Canelo Álvarez Outclasses Edgar Berlanga to Retain Super Middleweight Belts. Canelo Álvarez, one of boxing’s most prominent figures, continued to solidify his legacy by successfully defending his unified super middleweight titles against the rising contender Edgar Berlanga. The match, held on September 14, 2024, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, was characterized by Álvarez’s experience, skill, and tactical prowess. With a unanimous decision victory, Álvarez demonstrated why he remains a dominant force in the sport.
Background of the Fight:
Canelo Álvarez (62-2-2, 39 KOs), a seasoned champion, had come into this bout after a series of impressive performances. After losing his light heavyweight title to Dmitry Bivol, he rebounded with four consecutive wins, all by unanimous decision. Edgar Berlanga (22-1, 17 KOs), on the other hand, entered the fight looking to establish himself as a serious contender after a rocky stretch following an explosive start to his career with 16 consecutive first-round knockouts.
The buildup to the fight featured intense media engagement, with Berlanga expressing confidence in his ability to upset the champion. His brash statements clashed with Álvarez’s calm demeanor, making for an intriguing narrative leading up to the fight.
The Fight’s Early Rounds:
From the opening bell, Canelo showcased superior boxing IQ and skill. He used his experience to control the pace of the fight, keeping Berlanga at bay with effective jabs and calculated combinations. His ability to read Berlanga’s movements allowed him to counter effectively.
In the first few rounds, Álvarez utilized his trademark body shots, emphasizing his power and precision. Berlanga struggled to find his rhythm and was often on the defensive, showcasing a lack of the necessary adjustments to penetrate Canelo’s guard. Canelo’s strategy of sticking to the basics and maintaining distance paid off, as he landed more significant punches, demonstrating his mastery of the sweet science.
The Turning Point: Round Three:
The fight took a decisive turn in the third round. Canelo landed a perfectly timed left hook that sent Berlanga to the canvas, showcasing his renowned power and footwork. Despite being knocked down, Berlanga exhibited resilience and fought back, demonstrating his toughness and determination.
This moment was pivotal; the knockdown not only shifted the momentum but also affected Berlanga’s confidence. He became increasingly cautious, focusing on avoiding further damage rather than launching effective attacks. Canelo capitalized on this by increasing his aggression, knowing he had the upper hand.
Mid-Fight Dynamics:
As the fight progressed into the middle rounds, Álvarez continued to exploit Berlanga’s weaknesses. He strategically mixed up his punches, combining hooks with uppercuts and body shots to wear down the challenger. The tactical variety overwhelmed Berlanga, who seemed unsure how to counteract the experienced champion’s methods.
Berlanga’s corner emphasized the need for increased activity and risk, but he appeared hesitant, reinforcing the notion that Álvarez was controlling the match. By the fifth round, the judges’ scorecards reflected Canelo’s dominance, affirming that Álvarez’s tactical decisions were paying off.
Final Rounds: Álvarez’s Tactical Masterclass:
In the championship rounds, Canelo maintained his composure and fitness. He continued to employ effective defensive strategies, including head movement and footwork, which allowed him to evade Berlanga’s attempts to land significant punches. Conversely, Berlanga’s stamina came into question as he fought to keep pace with the relentless Álvarez.
Canelo’s ability to counterattack swiftly turned the tables, and he landed a series of well-placed shots. Each punch served to demoralize Berlanga, who was caught between trying to engage and fearing the counter from the champion. As the rounds progressed, Canelo’s fans cheered enthusiastically, while Berlanga’s supporters began to feel the gravity of their fighter’s uphill battle.
Judges’ Decision: The Outcome:
As the final bell rang, the judges delivered their verdict—Álvarez had retained his titles with scores of 117-110, 118-109, and 118-109. The unanimous decision highlighted Canelo’s superiority throughout the bout, proving once again that experience, skill, and strategy can prevail against raw power and ambition.
The post-fight atmosphere shifted from anticipation to relief among Canelo’s fans, who celebrated his ability to fend off a young contender. For Berlanga, while the loss was significant, he managed to gain respect for his resilience, but there are questions about whether he can reestablish himself at the elite level.
Canelo Álvarez: Legacy and Future:
Canelo’s victory not only reaffirmed his status as one of boxing’s elite but also positioned him for potential future fights against other top contenders in the super middleweight and light heavyweight divisions. Many fans speculate if he will eventually face names like David Benavidez or other high-profile fighters.
After the fight, Canelo expressed gratitude for his team and emphasized the importance of discipline in his success. “Experience, talent, hard work, and intelligence—everything comes together,” he stated in the ring, showcasing the mindset that has contributed to his long-lasting success in boxing.
Edgar Berlanga’s Journey Ahead:
As for Berlanga, this fight represented a learning experience amid a challenging career path. After a shaky performance against an elite opponent, he will need to regroup, learn from his mistakes, and develop a more strategic fight plan to reclaim his place among the top contenders. His next steps will be crucial as he aims to evolve and adapt to the level of competition he aspires to face.
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FAQs
What were the official scorecards for the fight?
The official scorecards read 117-110, 118-109, and 118-109 in favor of Canelo Álvarez3.
How did Canelo Álvarez secure the victory?
Canelo secured his victory through a combination of experience, strategic planning, effective counterpunching, and by knocking down Berlanga in the third round3.
What impact does this fight have on Álvarez’s career?
This victory reinforces Canelo’s position as one of the top boxers in the sport and lays the groundwork for potential high-profile matchups in the future3.
What’s next for Edgar Berlanga after this loss?
Berlanga will need to reassess his training and strategy following this loss to regain his footing in the super middleweight division and re-establish himself as a contender3.
What are Canelo Álvarez’s achievements?
Canelo Álvarez has won titles in four weight classes and is considered one of the greatest pound-for-pound fighters in the sport’s history3.
Conclusion:
Canelo Álvarez’s performance against Edgar Berlanga was a masterclass in boxing. Through 12 rounds of tactical skill, precision, and optimal decision-making, Álvarez showcased why he is a formidable champion in the super middleweight division. As he continues to climb the ranks of boxing’s elite, fans and analysts alike will eagerly anticipate his next moves. Meanwhile, Berlanga’s journey will undoubtedly be followed, as he seeks to learn from this experience and strive for redemption in future bouts. With the closing of this chapter, boxing fans can look forward to what the future holds for both fighters in this ever-evolving sport.