2015. And I’m sorry because his fellow Puerto Rican is going to lose,” Canelo Alvarez stated menacingly.

The unified champion has already stated that he “likes breaking their(boxers) faces when they talk like that,” referring to Berlanga’s trash talk. In the interview, he revealed that he is eagerly waiting for the day to give Berlanga a “beat down of his life.” This isn’t just a fight—it’s personal, and Canelo’s words of apology to Cotto serve as a grim warning of what he intends to do in the ring.

The Canelo-Cotto fight from 2015 marked a turning point in both fighters’ careers. Cotto, after a distinguished career, took a two-year break following his loss to Canelo and retired in 2017. In contrast, Canelo went on to achieve greater heights, securing several major victories that solidified his legacy as one of the sport’s greatest. This upcoming Mexico vs. Puerto Rico battle may well represent another pivotal moment in Canelo’s storied career, as well as Berlanga’s.

Canelo vs. Berlanga: Battle Lines Drawn

Both of these fighters have drawn the battle lines and are fighting for more than just titles. While it is ‘The Chosen One’s’ first title fight and he is ready to make a mark. The Brooklyn-born boxer stated that he would die in that ring before giving up and promised Canelo a fight like never before. The undefeated challenger has been trying to get under Canelo’s skin for a while now. Whether he has succeeded or not, is yet to be seen, but he has increased the stakes of this fight considerably.

On the other hand, the unified champion is at the last stage of his boxing career and is looking to go out on his terms. He is itching to get in the ring with Berlanga because of all the things the latter has said in the last few months. No one can tell the champion what to do, as he has nothing to prove to the world and he is ready to bring his best to the fight on September 14th. This will be Canelo’s 66th fight of his career and he does not “want to let go of the position” he is in as he has worked hard to get where he is. The champion has fought and defeated the best and he is not going to make anything easy for Berlanga.

The build-up to the fight has become Mexico vs. Puerto Rico, and both of these fighters are ready to show their best selves on fight night. The question remains: will Canelo Alvarez, with his vast experience and proven track record, have an easy night in the ring, or will Edgar Berlanga, with his youthful confidence and power, deliver the toughest challenge of the champion’s career? Only time will tell, but the stage is set for an explosive night of boxing on September 14th.

What do you think about Canelo’s comments? Will Canelo have an easy outing or will Berlanga give them a tough competition? Let us know down below.