Mexican boxing superstar Saul “Canelo” Alvarez retained his unified super middleweight world title with a punishing unanimous decision over challenger Edgar Berlanga in Las Vegas. Alvarez knocked down Berlanga in the third round and dominated throughout the 12-round fight. The champion was relentless in his pursuit of victory, landing big shots and wearing down his opponent with body blows. Berlanga, who previously boasted a record of 16 straight first-round knockouts, could not find the stoppage he had predicted despite taunting Alvarez in the final rounds.
Alvarez, with his vast experience and skill, put Berlanga under pressure early in the fight, backing him into corners and landing devastating punches. The Mexican fighter was awarded the victory by scores of 118-109 and 117-110, reaffirming his status as one of the best fighters in the world. Alvarez, now with a record of 62-2-2 with 39 knockouts, expressed his pride in representing Mexico on Independence Day weekend and dismissed any criticism of his choice of opponents. Berlanga, who fell to 22-1 after the fight, acknowledged Alvarez as his idol and embraced him in a show of respect at the end of the bout.
The fight marked Alvarez’s fifth consecutive points victory, with his last knockout win coming against Caleb Plant in November 2021. Despite accusations of avoiding fights with rising star David Benavidez, Alvarez remains focused on his career and plans to take some time to decide his next steps. On the undercard, Erislandy Lara retained his WBA middleweight world title with a ninth-round stoppage of Danny Garcia. The slow pace of the bout drew boos from the crowd, but Lara’s skill and precision ultimately secured him the victory.
Alvarez’s performance against Berlanga solidified his position as a dominant force in the super middleweight division, showcasing his technical prowess and power in the ring. The Mexican fighter’s ability to adapt to different opponents and deliver consistent victories has earned him respect and admiration in the boxing world. Despite criticisms and challenges, Alvarez remains focused on his goals and continues to seek out new challenges in his career. As he takes time to rest and reflect on his next move, fans eagerly anticipate his future matchups and the continuation of his legacy as one of the sport’s greatest champions.
