Alvarez Teaches The Lessons To Berlanga In The Ring, Both Teach A Lesson After The Fight

The central question that was asked of the unbeaten WBA number one Super-Middleweight contender Edgar Berlanga prior to his challenge of unified WBC/WBA/WBO Super-Middleweight world champion Saul “Canelo" Alvarez on September 14th  at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV was whether he was ready for the occasion. To take it a step further, would he freeze under the pressure of the “Big Fight Atmosphere?" 

It is a question that there is not a simple answer. Berlanga did after all enter his challenge of Alvarez with a record of 22-0, with 17 Knockouts, and as this observer pointed out in previewing this fight, the development of a young fighter, specifically when decisions are made by a fighter’s handlers to step up in caliber of opposition is not an exact science and should be viewed on a case by case basis. With his first sixteen fights ending in first round knockouts, however, and with Berlanga remaining unbeaten since that streak came to an end, it was perhaps inevitable that a gamble would be made.

A gamble not towards a notable opponent with name recognition and more experience that could be used as a way to gage whether Berlanga would be ready to fight for a world championship, but rather right to the champion in Alvarez. Despite his undefeated record, Berlanga was viewed as a significant underdog. Not only due to the fact that he was going up against a fighter in Alvarez with considerably more experience, but also due to the champion’s status as one of the top fighters in the sport and a future Hall of Famer. While Berlanga showed no signs of the “Big Fight Atmosphere” getting to him, it did not take long for the significant gap in experience between the challenger and the champion to show itself in the fight.

Alvarez immediately began applying pressure from the outset and forced Berlanga backwards towards the ropes. Although this was the expected strategy that Alvarez usually looks to implement, Berlanga had no answer to keep what became the pattern of the fight from happening round after round. Alvarez coming forward throwing and landing hard punches to the head and body, and pushing Berlanga back. Whether Berlanga thought that he would be able to plant his feet and keep Alvarez from pressing him backwards is a question that only he can answer, but his inability to stay off the ropes and try to turn Alvarez as he pressed forward is what worked against him in this fight. Something else that worked against him was also an inability to avoid the precision timing of Alvarez, something that has been the champion’s trademark. It was that timing of Alvarez that resulted in a knockdown in the third round courtesy of a perfectly timed flush counter left hook to the jaw that sent Berlanga down to the canvas and visibly frustrated as he banged his gloves together seemingly angry with himself for getting caught by one of the best counter punchers in the sport.

Although the pattern of the fight is something that did not change from round one, what was impressive about Berlanga, despite gradually suffering significant punishment throughout, was he did manage to have periodic moments throughout the fight in catching Alvarez with flush hooks to the head as well as managing to land some body shots. What should also not be overlooked is, despite the punishment he was sustaining, which can only be described as a gradual beating, Berlanga never quit and never stopped trying to turn things around til the final bell. 

While nothing is never really certain in combat sports, particularly when it comes to knowing how judges will see things when scorecards become necessary, this was another dominant performance by a true great fighter in Alvarez as well as one where the courage and determination of his challenger was on full display. The wide and convincing unanimous decision for Alvarez was not a surprise, but as Alvarez taught a lesson to his younger and inexperienced opponent, both fighters taught the Boxing world and it’s fans a lesson in class and respect immediately following the final bell as Berlanga and Alvarez grabbed each other and had a lengthy exchange of words for several minutes following the end of the twelfth round where Berlanga expressed his respect for Alvarez, calling him his idol and Alvarez telling his younger opponent that he has great potential and to continue with his career then embracing in a show of mutual respect.

All too often it is tempting for folks to get caught up in pre fight hype, where more often than not, personal attacks are front and center if nothing else, to drum up interest in a fight. Such personal attacks naturally carry over to the realm of social media where those who are not risking their health in competition will throw whatever insults they can to gain attention. Sadly, conduct that one would expect from children, are often shown by grown adults who mistake an opinion for what often goes over the line of what is acceptable in what is supposed to be a largely polite society. Although that is sadly a more broader reflection of where society has gone in present times, both Alvarez and Berlanga taught the Boxing world a lesson in “Class” that hopefully will show those who spend their time looking for attention and only that, that there are still things such as respect and dignity in the world and it costs nothing to show it even if you share a different opinion or if your standing across the ring from an opponent. 

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

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Gloves Off: Canelo vs Berlanga Live Now on Prime Video

Press Release: September 10, 2024 By Prime Video-

Credit: Prime Video 

 

All-new editions of Gloves Off explore the backstories of two elite world-class fighters who will be trading punches in a PBC Pay-Per-View event on Prime Video at T-Mobile Arena on September 14

NEW YORK—Sept. 9, 2024— Prime Video announced the release of Gloves Off: Canelo vs Berlanga, the fourth edition of the compelling behind-the-scenes presentation, Gloves Off. As momentum builds for an intriguing night of PBC Pay-Per-View action on Prime Video on September 14 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, this two-part edition of Gloves Off explores what motivates both main event participants while setting the stage for the latest chapter of the heated ring rivalry between Mexico and Puerto Rico. Mexican native Canelo Álvarez brings his Super Middleweight World Championship belts into the ring for a showdown with undefeated top-rated challenger, Edgar Berlanga, who is seeking to add another extraordinary accomplishment to the storied legacy of Puerto Rican boxing. Narrated by Barry Pepper, the program takes fans far beyond the ring. The series blends footage and stories of the fighters’ lives, families, training camp team members and training camp activity as the build-up increases for this highly anticipated 168-pound World Championship battle.

 

Having already secured his placed as one of Mexico’s all-time great fighters and destined for the International Boxing Hall of Fame, superstar Canelo Álvarez (61-2-2, 39 KOs) is putting his unified WBC, WBA and WBO Super Middleweight World Titles on the line against undefeated WBA No. 1-Ranked Mandatory Contender Edgar Berlanga (22-0, 17 KOs). The 12-round battle headlines a Mexican Independence Day weekend celebration in a city well-known for memorable athletic achievement.

 

 

Canelo-Berlanga clash marks the latest chapter of the historic and intense ring rivalry of Mexico vs. Puerto Rico

The Canelo-Berlanga pay-per-view event is also available for pre-order for $89.99 through the Prime Video app on Mobile, Tablet, and Connected Streaming Devices/Smart TVs or can also be purchased at the following link: Canelo vs. Berlanga.

Material, Photo, and Trailer Courtesy of: Prime Video and Premier Boxing Champions Used with permission. 

The Boxing Truth®️ is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved.

Will Edgar Berlanga's Gamble Pay Off Against Alvarez?

The sport of Boxing and by extension combat sports is far from an exact science. While that statement by its nature is one that can cover a lot of ground, for the purposes of this column, the term “Exact Science" will be in regard to the development of a young fighter. To be more specific, when the decision is made to allow the fighter to step up in caliber of competition.

In the case of undefeated Super-Middleweight contender Edgar Berlanga, it seems like it was only yesterday that he was a rising prospect, who began his career with a streak of sixteen knockouts. As impressive as that is, what makes it more impressive is all of those knockouts came in the first round. It should not be a surprise based on that statistic that Berlanga, who turned professional in 2016 has moved up the ladder of contention rather quickly, though the first four years of his career resulted in only sixteen rounds inside the ring.

A conundrum that all fighters who have risen through the ranks as Berlanga has is to deal with the label of “Knockout Artist." As much attention as the fighter who earns that label receives for having such an ability as scoring quick and often devastating knockouts, equal attention, perhaps more so, is given when the fighter fails to continue scoring knockouts as frequently as the level of competition increases. Berlanga has not been an exception as following an eight round decision over veteran Demond Nicholson in April 2021, Berlanga has only scored one knockout since his initial string of sixteen consecutive knockouts ended with that decision victory.

