Mexican boxing icon Saul “Canelo” Alvarez successfully defended his unified super middleweight world title with a commanding unanimous decision victory over Edgar Berlanga Jr. on Saturday night in Las Vegas.
Alvarez knocked Berlanga to the canvas in the third round and continued to dominate throughout the fight. In the ninth round, Alvarez rocked Berlanga with a powerful right hand, prompting concern from Berlanga’s corner. As Berlanga sat on his stool before the 10th round, his trainer could be heard asking, “Are you awake?”
Despite the punishment, Berlanga remained defiant, even taunting Alvarez as they entered the 12th round. However, the previously unbeaten Puerto Rican-American, who started his professional career with 16 consecutive first-round knockouts, couldn’t deliver the stoppage he had predicted.
Alvarez, showing his vast experience, took control early, forcing Berlanga into a defensive stance as he repeatedly backed him into the corner. In the third round, Alvarez landed a devastating left hook that sent Berlanga to the canvas. While Berlanga quickly bounced back to his feet, he struggled to mount any significant offense, and Alvarez’s relentless body shots took their toll.
“I did good,” Alvarez said after the fight, which two judges scored 118-109 and the third 117-110 in his favor. “Now what are they going to say? I fight younger fighters now. Before, they said I fought older fighters. They always talk. I’m the best fighter in the world.”
With the victory, Alvarez improved his record to 62-2-2 (39 KOs), retaining his World Boxing Association (WBA), World Boxing Council (WBC), and World Boxing Organization (WBO) titles. He was stripped of his International Boxing Federation (IBF) belt in July after opting to face Berlanga instead of mandatory challenger William Scull.
The packed crowd of over 20,000 at T-Mobile Arena cheered on Alvarez as he secured another win on Mexican Independence Day weekend, a tradition he has made his own alongside Cinco de Mayo.
“It means a lot,” Alvarez said of the victory. “It’s an honor to represent my country on this day. I feel proud.”
Berlanga, 27, fell to 22-1 with the loss. After the final bell, the fighters shared a moment of mutual respect, embracing in a long hug.
“I was telling him that he’s my idol,” Berlanga said. “Since I was a kid, I looked up to him.”
This marked Alvarez’s fifth consecutive points victory, with his last knockout coming in November 2021 against Caleb Plant. However, it was the fourth straight fight in which Alvarez managed to score a knockdown. Looking ahead, the four-division champion said he would take time to consider his next move.
“I’m going to rest with my family now, and then I’ll decide,” Alvarez said.
Key Points
Canelo Alvarez Retains Title: Saul “Canelo” Alvarez secured a unanimous decision victory over Edgar Berlanga to retain his unified super middleweight world titles.
Third-Round Knockdown: Alvarez knocked down Berlanga in the third round with a powerful left hook, gaining control early in the fight.
Dominant Performance: Alvarez dominated throughout, punishing Berlanga with relentless body shots and controlling the pace.
Berlanga’s Defiance: Despite the knockdown, Berlanga continued to taunt Alvarez but couldn’t deliver the knockout he had predicted.
Unanimous Decision: Alvarez won by scores of 118-109 (twice) and 117-110, improving his record to 62-2-2 (39 KOs).
Five Straight Wins by Points: This victory marked Alvarez’s fifth consecutive win by points, continuing his reign at the top of the super middleweight division.
Mutual Respect: After the fight, Berlanga, who suffered his first career loss, expressed admiration for Alvarez, calling him his idol.
Future Plans: Alvarez said he will rest and decide on his next move, leaving his future open for now.
