Edgar Berlanga is blocking out David Benavidez and Terence Crawford talk as he prepares for Canelo Alvarez
Canelo Alvarez last competed in May, defeating Jaime Munguia via unanimous decision to retain his IBF, WBA, WBC, WBO, and The Ring super middleweight titles. While he has since been stripped of the first title, the four-division champion is set to put the rest of his belts on the line when he faces Edgar Berlanga at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, on September 14.
There has been plenty of backlash from boxing fans - many of whom were clamoring for Canelo to face David Benavidez or Terence Crawford. Berlanga recently dismissed chatter about the two potential opponents for Alvarez ahead of their upcoming clash.
Speaking at the first press conference for the event, 'The Chosen One' stated:
"Listen man, I don't want to hear Benavidez. F**k Benavidez. Shout out to Crawford, you know what I'm saying, but they keep mentioning Crawford. He fought a [154] pounder, it was a tough fight. We got business to handle September 14. A lot of people just keep mentioning Benavidez and all these guys, man, y'all know it's not going to happen and that's just that, man. September 14, Berlanga [versus] Canelo, Puerto Rico versus Mexico."
Check out Edgar Berlanga's comments on facing Canelo Alvarez below:
Alvarez has received criticism for choosing to face Berlanga, who many have written off. It will mark a big jump in competition for the latter, who faced Padraig McCrory in his last bout. 'The Chosen One' holds a 22-0 boxing record, including 17 victories via knockout, since making his professional debut in 2016.
Canelo Alvarez reveals why he chose to face Edgar Berlanga
Canelo Alvarez remains among the biggest stars in boxing as his illustrious career winds down. His stardom gives him the power to choose his opponents. While many wanted to see him face David Benavidez or Terence Crawford next, he will face Edgar Berlanga. He was asked why he chose the latter as an opponent during the first press conference for the event, responding:
"I think this fight is a good fight for the people. Mexico versus Puerto Rico [is] always a great fight and I think it's a good fight for the people."
Check out Canelo Alvarez's comments on facing Edgar Berlanga below:
Alvarez enters as a heavy favorite to defeat Berlanga. His odds sit at -1450, while his opponents are at +870. The four-division champion has a professional boxing record of 61-2-2, including 39 knockout victories. His last stoppage, however, came back in 2021 when he defeated Caleb Plant via 11th-round TKO.