While some perhaps unfairly will and have seen this as a reason to criticize the twenty-seven year old native of Brooklyn, NY, his competition level, as it does for all fighters who continue to progress, has increased. Though some may take issue with some of Berlanga’s performances since that run of sixteen knockouts came to an end, what should not be overlooked is he has been given time to get more time in the ring under his belt, has learned how to go the distance and that can only help a fighter in their development. Now, with a record of 22-0, with 17 Knockouts and a number one ranking in the World Boxing Association’s (WBA) Super-Middleweight ratings, Berlanga now prepares to take another step up as he will challenge unified WBO/WBA/WBC Super-Middleweight world champion Saul “Canelo" Alvarez on September 14th at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV. A world championship bout that can be seen on Prime Video Pay-Per-View.

The obvious question going into this fight is whether Berlanga is ready for what is a significant step up. Not only because it's his first opportunity to fight for a world championship, but also, because he is now going to be in the ring with a future Hall of Famer in Alvarez, who until recently, was the longtime undisputed world champion of the 168lb. Super-Middleweight division. While the International Boxing Federation's (IBF) decision to strip Alvarez of its world championship for his failure to fulfill his mandatory defense obligation against current number one contender, the unbeaten William Scull, which was due in the rotation of mandatory defenses among the various organizations, whose world titles Alvarez holds, means that this will obviously not be for an undisputed world championship, Berlanga will still be facing the number one fighter in the division. 

Therefore, if Berlanga would emerge victorious in this fight, his path to being an undisputed champion would obviously likely be a short one as he will likely look to make a fight with the winner of the bout between Scull and Vladimir Shishkin, the IBF’s number one and two contenders respectively, who are tentatively set to meet for the vacant IBF world championship later this year. The task of dethroning Alvarez, however, is not likely to be an easy one. 

In his last fight, Berlanga ended a five fight knockout drought, by scoring a sixth round knockout of previously unbeaten former IBO Light-Heavyweight world champion Padraig McCrory in February of this year in Orlando, FL. While that win showed that Berlanga still has the type of punching power that can end fights if given the opportunity, McCrory, despite being a former world champion and undefeated at the time he fought Berlanga, is not considered a household name having fought his previous eighteen bouts in the United Kingdom and Germany. Nevertheless, the knockout win over a former world champion did succeed in getting Berlanga this opportunity to challenge Alvarez,

In contrast to Berlanga, Alvarez is coming off a successful title defense in May in scoring a twelve round unanimous decision over previously undefeated former WBO Jr. Middleweight world champion Jaime Munguia in the same venue in which this fight will take place. Alvarez, though still dominant as the longtime king of the Super-Middleweights has a bit of a streak going as well, in that for the third consecutive fight, Alvarez was able to knock down his opponent in Munguia as he had done to previous opponents Jermell Charlo and John Ryder, but he could not finish either of them. 

Although this is due to the toughness and resilience of all three, some might view Alvarez’ inability to score stoppages/knockouts in those fights as a sign of possible decline. Alvarez is only thirty-four years old, but one must keep in mind that he has had sixty-five professional fights in his career and the possibility of wear and tear from so many fights as well as moving up and down the weight scale winning numerous world championships in multiple divisions along the way, all taking an accumulative toll is real.

This is a case, however, where the onus is not on the champion, who not only has a significant edge in overall experience against top caliber opposition, as well as well over a decade fighting in bouts fought at the highest level of the sport, but it is on the challenger to show he is not only ready, but can compete effectively at this level. In thinking of how this fight might be fought, two things stood out to this observer as logical. 

One, Alvarez is a fighter that is a precision counter puncher and is otherwise very compact in how he sets up and throws his punches. This is something one should expect to see the champion implement in this fight. Given the challenger’s reputation in having scored early knockouts, it is logical to think that Alvarez will be looking to bait Berlanga into making mistakes, perhaps from the opening bell. A tactic that the champion has used at times is to sit on the ropes in a defensive posture and waive his opponent in, inviting them to come forward and throw punches. While this is an obvious tactic to try and bait the opponent into making mistakes, one opponent refused to take that bait when he fought Alvarez.

This observer is referring to unbeaten now unified Light-Heavyweight world champion Dmitry Bivol. A fighter, who not unlike Berlanga, began his career with a string of early knockouts, was labeled a “Knockout Artist," but over time evolved into a master boxer that can do a little of everything. In his fight with Alvarez, Bivol not only did not allow himself to be baited by Alvarez’ tactics, but executed a near flawless fight plan, which had an emphasis on tactical Boxing. The result was a convincing decision win for Bivol in defense of his Light-Heavyweight championship in being the only fighter to beat Alvarez in over a decade.

Edgar Berlanga has shown that he is a fighter that does not strictly have punching power, but most would say and would be correct that Dmitry Bivol is at another level in terms of being a master boxer. Nevertheless, Berlanga needs to find a way to be tactical in this fight and not rely strictly on his punching power. It is also crucial that he pace himself early on. One needs to keep in mind that Berlanga has never fought at this level before and as such, this is new territory for him. There are countless stories of fighters allowing what is known as “The Big Fight Atmosphere" to get to them in some way. Whether it is being overcome by the atmosphere of the event where they freeze under the pressure of it, or, being influenced by it where they are overly aggressive, the atmosphere of the event can often be as difficult an opponent to combat as the one a fighter has standing across from them in the ring. 

Berlanga needs to approach this fight with caution from start to finish. Even if he is able to find success at points and perhaps hurt Alvarez, he needs to remember who he is in the ring with and everything the champion has shown he is capable of. Equally important, the challenger must maintain his stamina. Alvarez’ fight plan is rooted in his experience and as such, if he does not bait Berlanga into making a mistake that he can capitalize on early, the plan will likely be to extend Berlanga into the middle and late rounds at a pace that the challenger is not used to, to either try and stop him late in the fight or box his way to victory to retain his world championship. 

While this is yet another chapter in the Hall of Fame career of Saul “Canelo" Alvarez, there comes a point in just about every star fighter’s career where one might wonder if the time has come where for lack of a better term the torch will be passed from one great fighter to potentially another who will carry it for a significant period of time. Yours truly cannot say whether we might be approaching one of those moments, but it is certainly a possibility that a fighter, even a great one such as Alvarez, might get old in one fight on one night. Whether Edgar Berlanga ends up being the fighter to make such a scenario occur is a question yet to be answered. 

“And That's The Boxing Truth." 

Alvarez vs. Berlanga takes place on Saturday, September 14th at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV. The fight as well as it's full undercard can be seen on Prime Video Pay-Per-View presented by Premier Boxing Champions beginning at 6PM ET/3PM PT with the main card beginning at 8PM ET/6PM PT for $89.95. To order this pay-per-view card download the Prime Video app on mobile, tablet, and connected streaming devices/Smart TVs or click the following link to order: Canelo vs. Berlanga. (*Card and Start Time Subject To Change.*) (*Check your local listings internationally.*)

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Pacheco KO's Sulecki In 6 With Liver Punch

With the focus of the Boxing world continuing to be on unified Super-Middleweight world champion Saul “Canelo" Alvarez, who will next defend his crown against undefeated Super-Middleweight contender Edgar Berlanga on September 14th, unbeaten WBO number one Super-Middleweight contender Dirgo Pacheco chose not to sit on the sidelines and wait patiently for an opportunity to face the winner of that upcoming fight, but instead to take a risk by facing former world title challenger Maciej Sulecki on August 31st at the Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, CA.

