Unified super middleweight champion Saul “Canelo” Alvarez will face undefeated contender Edgar Berlanga Jr. on September 14 in Las Vegas, Alvarez announced late on Thursday. The 34-year-old Mexican fighter, who became the unified 168 lb (76.2 kg) champion by knocking out Caleb Plant in 2021, will be defending his WBA (Super), WBC, WBO, and IBF belts for the fifth time. His last successful defense came in May with a unanimous decision victory over Jaime Munguia.
However, Alvarez’s IBF title might not be on the line in the Berlanga fight. Several media outlets report that the IBF is considering stripping Alvarez of the belt due to his refusal to face mandatory challenger William Scull, the organization’s number one contender.
Berlanga, 27, who was born in New York to Puerto Rican parents, has an undefeated professional record of 22-0. He most recently secured a knockout victory over former IBO light heavyweight champion Padraig McCrory in February. The upcoming bout has been dubbed “The biggest fight in Puerto Rico vs Mexico boxing history” by Berlanga on Instagram.
This fight promises to be a thrilling clash of styles, with Alvarez’s experience and technical prowess facing off against Berlanga’s aggressive and powerful punching. Fans are eager to see how this exciting matchup unfolds on September 14th in Las Vegas.
