Edgar Berlanga has vowed to silence the doubters and shock the world when he takes on Canelo Alvarez for the Mexican’s WBA, WBC, and WBO World Super-Lightweight titles at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday night.(DAZN PPV/Prime Video PPV)
Berlanga (22-0 17 KOs) faces Canelo (61-2-2 39 KOs) in his first World title bout and does so under the brightest of lights in the sport, meeting the Mexican ruler on Mexican Independence Day weekend.
The Puerto Rican has embraced the spotlight in Vegas, and the 27-year-old believes he can beat Canelo. According to Berlanga, Canelo does not respect him.
“He’s overlooking me and doesn’t respect me,” said Berlanga. “Canelo is in the way of my dreams now, I’m the Chosen One, and I’m ready to become the face of boxing, I’m going to knock him the f**k out.
“People don’t understand that I am getting better and better and better. Who I was in my last fight is not who I am going to be on Saturday. This is the chance to prove that I am one of the best in the sport, a lot of people have a question mark on me right now, that gets removed fighting a legend and it’s time for new blood to come in and take over the 168-pound division.”
Growing up, Canelo was one of Berlanga’s idols, and he studied the Mexican legend, but when all is said and done, Berlanga believes his hand will be raised in victory.
“I actually like Canelo a lot. It’s crazy that I have studied him a lot, because he was one of my idols growing up and his style reminded me of me. He’s a puncher, he can take a punch, he likes to fight, he’s smart. What he’s done, that’s what I am chasing, legacy. Fighting the best, defending the titles, putting on mega shows, and his resume is elite. You can’t take that away from him and I am working towards that.
“If he comes out in that first round, it’s going to be a bloodbath for sure, he’s in for a world of trouble, it’s going to be the biggest upset in boxing history. I have to step into the ring with that man, a legend, but I am going to be a legend – and the new.”
Photo: Amanda Westscott
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