A battle of youth versus experience, what stood out to this observer was the patience of the twenty-three year old Pacheco as he simply took his time and studied what Sulecki brought with him into the fight. What was also noticeable was Pacheco’s ability to take the punches that Sulecki threw at him, which often came off of faints and were difficult to time. As the fight progressed, however, Pacheco was able to use his seventy-nine inch reach and 6’4 frame to keep the 6’1 Sulecki at distance where he constantly had to figure out a way to get on the inside of Pacheco's reach. 

As difficult of a task as that proved to be with increasing sporadic moments for Sulecki, he also could not find a way to avoid the right hand of Pacheco, who seemingly landed it at will with both straight right hands, and hooks. Pacheco continued to step up his offense and in the sixth round, he brought the fight to a sudden conclusion by throwing a right hand to the head followed by a flush left hook to the liver, which sent the veteran down in significant pain on the canvas. Sulecki, a fighter known for his durability, was unable to get up, the fight was over at fifty-four seconds of round six.

While Pacheco was favored by many prior to this fight, what makes his victory over Sulecki more impressive is the fact that Pacheco became the first fighter to stop Sulecki in thirty-five professional fights and the stoppage was a clear one where Sulecki was knocked down and unable to beat the ten count. If one were looking for a stamp that Pacheco, whom this observer said prior to this fight was at a similar stage as Berlanga, one simply could not find a better way to make a statement than what Pacheco was able to do in this fight.

Simply put, Diego Pacheco did what most want to see out of a young fighter looking for their opportunity at a world championship, to fight and turn in the type of performance that not only creates buzz and keeps both fans and experts alike talking, but also does one important thing as well. It puts his potential next opponents, in this case Saul *Canelo” Alvarez and Edgar Berlanga on notice.

" And That's The Boxing Truth.”

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Pacheco-Sulecki Preview

As the month of August 2024 draws to a close, the spotlight of the sport of Boxing will turn back to the 168lb. Super-Middleweight division. A division still dominated by unified Super-Middleweight world champion Saul “Canelo" Alvarez, the once and perhaps future undisputed king of the division. While Alvarez has not been defeated for his crown, he no longer has undisputed status as the International Boxing Federation (IBF) have stripped him off their version of the Super-Middleweight championship of the world for his refusal to fulfill his obligation to defend against undefeated IBF number one contender William Scull, who will now fight for the vacant IBF crown later this year against IBF number two rated contender Vladimir Shishkin on a date to be announced. 

Although the subject of world champions fulfilling their obligations is one that this observer has written about extensively over the many years that I have covered the sport, Alvarez, who normally does fulfill his obligations, chose instead to face one of the division's rising stars in the unbeaten Edgar Berlanga on September 14th in Las Vegas. What makes that interesting beyond the dynamic of youth versus experience is a seeming acknowledgement by Alvarez that the division is now starting to see young fighters with fan followings who are looking for their opportunity to derail him. 

One such fighter who is at a very similar position as Berlanga, but for the moment, sees himself being on the outside of the equation, looking in, is undefeated contender Diego Pacheco. Pacheco, who is unbeaten in twenty-one professional fights, with seventeen of those victories coming via knockout, one could say is at an identical stage as Berlanga, who is unbeaten in twenty-two bouts with the same number of knockouts. Boxing, however, is a sport of opportunity and for the moment, the opportunity to fight Alvarez has come for Berlanga.

Meanwhile, Pacheco, who is currently the World Boxing Organization’s (WBO) number one Super-Middleweight contender, is not choosing to sit and wait for the potential winner of Alvarez and Berlanga and will risk his number one ranking by taking on current number fourteen rated contender and former world title challenger Maciej Sulecki on August 31st at the Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, CA in a bout that can be seen on digital subscription sports streaming network DAZN.

This represents a step up for Pacheco in terms of the experience of his opposition in addition to facing a former world title challenger in Sulecki. In his last fight in April of this year Pacheco scored a ten round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Shawn McCalman in Las Vegas. While there was not much to say about that outing for Pacheco beyond that he simply did what he had to do and got the job done against an opponent in McCalman, who was able to extend him to a ten round distance for the first time in his career.  It was, however, a fight that did serve as a step forward in showing that Pacheco could go ten rounds and win a convincing decision. 

An aspect that can at times be overlooked is a fighter’s development should never stop, and the day a fighter either stops learning or stops trying to improve their skillset is probably the time that they should consider a new career. In Pacheco’s case, he got to a number one ranking  in twenty-one fights and the development process is still opening. 

Although some will likely say a victory over Maciej Sulecki will not likely lead to him being next in line for the winner of Alvarez-Berlanga given the political elements that be in the sport that for better or worse are always to be considered, a victory and to be more specific one where he is able to perform well will benefit Pacheco more in terms of facing an opponent with significant experience as well as allowing him to stay active, rather than being inactive while waiting for his title shot. 

As for Maciej Sulecki, he will enter this fight having won thirty-two of thirty-four professional fights, having scored knockouts in ten of those bouts. Sulecki will also come in having won his last four fights following his loss to then WBO Middleweight world champion Demetrius Andrade via twelve round unanimous decision in June 2019.

The aspects that some might see as things that could tip things slightly in Sulecki’s favor beyond merely being the more experienced of the two fighters is he has never been stopped in his thirty-four professional fights, and while not being known for punching power, is a fighter that has shown not only Boxing ability in his career, but also an ability to go deep into fights and go the distance. Sulecki’s strategy in this fight will likely center on trying to weather Pacheco’s punching power early while looking to be elusive and try to extend the bout into the middle and late rounds. Whether he can do that, out box Pacheco, and avoid Pacheco’s power for twelve rounds remains to be seen. 

Often it is these types of fights that a contender must go through before they are able to get their opportunity to challenge for a world championship. Diego Pacheco is looking to show that he is ready for a world championship bout, Maciej Sulecki likely sees this bout as a chance to catapult himself into the discussion of potential challengers for Alvarez down the line assuming Alvarez gets by Berlanga. With much on the line for both fighters we will see who will be able to take the next step forward. 

“And That's The Boxing Truth." 

Pacheco vs. Sulecki takes place on Saturday, August 31st at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, CA. The fight as well as it's full undercard can be seen globally on digital subscription sports streaming network DAZN beginning at 7:30 PM ET/4:30 PM PT. 

(*U.S. Times Only*) 

(*Card and Start Times Subject to Change.*

For more information about DAZN including schedules, list of compatible streaming devices, platforms, Smart TVs, availability around the world, local start times in your area, and to subscribe please visit: www.DAZN.com. 

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Alvarez-Berlanga Set For September 14th In Las Vegas

Credit: Prime Video 

Press Release: July 26, 2024 By Prime Video- 

LAS VEGAS – July 25, 2024 – Pound-for-pound great and Mexican superstar Canelo Álvarez will put his unified WBC, WBA and WBO Super Middleweight World Titles on the line against undefeated WBA No. 1-Ranked Mandatory Contender Edgar Berlanga as Canelo Promotions presents a Mexican Independence Day weekend extravaganza headlining a PBC Pay-Per-View event available on Prime Video taking place Saturday, Sept. 14 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

 

This showdown will deliver the latest chapter in the long boxing rivalry between Mexico and Puerto Rico with the fighting pride of Mexico in Canelo Álvarez dueling Puerto Rico’s Edgar Berlanga. Canelo is no stranger to this heated rivalry, highlighted by numerous historic matchups including Salvad

or Sánchez vs. Wilfredo Gómez and Julio César Chávez Sr. vs. Héctor Camacho, as he defeated Puerto Rican Hall of Famer Miguel Cotto in one of the biggest Mexico vs. Puerto Rico fights in recent memory.

