He Definitely Got That Dawg!

Canelo Alvarez Outpoints Edgar Berlanga in Dominant Victory, but Berlanga Earns Respect with Gritty Performance

Article By: John Green

Canelo Alvarez solidified his status as one of the world’s best fighters with a convincing unanimous decision victory over Puerto Rican contender Edgar Berlanga. Despite the one-sided nature of the fight, Berlanga’s performance garnered significant respect from both his fans and the boxing community.

From the early rounds, it was clear that Canelo was in control. A crisp left hook in the third round sent Berlanga to the canvas, but the young Puerto Rican fighter showed incredible heart by immediately getting back to his feet, legs steady beneath him. Not only did Berlanga recover, but he launched a counteroffensive that showcased his determination and resilience. Though Canelo won most of the exchanges, Berlanga absorbed punches that would have stopped many other fighters, demonstrating his sturdy chin and incredible heart.

A Better Showing Than Expected

While Berlanga was outclassed by Canelo’s technical prowess, he never backed down. Many in the boxing world have already stated that Berlanga performed better than Jaime Munguia and Jermell Charlo in their respective bouts with Canelo. Unlike many others who crumbled under Canelo’s relentless body attacks, Berlanga stood tall, occasionally taunting the Mexican star, even employing some rough tactics in close quarters. Canelo, known for his ability to adapt, wasn’t shy about returning the favor with his own counters and retaliations.

In the later rounds, Berlanga pressed forward, knowing he was behind on the scorecards, and even forced Canelo into a few exchanges. Though it was clear Canelo was the sharper and more experienced fighter, Berlanga’s heart and refusal to quit earned him new fans.

The Respect Between Warriors

When the final bell rang, the scorecards read clearly in Canelo’s favor—118-109, 118-109, and 117-111. However, what stood out was the exchange between the two fighters after the decision was announced. Berlanga, humbled by the experience, expressed his respect and appreciation for the boxing legend. Canelo, ever the sportsman, offered words of encouragement to the young fighter, recognizing his effort and resilience. At 27 years old, Berlanga now stands in a position similar to Canelo’s after his own fight with Floyd Mayweather: having learned from a defeat that will shape the rest of his career.

Many believe that Berlanga’s stock has risen despite the loss, and his ability to go 12 rounds with Canelo—something many doubted—demonstrated his potential and toughness. The experience of facing one of the greatest fighters in the sport will only serve to make Berlanga stronger as he continues to climb in the 168-pound division.

The Future for Berlanga

Much like how Canelo rebounded after his loss to Mayweather and became a global superstar, Berlanga is poised to follow a similar path. With this experience under his belt, he has a chance to build on what he learned and make a name for himself in the super middleweight division. His combination of heart, grit, and raw power, paired with the invaluable lessons from facing Canelo, positions Berlanga for a promising future.

For Canelo, this was yet another masterclass in control, skill, and dominance. But for Edgar Berlanga, the night was not just about losing—it was about proving that he belongs among the best and has the potential to become a champion in the years to come.