STAR BOXING PREVIEW: Canelo Alvarez v Edgar Berlanga

Mexican superstar Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez (61-2-2 39KO) will once again pack out the T Mobile Arena in Las Vegas this weekend as defends his super middleweight titles against undefeated challenger Edgar Berlanga (22-0 17KO), writes JORDAN NEILD.

Canelo needs little introduction and although he is no longer recognised as the best pound-for-pound boxer in the world, he remains the sport’s biggest attraction and the sheer numbers that come out to support him this weekend will prove that. For the first time, Canelo will have competition in Vegas, with the UFC also in town, but that won’t detract from the circus that follows the Mexican superstar.

This will be the 66th professional contest for Canelo and his longevity in the sport is as impressive as his belt haul. Spanning 15 years and across four weight classes, there isn’t much left for Canelo to achieve but he remains keen to keep proving he is one of the best boxers in the world.

Canelo is still operating at the top of the sport but there have been signs that his powers are starting to decline ever so slightly. Up until his defeat to Dmitry Bivol at light heavyweight in 2022, he was unquestionably the best fighter in the world but lacklustre wins over the likes of John Ryder, Jermell Charlo and Jaime Munguia since have left fans wondering if he still the force of old.

So many great champions of the past made the mistake of competing for too long and there is a feeling around that Canelo may be on the edge of doing the same. The 34-year-old may still hold belts, but he is no longer the feared champion he once was and an undefeated fighter like Edgar Berlanga will arrive in Vegas believing destiny is on his side.

At 22-0 (17KO) Edgar Berlanga has enjoyed a perfect start to life as a professional boxer and he has a growing reputation over in America. His career started with 17 consecutive first round knockouts which had him earmarked as a potential future world champion but that power seems to have disappeared as he has moved through the levels and he has only managed five decision victories since.

‘The Chosen One’ is a boxer who enjoys the celebrity status as much as he does the sport and he arrives in Las Vegas with a level of confidence that some consider borders on arrogance. Through every media interview, the 27-year-old has stated he expects to beat Canelo and expects to become the first man to knock the Mexican out.

When you consider the names Canelo has been in with, you must admire the confidence of Berlanga but what he has put on tape so far does little to back up his claims. He displayed genuine power against low level opposition but since moving through the ranks, he has failed to develop his boxing IQ and footwork which has meant he has struggled to find openings and that is a huge worry coming into a fight with somebody as experienced as Canelo Alvarez.

Ultimately, this is a prospect taking his chance against an established champion that he hopes is over the hill but even if Canelo is no longer the force of old, he should have enough in the tank to avoid taking any unnecessary shots from Edgar Berlanga.

The champion is no longer the ruthless beast that set the world alight but he is experienced, tough and retains the ability to make this an easy night’s work. Canelo by decision at (5/2) is worth a bet.

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PROFIT/LOSS (SEP 2024): -11.40 POINTS

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