 

In addition to the PPV being available for purchase on Prime Video, regardless of Prime membership, fans will also be able to purchase the PPV via DAZN.com. Additionally, fans can purchase the PPV at PPV.com. On top of those options, fans will continue to be able to access the telecast through traditional cable and satellite outlets.

 

The star-studded co-main event will feature Cuban star and reigning WBA Middleweight World Champion Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara taking on hard-hitting two-division world champion and Puerto Rican star Danny “Swift” García in a 12-round showdown between two of this era’s most accomplished fighters.

 

Pre-sale tickets are available Monday, July 29 from 10 a.m. PT until 10 p.m. PT through AXS.com by using the code: PBC. The public on-sale is scheduled for Tuesday, July 30 at 10 a.m. PT with tickets available through AXS.com.

 

The event is promoted by Canelo Promotions and TGB Promotions, in association with Matchroom Boxing.

 

“Every day we are preparing,” said Eddy Reynoso, Canelo’s manager and trainer. “We know that Berlanga is a good fighter, a strong, undefeated fighter. The confrontations within boxing between Mexico and Puerto Rico are always intense fights, very morbid fights and, above all, very good boxing. Puerto Rico has produced many world champions and hall of fame fighters. Mexico has done the same. It is going to be a very attractive fight against a great fighter in Berlanga who’s undefeated and faced some of the best fighters competing at 168 pounds over the last few years.”

 

“I’m excited for my guy, Edgar Berlanga, to get a shot at the king of boxing Canelo Álvarez,” said Keith Connolly, Berlanga’s manager. “I want to thank all the players involved in helping me get this deal over the line. Canelo vs. Berlanga is renewing the Mexico vs Puerto Rico rivalry, which is the best in boxing history. Sept. 14 is a can’t miss event for fans around the world.”

 

“Mexican Independence Day weekend is synonymous with big Canelo Álvarez fights, and Saturday, Sept. 14 will be the next chapter of that historic story,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Canelo has long reigned as the 168-pound king and will put his three unified world titles up against a young, power-punching contender in Edgar Berlanga as he looks to once again score a victory for his home country in the storied rivalry between Mexico and Puerto Rico. With the addition of the Erislandy Lara vs. Danny García world championship battle in the co-main event, plus more matchups to come, everything lines up for an event worthy of the holiday weekend live from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas in another stacked PBC Pay-Per-View on Prime Video.”

 

“Edgar Berlanga’s nickname is the Chosen One and I’m so happy he got the golden pick for Sept. 14,” said Eddie Hearn, Chairman of Matchroom Boxing. “This is the fight we dreamed about when we signed Edgar last year and he is ready to give everything for himself, his family and for Puerto Rico. You have a young, unbeaten, fearless puncher ready to tackle one of the all-time greats - get ready for drama in Las Vegas!”

 

*CANELO ÁLVAREZ VS. EDGAR BERLANGA*

 

The reigning WBC, WBA and WBO Super Middleweight World Champion, Canelo Álvarez will look to continue his run at the top of the super middleweight division, this time against the undefeated Edgar Berlanga, who earned the WBA’s No. 1 ranking at 168-pounds and who will look to make a monumental splash while representing his Puerto Rican heritage in the biggest fight of his career to date.

 

Having captured world titles at 154, 160, 168 and 175 pounds, Canelo (61-2-2, 39 KOs) steps back into the ring after dropping countryman Jaime Munguía in May on his way to a unanimous decision win. The fighting pride of Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, Canelo became undisputed at super middleweight in November 2021 by taking the IBF belt from then unbeaten Caleb Plant via an 11th-round TKO, eventually going on to successfully defend all four titles four times. After dropping a light heavyweight title fight against Dmitriy Bivol in May 2022, Canelo rebounded to defeat Gennadiy Golovkin in their Sept. 2022 trilogy fight before besting John Ryder and Jermell Charlo in 2023. Under the guidance of his renowned manager and trainer Eddy Reynoso, Canelo has triumphed over a long list of elite fighters since turning pro at just 15-years-old in 2005, including Golovkin, Charlo, Shane Mosley, Erislandy Lara, Miguel Cotto and Sergey Kovalev, to name a few. Outside of the Bivol fight, Canelo’s only other defeat came against undefeated legend Floyd Mayweather in Sept. 2013.

 

"I am very happy for this fight between Mexico and Puerto Rico,” said Álvarez. “It’s exciting to be part of another great Mexico vs. Puerto Rico battle inside the ring because historically we have always offered unforgettable fights full of passion. I am proud to contribute to this legacy and facing an opponent like Edgar Berlanga adds even more excitement and meaning to this event."

 

A native of Brooklyn, NY who proudly represents his Puerto Rican roots, Berlanga (22-0, 17 KOs) first grabbed the attention of the boxing world by knocking out his first 16 opponents in round one after turning pro in 2016. The 27-year-old continued to rack up victories after his first-round KO streak ended, defeating a slew of tough veterans including Demond Nicholson, Marcelo Cóceres, Steve Rolls and Alexis Angulo. Berlanga has continued to show impressive power to match his improving skills in his last two fights as he dropped Jason Quigley four times on his way to a 12-round unanimous decision in June 2023, before most recently stopping the previously undefeated Padraig McCrory in round six this past February. Berlanga turned pro after sporting a stellar 162-17 amateur record and is trained by his longtime trainer Marc Farrait.

 

“First and foremost, I want to thank the good Lord for putting me in this position,” said Berlanga. “This is the opportunity of a lifetime. I deserve to be here, and I'm going to shock the world and silence the critics by delivering a masterful performance and knocking out Canelo Álvarez on Sept. 14. I will prove that my Puerto Rican heritage surpasses Mexican boxing, from Gómez to Trinidad to Cotto, and now to Berlanga. I will reclaim what is rightfully ours. I'm ready to make this a historic firefight, continuing the greatest rivalry in boxing: Puerto Rico vs Mexico. Vamos arriba, puñeta!”

 

*ERISLANDY LARA VS. DANNY GARCÍA*

 

Pitting two fighters with more world championship experience than almost anyone else in this era of boxing, with a combined 24 appearances in world title fights, the co-main event will feature Cuban star Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara facing two-division world champion and Puerto Rican star Danny “Swift” García in a high-stakes matchup for Lara’s WBA Middleweight World Championship.

 

Lara (30-3-3, 18 KOs) has been dominant in his run at 160-pounds, showing off his ability to go toe-to-toe and end a fight with one punch, after establishing himself as one of boxing’s best technical fighters throughout the first part of his career. He captured his WBA title with a first-round knockout of Thomas LaManna in May 2021, before KO’ing Gary O’Sullivan in May 2022 and most recently sparking out Michael Zerafa in round two in March. Prior to his middleweight exploits, Lara was the longest reigning 154-pound world champion before he lost a tough split-decision to Jarrett Hurd in a 2018 title unification match that earned “Fight of the Year” from the BWAA. Lara returned from that fight and battled former 154-pound world titleholder Brian Castaño to an exciting draw in another narrow fight that could have gone Lara’s way. He faced a slew of the top 154-pounders in the sport, including Canelo Álvarez, ahead of his middleweight debut.

