Last weekend, the internet was ablaze with speculation about Canelo Alvarez’s likely next opponent. Fans were taken aback by the likelihood that the middleweight king would choose to fight American boxer Edgar Berlanga over the expected contender, David Benavidez. This surprising turn of circumstances has sparked a flurry of emotions, with many saying Benavidez would have been a more hard and worthy opponent.
Jose Benavidez, David Benavidez’s father and coach, was one of the most ardent detractors of Alvarez’s suspected decision. He did not hold back from expressing his anger and frustration. “Jose Benavidez REACTS to Canelo fighting Berlanga over David Benavidez in an easy fight!” he yelled, criticizing Alvarez for attempting to avoid a truly challenging bout. Jose is furious because he believes his son has been unfairly overlooked in favor of Berlanga, a boxer with less experience and fewer awards.\
Edgar Berlanga, despite having an amazing 16-0 record, has yet to face world-class opponents, causing many to regard a prospective bout between him and Alvarez as a “easy” win for Canelo. On the other hand, David Benavidez, who has a perfect 24-0 record and two WBC super-middleweight belts, is largely regarded as a more formidable opponent. The disparity between the two fighters’ resumes fuels the discussion about who genuinely deserves to face Alvarez.
The sports betting industry has also taken note of these trends. The odds for an Alvarez vs. Berlanga bout substantially favor Alvarez, reflecting the common perception that Berlanga would be a much easier opponent. In comparison, a battle with David Benavidez would provide a more balanced and fascinating betting environment. However, nothing has been verified, and the boxing world understands how rapidly things can change.
Canelo Alvarez, dubbed the “Face of Boxing,” is recognized for his willingness to take on difficult tasks. His astounding 55-2 record, which includes victories against top fighters such as Gennady Golovkin and Miguel Cotto, demonstrates his skill and drive in the ring. For a boxer of his caliber, a simple bout offers little to advance his legacy. However, if Alvarez chooses to fight Berlanga, it could be viewed as a strategic decision, preparing for a more difficult encounter later on. This technique is not uncommon in boxing, where the unpredictable nature of the sport frequently results in unexpected decisions.
The true question for the boxing community is if a fight with Berlanga will pave the way for a future matchup with Benavidez. Fans want to see Alvarez take on the sport’s hardest hitters, and a fight with Benavidez is undoubtedly high on that list. Both Berlanga and Benavidez have devoted fans, and a bout against either boxer would definitely generate a lot of attention, considering Alvarez’s celebrity.
As rumor continues to swirl, the boxing world awaits Canelo Alvarez’s decision. Will he follow what some see as the “easy” option and battle Berlanga, or will he save the Benavidez challenge for later? Whatever his decision, the boxing community is prepared to react, and the buzz surrounding it is tangible. Until an official announcement is made, the argument will continue, keeping fans and analysts alike focused on every development.