Edgar Berlanga faced a significant challenge in his recent bout against Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez, suffering a unanimous points decision loss that marked only the second time he had been knocked down in his career. Entering the ring as a heavy underdog, Berlanga was unable to shift the momentum in a fight that unfolded largely as expected, with the Mexican super-middleweight champion asserting dominance from the opening bell.
In the third round, Berlanga was sent to the canvas for just the second time in his 23-fight career, courtesy of a perfectly timed left hook from Canelo. Despite the onslaught of punches thrown by Alvarez, Berlanga showcased his resilience by surviving until the final bell.
At the post-fight press conference, Berlanga reflected on the experience, specifically highlighting Canelo’s punching power. He noted that Alvarez was “for sure” the hardest hitter he had ever faced, comparing him to other formidable opponents like Roamer Alexis Angulo. Berlanga acknowledged that while Angulo also possessed significant power, he felt mentally prepared to handle Canelo’s strikes.
“I’ll say he hits the hardest for sure,” Berlanga stated. “I knew I was going to get hit, and I had to bite down on my mouthpiece and push through.” He recalled the moment he was dropped, saying it was a shot they had practiced for in training. “I wound up for this move and he connected right on my chin.”
Berlanga also reflected on the nature of boxing, emphasizing that even great fighters get hurt but it’s about how one responds that matters. His determination to come back stronger is evident as he looks ahead.
Meanwhile, Canelo Alvarez’s performance has drawn attention from Terence Crawford, who once again called out the champion following the fight. With backing from high-profile investors in Saudi Arabia, Crawford is poised to make a lucrative offer for a potential matchup with Canelo, adding further intrigue to the super-middleweight landscape.
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