 

"My fight with Danny García will be a classic battle between two legendary fighters of our era,” said Lara. “We’ve both faced the best, have impressive resumes and have competed at the top level for a long time. I’m excited for this fight. I encourage all my Mexican fans to tune in on Mexican Independence Day, bring your flags and support this great event. I will represent not only Cuba, but also Mexico on this day against Puerto Rico. To everyone watching at T-Mobile Arena and on the pay-per-view on Prime Video, you will witness greatness in the ring throughout the action-packed night of boxing. I look forward to putting on a show and being the first to knock out Danny García. This will be an epic showdown!"

 

A world champion at 140 and 147 pounds, García (37-3, 21 KOs) owns one of the sport’s most impressive resumes as he now seeks to add a middleweight world title to his list of accomplishments. In his last fight, he put on a stellar performance at 154 pounds, keeping José Benavídez Jr. at bay on his way to a 12-round decision victory. The Philadelphia native has proudly represented his Puerto Rican heritage throughout a career that includes a run through the super lightweight division that saw him defeat a string of champions including Erik Morales, Amir Khan, Zab Judah, Lucas Matthysse, Nate Campbell and Kendall Holt. As a welterweight, he added triumphs over Lamont Peterson, Paulie Malignaggi, and Robert Guerrero, defeating Guerrero for a vacant title in 2016. García’s campaign at welterweight included narrow defeats to some of the sport’s most talented and rugged fighters in Keith Thurman, Shawn Porter, and then unbeaten unified champion Errol Spence Jr.

 

“This is a legacy fight and an opportunity to win a championship in my third weight class,” said García. “Lara is a great champion who’s been around for a while, but so have I. On Sept. 14, I’m bringing the Danny García show to Las Vegas and making it a historic night.”

 

#          #          #

 

For more information visit www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #CaneloBerlanga, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions, on Instagram @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotionss or become a fan on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions 

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What Berlanga Can Take Away From Victory Over Quigley

The storyline prior to rising unbeaten Super-Middleweight contender Edgar Berlanga 's fight against former Middleweight world title challenger Jason Quigley on June 24th at The Theater in Madison Square Garden was whether or not Berlanga, who holds the North American Boxing Organization (NABO) championship in the Super-Middleweight division, could produce a performance that would serve as a strong argument for him as being a potential challenger for current undisputed champion of the division Saul "Canelo" Alvarez. As most know however, a slight wrinkle emerged two days before the bout when it was revealed that Alvarez had signed a three-fight deal with the Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) group of promoters, which moves Alvarez at least for the time being away from digital subscription sports streaming network DAZN and at least for now to United States premium cable network Showtime, which for Berlanga, who recently signed with Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Boxing, who had promoted several of Alvarez' recent fights, now finding himself without what seemed like an obvious path towards facing Alvarez.

While this could obviously change given not only the state of the PBC's deal with Showtime, and the network's merger this  week with parent company's Paramount  and it's digital subscription streaming network Paramount+ as part of a major corporate restructuring, which leaves the future of Boxing programming on the soon to be renamed Paramount+ with Showtime up in the air, for the immediate, the news regarding Alvarez had to at minimum cause a distraction for Berlanga prior to what should have been viewed as a step up in his career. The elements of the business end of the sport notwithstanding, the bout between Berlanga and Quigley was one of youth versus experience.

It was the experience of Quigley that stood out early as he implemented a strategy with an emphasis on movement, giving angles, and trying to counter Berlanga as he came forward. Though such an approach is not always appreciated, particularly amongst fans that prefer more toe to toe action, it did establish, despite the belief based on his knockout loss to Demetrius Andrade in November 2021, that Quigley was not interested in cooperating with the stance of some that he was an opponent designed to give the young unbeaten rising contender Berlanga a showcase win and potentially a quick knockout after being forced to go the distance in his previous four fights. What was also noticeable about Quigley's strategy was his willingness to try to catch Berlanga in between the punches he was throwing, which seemed to be effective in spots throughout this fight.

Beelanga's pressure and harder punches when he was able to connect however, gave him an edge. Despite how effective Quigley's tactics appeared to be, what turned out to work against him were four knockdowns throughout the course of the fight. In rounds three, five, and two knockdowns in the twelfth and final round, Beelanga's punching power and pressure were able to get to Quigley and put him on the canvas. Although the knockdowns in rounds three and five appeared to be what are often referred to as "Flash Knockdowns" where Quigley did not appear to be significantly hurt, those knockdowns prove more often than not to be detrimental in terms of scoring for the fighter that is knocked down because it creates a deficit in points that without being able to score knockdowns of your own, can prove to be difficult to overcome. In this case, the knockdowns could give a false sense that this fight was one-sided in Berlanga's favor simply because they created a significant deficit in terms of scoring that Quigley could not overcome in losing a unanimous decision.

In actuality, Quigley's approach throughout this fight succeeded in keeping Berlanga from being able to dictate how it was being fought, unable at times to get into a consistent offensive rhythm, and at times appearing to make Berlanga look discouraged. While with the exception of the four knockdowns he was able to score, this probably was not the type performance Berlanga was looking for in terms of trying to make a statement as a potential challenger for Saul Alvarez down the line, sometimes a win is a win and his victory was still convincing albeit without the knockout that most were probably looking for or expecting.

Although this victory over Jason Quigley marked the fifth time Berlanga has had to go the distance after starting his career with sixteen straight knockouts, this observer does not necessarily see that as a negative. It is indeed true that if a fighter scores knockouts and can do so in devastating fashion that said fighter will almost always move up the ladder of contention quicker, receive more attention, and likely get an opportunity to fight for a world championship quicker than those who take a more measured approach. The potential drawback for those fighters who are able to carve out reputations as "Knockout Artists" is they do not necessarily get the chance to fully develop their skills, nor do they get the experience needed to learn how to adapt as a fight progresses into the middle and late rounds against fighters of varying styles, who will not always cooperate with the desired scenario of a rising star or his/her team of a quick knockout. While going the distance on a string of several fights may be seen as a red flag in the eyes of some, it is to be expected when a prospect turned contender steps up in the caliber of competition as they approach challenging for a world championship. Criticism no matter what a fighter might do or how they perform is something that will unfortunately also come with the territory, but the experience fighters gain at these stages is invaluable and no doubt will benefit Edgar Berlanga as he continues to move forward in his career.

"And That's The Boxing Truth."

The Boxing Truth®️ is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved.

Follow Beau Denison on Twitter: www.twitter.com/Beau_Denison 

Can Berlanga Convince The Boxing World He's Ready For Alvarez?

The main goal of just about every fighter that competes in and around the 168lb. Super-Middleweight division is to secure a fight with Saul "Canelo" Alvarez. Not only is Alvarez one of the superstars in the sport of Boxing, which obviously means whomever he fights is most likely assured a career high payday, but in regard to the Super-Middleweight division, he remains the undisputed champion of the world. As such whenever a fight occurs in the division that does not directly involve Alvarez, the obvious question that surrounds it is whether those participating in a fight can make a convincing argument as being a potential opponent for him either in the near future or perhaps further down the road.

Undefeated Super-Middleweight contender Edgar Berlanga is one fighter that is trying to make that argument. Unbeaten in twenty professional fights with sixteen knockouts, Berlanga has quickly developed not only a fan following, but also buzz due to his punching power and ability to score knockouts almost as quickly as a fight begins, having scored all sixteen of his knockouts in the first round. Naturally, as a fighter moves up the ladder of contention, the level of opposition theoretically is supposed to get tougher for young prospects turned would be contenders.

