As exciting as the fights themselves can be in the boxing world, the comments and rivalries between fighters can be just as riveting. When Mexican boxing sensation Saul “Canelo” Alvarez criticized up-and-coming fighter Edgar Berlanga, it caused quite a stir. In reaction to Berlanga’s training clip, Canelo said, “He punches like kids!” which caused a stir among boxing fans. The comment was taken seriously by Berlanga, who is famous for his knockout power. Let’s take a closer look at this developing animosity, Berlanga’s reaction, and the implications for a possible ring confrontation.
One of the most famous and prosperous boxers of all time, Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, is not afraid to say what’s on his mind. After dominating the top boxers in the world and winning many weight classes, Canelo is entitled to make strong claims about his career. But the media and fans were both captivated by his jab at Edgar Berlanga.
Canelo made the comment following the emergence of training footage featuring Berlanga, the youthful boxer, demonstrating his abilities. “He punches like kids!” was Canelo’s contemptuous response to Berlanga’s effort, rather than appreciation or acknowledgment. Because his reputation as a forceful puncher is important to his boxing persona, this comment did not sit well with Berlanga.
One must examine Edgar Berlanga’s ascent to the sport in order to comprehend the profound impact of Canelo’s remark. The Puerto Rican-American boxer Berlanga has been in the news recently for his remarkable run of knockout victories. He became known as a powerful fighter early in his career after knocking out 16 opponents in a row in the first round.
“The Chosen One” Berlanga attracted the attention of prominent promoters and a devoted fan following due to his violent fighting style and devastating knockout power. One of the most promising young fighters in super middleweight boxing, he had the knack for finishing fights quickly and authoritatively.
In order to improve his boxing technique and ring IQ, Berlanga shifted his attention from his early knockout run to taking on more difficult opponents as his career continued. The response from Canelo was shocking and maybe hurtful because his reputation as a fearsome puncher stayed the same even though things changed.
Berlanga would not stand by and let Canelo’s comment to go unanswered. The fighter, who is 26 years old, confronted the criticism directly through interviews and social media. I admire Canelo, but I’m here to prove that I’m no kid,” Berlanga proclaimed with confidence in an Instagram post. The results of my punches speak for themselves; I am prepared to face any obstacle.
Bernardo “Canelo’s comment was unexpected,” Berlanga explained in an ESPN interview. I admire his fighting spirit and the hard effort he put in to be where he is today. However, I will not allow anyone to undermine the efforts I have made. My fists are my declaration, and I will prove to everyone that I am worthy of the top spot.
Fans have grown to admire Berlanga for his mature and composed reaction. Instead of acting out in anger, he took this chance to showcase his skills and resolve.
Words have the same impact as blows in boxing. You can’t discount the psychological component of MMA, as fighters frequently resort to verbal jabs to get under their opponents’ skin. Whether Canelo meant to provoke or not, his comment enhances the excitement surrounding a possible future bout between the two.
A turning point in Berlanga’s career may be upon him now. Even if Canelo says anything bad about him, it will still bring more attention to his name. This back-and-forth has the potential to shape into a pivotal plot point leading up to a high-stakes bout between the two combatants if Berlanga keeps improving and moves up the ranks.
The prospect of a bout between Berlanga and Canelo has supporters enthusiastic, despite the fact that both boxers have hectic schedules coming up. Because of his extensive background and championship lineage, Canelo is still considered the best super middleweight fighter. But Berlanga is hell-bent on becoming a legendary boxer and proving everyone wrong.
This might be Berlanga’s chance to show Canelo how incorrect he is by stepping up his training regimen. He might find himself in a showdown with the Mexican superstar if he wins a handful of more notable races. The expectation for a future battle between Berlanga and Canelo will increase if he is able to demonstrate his strength and competence in his forthcoming contests.
The comment may have been Canelo’s method of showing younger fighters how far they still have to go before they can be considered a champion. Even though Berlanga is a rising star, Canelo has already beaten some of boxing’s hardest opponents. But anything can happen in a boxing match between two powerful, proud boxers.
There is the commercial aspect of boxing to think about in addition to the pride and competitiveness of any possible fight. Canelo and Berlanga going at it alone would be a huge spectacle. A megafight between Canelo and Berlanga, with the former’s already-established celebrity power and the latter’s rising star power and knockout reputation, might happen. This kind of high-profile confrontation would be beneficial for everyone involved: promoters, broadcasters, and fans.
Drama, plots, and trash talking would abound in the lead-up to a Canelo vs. Berlanga bout. For promotional purposes, Canelo’s remark that Berlanga “punches like a kid” could take center stage. Wanting to put his doubters to rest and prove he belongs in the majors, Berlanga would use the fight as an opportunity to do just that.