He is the pride of Mexico and he will carry the expectations of thousands on his shoulders when he walks to the squared circle. But it’s a challenge that he hasn’t faced in the last few years. A young, heavy-handed, explosive challenger is long touted to be Canelo Alvarez‘s kryptonite, and Edgar Berlanga checks all the boxes, which could ensure the champion has a long night in the office. So, will the challenger topple the king out of his throne? Or will he get brushed aside like many in the past?

The fans will find out when the two will clash this Saturday at the T-Mobile Arena, in Las Vegas. What’s more? There is an added spice of Mexico vs. Puerto Rico rivalry to it. The event sets the table well for the fans to have a thick and fast action fight. But before that happens, let’s have a look at how the two stack up on paper.

Canelo Alvarez vs. Edgar Berlanga: Tale of Tape

Alvarez, at 34, holds the claim to be the biggest superstar in the combat sports world, and he continues to draw huge crowds for his fights. He is a complete package, with all tricks in his pocket and every weapon in his arsenal. A splendid resume also speaks volumes about his career. The Guadalajara native boasts a record of 61-2-2 with 39 KOs, with two losses coming against Floyd Mayweather and Dmitry Bivol. You won’t want to be on the receiving end of his powerful punches, with a KO ratio of 63.93% suggesting the brutal force behind his punches.

In addition, the super middleweight champion has utilized his dimensions to the fullest to impose his will on his opponents. His stature with a height of 5’7½” (171 cm) and a reach of 70.5″ (179 cm) doesn’t exude a daunting presence, but his skillset makes him a formidable force inside the ring. However, it might not be enough to put Berlanga into the presence, who carries the size advantage, being a natural super middleweight.

Berlanga, at 27, is the younger and less experienced of the two. But he made himself a household name when he racked up 16 consecutive round 1 finishes to start his career. He also had to pay the consequences of it, as he felt his learning curve flattening, and the New York native went the distance in the next five fights to widen his boxing base. He again exploded in his last fight, exhibiting his new, well-rounded boxing acumen. Swiftness in his movement, ability to see out rounds, and ability to unload devastating punches made him a scary, hot prospect who seemed ready to take the next leap.

The Brooklyn native has an unblemished record of 22-0 with 17 KOs and an eye-popping KO ratio of 77.27%, which hints at his aggressive approach and his knack for knockouts. That’s not all. The fans could notice the difference in sizes, as Berlanga stood taller at 6’1″ (185 cm) in their faceoffs. He also has a reach advantage with 73.0″ (185 cm) with his long levers reaching his foes’ skin earlier in exchanges. The same could be said about Berlanga’s weight, which he clocked at 167.8 lbs (76.1 kg) in his last fight, compared to Alvarez’s 166.8 lbs (75.7 kg). Will these factors tilt the fight’s narrative in his favor?

Prediction: Where will the fight be won?

What makes Alvarez special? It’s his ability to adjust his fighting style against foes of all sizes and styles, exceptional footwork, quick pair of hands, punching power, and excellent conditioning. The former undisputed champion prefers to pick apart his opponents throughout the 12 rounds, with a slow breakdown after heavy blows to the body. Alvarez’s counter-punches are his staple to bag the big. But he could be susceptible to what ‘The Chosen One’ brings.

Berlanga has a reach and size advantage, and he could disrupt Alvarez’s rhythm and distance if he can land a blow early on. He tends to throw powerful combinations with his left hooks and straight rights. If he sticks to his game plan, uses his size, and reach advantage well, it could be a tough fight for Alvarez.

But he could also fall prey to Alvarez’s technical prowess and his counters. And do not forget, most of Canelo’s opponents over the last few years have been 6 ft tall. So he is very well used to fighting taller opponents, whereas Berlanga is not. Most of his opponents have had an average height of 6 ft. Thus, punching down is not something he is used to. Remember what Mike Tyson once said about most heavyweights? The same could be true for a natural super middleweight like Edgar Berlanga.

It will be exchanges and whoever comes on top of those exchanges will decide the fight. While there is a strong case for the challenger, Alvarez has all the experience to deal with him and keep his gold straps to himself.

What do you make of this coming fight between Canelo Alvarez and Edgar Berlanga? Who do you believe will leave the arena as victor? Let us know in the comments below.