While Berlanga had successfully worked his way to being the North American Boxing Organization (NABO), champion in the Super-Middleweight division, the streak of knockouts which began his career would ultimately come to an end in April 2021 when he scored an eight round unanimous decision over Demond Nicholson. This would begin a different streak as in his last four fights, Berlanga has been forced to go the distance.

Following his last outing in June of last year, where he scored a ten round unanimous decision over Alexis Angulo in his first fight as a main event attraction, which was broadcast on ESPN  and it's streaming network ESPN+ from Madison Square Garden's Theater in Berlanga 's home of New York, the fighter came to a  mutual agreement with his promoter Bob Arum to part ways. It is not uncommon for fighters to try and break away from promoters who help develop them as they try to progress for a hoped for shot at a world championship. Usually, such splits between fighter and promoter usually come as a result of the promoter's failure to secure a fight that would either move the fighter closer or directly to the goal of challenging for a world championship.

In essence, that appears to be what led to the split between Berlanga and Arum as the promoter described the split as a difference in opinion as to the direction of Berlanga 's career. Now one year removed from his last fight Berlanga, who is rated in the top ten in both the World Boxing Organization (WBO) per his holding the affiliated NABO and the World Boxing Council (WBC) in the Super-Middleweight division, prepares to return the the ring on Saturday, June 24th at The Theater in Madison Square Garden as he faces former world title challenger Jason Quigley in a scheduled twelve round bout that can be seen globally on digital subscription sports streaming network DAZN. 

This fight not only represents Berlanga 's debut on a new network after fighting the majority of his career up to this point competing on ESPN/ESPN+, but more specifically and perhaps importantly, this will be his first fight under new promoter Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Boxing. What makes that significant is for the last several years, Hearn has promoted and developed what has so far been a successful relationship with Saul "Canelo" Alvarez. Berlanga 's decision to sign with Hearn should be viewed as the obvious path for him to try to get a shot at Alvarez.

In Jason Quigley, Berlanga will face a fighter who has challenged for a world title for the first time in his career in a fight that is one further step up. There are two questions that come to this observer's mind as this fight approaches.

Number one, what kind of Berlanga will we see in this fight? As some may recall, despite getting the victory over Alexis Angulo in his last fight, he was criticized for his performance with some fans even stating that they felt Angulo won the fight. Whether his performance was in part affected by nerves in main eventing a Boxing card for the first time and doing so in Madison Square Garden, and/or what turned out to be a pending split with his then promoter Bob Arum and his promotional company Top Rank Inc., is something that only Berlanga can answer for himself. At this stage of his career after turning professional in 2016, Berlanga should know that he is at least in theory approaching competing at the top level of the sport and therefore, should expect the competition level to increase. The second question that surrounds this fight is whether or not Jason Quigley will be able to provide resistance and be able to test Berlanga?

Despite a respectable record of 20-2, with 14 Knockouts coming into this fight and being a former North American Boxing Federation (NABF) as a 160lb. Middleweight, Quigley is most known for having been knocked out by then WBO Middleweight world champion Demetrius Andrade in two rounds in November 2021. While Quigley seemed to be caught cold by the highly skilled and dangerous Andrade before he could have an opportunity to get into a rhythm, perhaps what some might see as a possible red flag is that Quigley has been stopped in both of his career losses. The loss to Andrade led to a near two year layoff for Quigley before getting back to the ring in April of this year in scoring a ten round unanimous decision over veteran Garbor Gorbics in what was his Super-Middleweight debut.

Quigley can rely on his experience or at least try to in this fight against Berlanga, but zt thirty-two there might be some who question what he might have left as perhaps some are questioning whether the twenty-six year old Berlanga is ready to potentially challenge for a world title or at least face another top contender should he win this fight. Perhaps some might take it a step further by saying that the difference in opinion as to the direction of his career, which led to his split with Bob Arum might have been rooted in Arum possibly feeling that Berlanga needs more time to develop rather than trying to get into position to challenge Alvarez in the near future.

Whatever the case might be, Berlanga knows that Quigley has been caught cold before and it would not surprise me, despite going the distance in his previous four fights, to see him try to jump on Quigley early and attempt to end the fight quickly. If that is indeed the case, Quigley's main objective at least for the first couple of rounds should be to try and weather the storm of Berlanga's punching power and try to gradually work his way into the fight as it progresses. Quigley must however, try to be as warmed up and ready to go as possible because he will likely be pressured from the outset and Berlanga is a fighter that can hurt you with either hand. If Quigley is not ready for the pressure and attack that Berlanga will likely apply, this could indeed be a short evening.

There were some fans particularly on social media that have been critical of Berlanga and Eddie Hearn for the selection of Quigley as the opponent for this fight. Such criticism is likely based on what happened to Quigley against Andrade. Sometimes however, especially in the present time we are all living in, no matter what a fighter and promoter might do, the fan can be fickle and hard to please. Regardless of what happens when Berlanga and Quigley square off in the ring, the fan regardless of what their level of knowledge of the sport and the development of a possible future world title challenger might be, fights like this are necessary for a fighter's continued progression and if Edgar Berlanga gets through Jason Quigley and does so impressively, his next fight will likely be against a top contender, if not what would likely be considered a long shot at least at this point to get a shot at Alvarez. It is up to Edgar Berlanga to make the best argument he can that he is indeed ready for that challenge. Whether he can do that in this fight might be debatable, but nevertheless, remains to be seen.

"And That's The Boxing Truth." 

Berlanga vs. Quigley takes place on Saturday, June 24th at The Theater in Madison Square Garden in New York City, NY. The card can be seen globally on digital subscription sports streaming network DAZN beginning at 5:45PM ET/2:45PM PT with Before The Bell featuring preliminary bouts. This will be followed by the main card beginning at 8PM ET/5PM PT. (U.S. Times Only.)

For more information about DAZN including schedules, list of compatible streaming devices, platforms, Smart TVs, availability around the world, local start times in your area, and to subscribe please visit: www.DAZN.com. 

(*Card and start times subject to change.*)

The Boxing Truth®️ is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved.

Follow Beau Denison on Twitter: www.twitter.com/Beau_Denison 

March 11, 2023 Boxing Thoughts

Saturday, March 11, 2023 in the sport of Boxing was largely highlighted by two main events that took place across Europe. The first of these main events would occur at the Liverpool Arena in Liverpool, England where undefeated Super-Middleweight prospect Diego Pacheco met veteran Jack Cullen in a scheduled ten round bout.

Although this represented the first time the American Pacheco was in the position of headlining an international card, and that came about due to an injury to former Super-Middleweight world champion Callum Smith, which moved Pacheco's bout with Cullen to the main event of a card promoted by promoter Eddie Hearn, the move to the headline position did not have a negative effect on Pacheco. From the opening bell, Pacheco's approach was one of almost surgical precision as he plotted a strategy with an emphasis on landing his right hand and immediately put Cullen under pressure. What stood out to this observer was the poise in which Pacheco displayed seemingly from the outset. 

While there were points where Cullen attempted to turn the tempo of combat in his favor, particularly by throwing jabs in double and triple variations, it did not phase Pacheco, who simply bided his time and looked to exploit any openings Cullen left him. This often resulted in Pacheco landing hard shots to the body and head of his opponent in short, but controlled bursts. In the fourth round, it would be one of those bursts, a short right hand to the head, left hook to the body combination that would send Cullen down on the canvas. As Cullen got to his feet an example of Pacheco's surgical approach was displayed.

