A “What If” Of Titanic Proportions.

Edgar Berlanga vs. Canelo Alvarez: Can Berlanga Shock the World?

As Edgar Berlanga prepares to face Saul “Canelo” Alvarez on September 14, 2024, the boxing world is buzzing, but not necessarily with anticipation of a competitive showdown. Many see this fight as a mismatch, with the seasoned Canelo, a four-division world champion and pound-for-pound great, heavily favored to dispatch the young, undefeated Berlanga. With criticism coming from all corners, Berlanga finds himself in a position where few believe he stands a chance. But what if he defies the odds?

The Doubters: A One-Sided Narrative

From boxing pundits to casual fans, the overwhelming consensus is that Berlanga is in over his head. The Puerto Rican fighter, known for his early career knockout streak, hasn’t faced anywhere near the level of competition that Canelo has. While Berlanga boasts an undefeated record, his performances in recent fights have raised questions about his readiness for this monumental step up in class.

Critics argue that Berlanga’s opponents thus far have been journeymen and gatekeepers, and his most notable wins have lacked the dominance he showed early in his career. Many believe his power, once seen as his defining trait, has been neutralized as he steps up in competition. A common refrain is that Berlanga is simply not ready for the elite level, and facing Canelo, who has fought and beaten the best across multiple weight divisions, feels like a bridge too far.

Why the Doubts Are Loud

Saul “Canelo” Alvarez is, without question, one of the greatest fighters of his generation. He’s beaten elite competition like Gennadiy Golovkin, Sergey Kovalev, Caleb Plant, and Billy Joe Saunders, to name just a few. His resume, skill set, and ring IQ are unmatched in today’s boxing landscape. He’s known for his relentless body attack, sharp defense, and ability to adapt to any style. Against Berlanga, many feel he will have no problem picking the younger fighter apart.

The belief that Berlanga has “no chance” stems from this overwhelming comparison in skill and experience. Canelo has been in the ring with every type of opponent imaginable, from slick boxers to hard-hitting brawlers, and he’s come out on top time and time again. To many, Berlanga doesn’t offer anything that Canelo hasn’t already seen.

But in boxing, one punch can change everything. Despite the overwhelming odds against him, Berlanga does have attributes that could make this fight interesting. He has power—power that, if it lands cleanly, could hurt Canelo. Berlanga’s strength lies in his aggression and his ability to pressure opponents, which, if used effectively, could trouble even a fighter as skilled as Canelo.

Should Berlanga somehow pull off the upset, the ramifications would be seismic. A victory over Canelo would instantly catapult him from promising prospect to global boxing star. It would send shockwaves through the sport, as Canelo has been the face of boxing for nearly a decade. A win would not only give Berlanga the WBC, WBA, and WBO Super Middleweight Titles but would also cement his legacy as the fighter who dethroned a modern-day legend.

Such a victory would open the door to massive paydays and high-profile matchups. Fighters like David Benavidez, Caleb Plant, and even Canelo himself in a potential rematch would be lining up to face the new king of the division. Berlanga’s Puerto Rican heritage would make him an instant icon, following in the footsteps of legends like Felix Trinidad and Miguel Cotto.

Can Berlanga Win?

If Berlanga is to pull off the upset, he’ll need more than just power. He’ll need to fight the perfect fight, employing a strategy that neutralizes Canelo’s superior skills. Berlanga will have to use his size and reach to keep Canelo at bay, make smart use of his jab, and avoid falling into the traps that have cost other opponents dearly.

One of the key challenges will be stamina. Canelo is known for his ability to break opponents down over time, particularly with his body shots. Berlanga will need to conserve energy and not expend everything in the early rounds, where he has historically been most dangerous. Additionally, staying disciplined on defense will be crucial, as Canelo excels at counterpunching and capitalizing on mistakes.

Is This Bout A Longshot Worth Watching?

While the odds are certainly stacked against Edgar Berlanga, the allure of boxing is that anything can happen. For now, most of the boxing world sees this as another showcase for Canelo Alvarez, but should Berlanga pull off the unthinkable, it would go down as one of the biggest upsets since Anthony Joshua vs Andy Ruiz 1.

And in a sport as unpredictable as boxing, that may be just enough to make even the most one-sided fights worth watching.