Under circumstances where some fighters knowing that an opponent is hurt with rush in recklessly throwing a flurry of punches, Pacheco simply stepped forward, landing a flush right hand to the jaw that sent Cullen backwards against the ropes and down for a second and final time as Referee Steve Gray stepped in and stopped the fight. The fifteenth knockout in his eighteen career wins for the twenty-two year old Pacheco ultimately did not come following a stern test by his opponent. Nevertheless, Pacheco's performance should be viewed as one that should put the rest of the 168lb. Super-Middleweight division on notice of a potential emerging star in the division.

While the current holy grail of the division and all contenders as well as rising prospects is to work toward a potential challenge of current Undisputed Super-Middleweight world champion Saul "Canelo" Alvarez, Pacheco may not be quite ready to take what would be a major leap in the caliber of opposition to possibly challenge Alvarez at this point. The Boxing world however, is always looking for it's next star and if Pacheco remains active, continues to win, and more specifically, continues producing the type of performances that he has been consistently doing up to this point, it may not be too long before he is indeed in position to challenge for a world championship. For the immediate future, it would appear that an ideal fight that could be made for Pacheco would be an encounter with fellow undefeated prospect and "Knockout Artist" Edgar Berlanga, who coincidentally recently signed with Eddie Hearn's Matchroom Boxing after a successful run in his early career fighting under Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum's Top Rank, Inc. promotional banner.

While a fight between the two young prospects does not necessarily need to be made immediately and an argument can certainly be made for not making it and allowing both Pacheco and Berlanga to continue trying to move up the ranks against other opposition in the hope of not only drawing interest in a fight between the two, but also from a business standpoint attempting to maximize potential financial interests in that encounter, especially if either of them is able to work themselves into position as a top contender to potentially challenge Alvarez down the line, Boxing for better or worse has a long history of at times taking too long or I should say, the powers that be in the sport, to produce fights that have significant interest and demand from the public, which unfortunately, has led to the sport being the subject of ridicule and criticism from its detractors. In this case, both Pacheco and Berlanga are under contract to the same promoter and if Eddie Hearn, who has emerged as one of Boxing's biggest promoters over the last decade is wise, he will not let a potential encounter between Pacheco and Berlanga simmer too long before seizing the opportunity.

From Liverpool, England to Paris, France where the second main event took place at the Zenith De Paris. A "Crossroads Fight" in Boxing's Heavyweight division featuring longtime contender and former world title challenger Carlos Takam facing rising contender and former Olympic Gold medalist Tony Yoka in a scheduled ten round bout.

Although Yoka's status as a former Olympic champion was oddly omitted by this observer in previewing this fight as well as the aforementioned encounter between Diego Pacheco and Jack Cullen, this fight nevertheless had the sub-plot of two fighters looking to bounce back from defeat. In Takam's case, he was looking to rebound from two consecutive losses, while Yoka was looking to bounce back from his first loss as a professional. While that was the similarity between the two, this fight also appeared at least going into it to be an encounter between two fighters that were seemingly going in different directions in their respective careers with the forty-two year old Takam perhaps nearing the finish line of his career.

Despite this, it would be Takam who would take the initiative and bring the fight to the thirty year old Yoka. For ten rounds, Takam consistently pressed forward, throwing punches to the body and head of Yoka and backing his younger opponent up.  While this can be described as a workmanlike performance by Takam in a fight that did not have too many highlights, the story of the bout was one fighter simply outworking the other. Although he had some moments periodically throughout the fight, Yoka could not break the pattern in which the fight was fought, which consisted of Takam coming forward, throwing punches, and pushing him back. Furthermore, Yoka was simply not active enough throughout the fight to make the fight close in terms of scoring, in my view.

The view of this observer notwithstanding, Takam would still earn a victory via ten round split decision. Although I personally did not feel that the fight was close and felt that Takam won eight of the ten rounds largely based on him being the one forcing the fight, it is important to remember that sometimes three official judges, who have a better view than a crowd watching a fight, or even those watching via some form of television, and who also are positioned at varying angles, can at times see things differently than a consensus opinion of others viewing the same bout. In the interest of saving time and energy, I will simply say that I felt Takam won this fight clearly and the decision should have been unanimous. Nonetheless, for a fighter who has traveled around the world to compete and has seen some decisions in fights fought on an opponent's home turf go against him, not unlike this fight against Tony Yoka, at least this was an instance where Takam got a victory he deserved and the fight does not have an element of controversy in terms of the outcome.

Whether or not the victory for Carlos Takam will move him back towards a potential challenge for a portion of the World Heavyweight championship at this stage remains unclear and perhaps unlikely given the current landscape of the division and it's two undefeated world champions Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury, who are in the midst of negotiations for an encounter for the Undisputed Heavyweight championship of the world, which may or may not be happening in the near future. It is nevertheless clear however, at age forty-two Carlos Takam still has fight left in him and will likely remain a difficult fight for any contender currently in the division. The only thing Takam can realistically do is try to remain as active as possible and try to make a strong enough argument for himself as a potential challenger if and when the situation between Usyk and Fury resolves itself. Although Takam is at an advanced age for a fighter, it is a compelling story of a longtime contender seeking one more shot at a world championship against all odds that the Boxing world loves to see, much like the endless search for the sport's next star.

"And That's The Boxing Truth."

The Boxing Truth® is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved.

Follow Beau Denison on Twitter: www.twitter.com/Beau_Denison 

Edgar Berlanga Signs Multi-Fight Deal With Matchroom Boxing

Press Release: February 14, 2023 – By DAZN –Unbeaten Super-Middleweight star Edgar Berlanga

Credit: DAZN 

has signed a multi-fight deal with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom.

 

Berlanga (20-0 16 KOs) shot to fame when his blistering speed and devastating power led to an astonishing run of 16 first round KOs from his debut in June 2016 to December 2020, and he landed his first pro title in October 2021 picking up the vacant WBO NABO Super-Middleweight belt, decisioning Marcelo Coceres in Las Vegas.

 

The 25 year old Brooklyn star has been a huge hit in the Big Apple, packing the Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden with his loyal hometown and Puerto Rican support in his most recent battles with Steve Rolls and Alexis Angulo. On those nights in March and June, Berlanga defended his WBO NABO title with unanimous decision wins over ten rounds to cement his lofty World rankings. 

 

‘The Chosen One’ sits at #4 with the WBO and IBF and at #6 with the WBA and will return to the ring this summer as Berlanga, his trainer and father Edgar Sr., Hearn and manager Keith Connolly plot his route to World title glory and the fight he craves with undisputed Super-Middleweight ruler Canelo Alvarez.

 

“I’m excited to start my new journey with the best promoter in the world, the legend Eddie Hearn,” said Berlanga. “I’m looking to build my legacy in the sport of boxing. I want to thank my manager Keith Connolly and my father Edgar Berlanga Sr. who were instrumental in guiding me towards this amazing opportunity. 

 

“I’m looking for the big fights and I know signing with Matchroom was the right choice to get me to where I want to go. I’m humbled by this opportunity, and I will dedicate myself into becoming the best 168 pounder in the world. My main goal is to the land the Canelo fight and renew the greatest rivalry in boxing – Mexico vs Puerto Rico.”

 

“I am delighted to have won the race for Edgar’s signature,” said Hearn. “It is no surprise that everyone wanted to snap him up – he has a great fanbase, he is a real character and most importantly, he can do the business in spectacular fashion in the ring. 

 

“Edgar wants to be a World champion and the fight he wants is Canelo Alvarez. We are plotting a route for him to land that showdown with Canelo, and Edgar is ready to take on the best of the 168lbs division to prove he is ready to meet the undisputed champion in classic Mexico vs. Puerto Rico blockbuster.”

 

About DAZN Group:

 

DAZN is a leading digital sports platform in Italy, Spain, Germany, Belgium, Portugal, Japan, Canada, US and the UK.  Its wide range of exclusive content includes top-flight football from the world’s most popular competitions – Bundesliga, English Premier League, J.League, LaLiga, Serie A, and the UEFA Champions League, in addition to the biggest sports from around the world - Formula 1, NFL, NBA, MotoGP and the UFC.  DAZN is a global home for boxing and combat sports through its partnerships with Matchroom Boxing the Professional Fighters League, and a global home for Women’s Football with UEFA Women’s Champions League and Finetwork Liga F.  DAZN is adding more and more sport to its platform to create a destination for sports fans. 

 

DAZN is reimagining the way people enjoy sport. With a single, frictionless platform, sports fans can watch, bet, play, share, socialise, and buy tickets, NFTs and merchandise. Live and on-demand sports content, anywhere, in any language, on any device – only on DAZN. 

 

DAZN is a global, privately-owned company with employees in over 25 countries. For more information on DAZN, our products, people, and performance, visit www.dazngroup.com.

Material and photo Courtesy of DAZN  Used with permission.

For more information about DAZN including schedules, list of compatible devices, platforms, Smart TVs, availability around the world, local start times in your area, and to subscribe please visit: www.DAZN.com. 

The Boxing Truth® is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved. 

Thoughts On Berlanga-Rolls And Cobbs-Rocha

The evening of Saturday, March 19th in the world of Boxing was highlighted by two bouts in two different locations that arguably featured the same storyline. Two rising prospects in separate weight classes each facing their toughest opponents to date in their respective careers. Undefeated Super-Middleweight prospect Edgar Berlanga headlined a Boxing card at the Theater in Madison Square Garden where he faced Middleweight contender Steve Rolls in a scheduled ten round bout. For the twenty-four year old New York native Berlanga, a fighter who has quickly developed into one of the sport’s hottest prospects due to beginning his career with sixteen consecutive knockouts, this represented not only on paper what would be his toughest test, but also a significant step up in caliber of opposition against a fighter in Steve Rolls who had only lost one time previously in his career and that loss came at the hands of “Knockout Artist” Gennady Golovkin during the brief period of time where Golovkin was between two reigns atop the Middleweight division.  

 

Although Rolls would be stopped by Golovkin in the fourth round of their encounter in June 2019, he did give a good account of himself and was out Boxing Golovkin prior to the time where he was caught and subsequently stopped. In this case, the thirty-seven year old Rolls, a former United States Boxing Association (USBA) Middleweight champion, had a significant experience edge over Berlanga and one could say, despite Berlanga’s track record of scoring quick and often devastating knockouts, he is still a work in progress and not yet on the level of Golovkin, who was a former longtime world champion at the time when Rolls fought him.    

 

Despite a scenario that amounted to what is referred to as a home team advantage in team sports in favor of Berlanga as the crowd in attendance was heavily in his favor, Rolls succeeded in finding a way to take the atmosphere of the crowd out of the fight almost immediately. He did this by implementing a tactical strategy that had an emphasis on lateral movement, giving angles, and looking to take advantage of openings that the younger Berlanga might give him. What should also not be overlooked in terms of Rolls’ approach was the use of a consistent jab that varied in both the force in which it was thrown as well as how he would mix levels by jabbing to the head and body of Berlanga. 

 

While this strategy was not necessarily the most entertaining if you were one expecting a lot of action based on Berlanga’s having scored sixteen knockouts in his eighteen professional fights prior to this encounter, it was effective in taking an enthusiastic hometown crowd out of the fight. What it also did was in a way expose Berlanga’s strategy in that he seemingly had a headhunter mentality from the outset looking to walk Rolls down and try to end the fight with every punch he threw. Even though this gave the impression that Rolls may have been building a lead on the scorecards as the fight progressed, Berlanga still landed the harder, more effective punches when he did let his hands go including during an exchange of right hands in the fifth round where he was able to avoid Rolls’ right hand while landing his own, which seemed to momentarily stun Rolls. 

 

It was indisputable that Berlanga was the consistent aggressor throughout this fight, but from my perspective, he seemed to have one strategy and did not appear to know how to adapt when it became evident that, that approach was not going to necessarily work as he intended. An element that was absent from Berlanga’s offense for virtually the entire fight was the use of a jab as he came forward. The jab is the most elementary punch that can be used throughout combat sports, but it is also one of the most underappreciated weapons that a fighter can have in their arsenal. Not only in terms of being able to establish and maintain distance between themself and their opponent, but also as what is often referred to throughout the sport of Boxing as the “Table Setter” in using the jab to set up other punches and combinations in a fighter’s arsenal. 

 

The absence of a jab from Berlanga not only limited opportunities to land punches as he pressured Rolls throughout the fight, but it also allowed Rolls openings to land his own jab and move to keep Berlanga chasing him. Although Rolls did not appear to hurt Berlanga at any point in the ten round bout, I felt the fight ended up being far closer than it might have otherwise been at the end of the bout simply because Berlanga limited himself offensively. Despite this, I did feel that Berlanga did just enough to earn a victory on the scorecards based largely on the effect his punches had on Rolls whenever they did land. It was no surprise to see Berlanga earn a ten round unanimous decision, but doing so margins of six rounds to four, and seven rounds to three on two scorecards. 

 

Although two scorecards coming out seven rounds to three or 97-93 in points might give an appearance of a lopsided bout in favor of Berlanga, the reality is all three scorecards were narrow and round by round, the fight was close. While this does not take away from Berlanga, who retained his North-American Boxing Organization (NABO) championship with this victory over Steve Rolls and should maintain his top-ten ranking in the NABO-affiliated World Boxing Organization (WBO) Super-Middleweight rankings, this should be observed both by Berlanga and his handlers as a close call that might require more time in the gym and to be more specific, training in situations where he will have to make adjustments if he is not able to get to an opponent quickly. 

 

 The victory over Rolls marked Berlanga’s third consecutive bout in which he had to go the distance. It should not be viewed necessarily as a negative because it is crucial that a fighter know how to go rounds and know how to go deep into fights as the competition level of their opposition increases over time. What this should be viewed as is an opportunity for Berlanga to not only learn from what was a so, so performance, but also the need to add more tools to his arsenal.  

 

While Edgar Berlanga passed his test against Steve Rolls in New York, unbeaten Welterweight prospect Blair Cobbs faced a test of his own in Los Angeles, CA as he faced fellow prospect Alexis Rocha at the USC Galen Center. Although this bout differed from the Berlanga-Rolls bout from the standpoint of Rolls being much older than Berlanga, this fight between Blair Cobbs and Alexis Rocha did have an element of one fighter being more experienced than the other as Rocha came into the bout with twenty professional fights compared to Cobbs’ sixteen. Rocha also had previously held the WBC Continental America’s championship in the Welterweight division, so this was a step up for Cobbs. Cobbs meanwhile had previously held the North American Boxing Federation (NABF) championship in his career so this was a case where both fighters had achieved success on the regional championship level of the sport, but where one fighter had slightly more experience than the other.  

 

This also appeared to be a bout where the styles of the two fighters would produce an entertaining fight as both are action-first fighters and like to mix it up with their opponents. It was no surprise given the styles of the two fighters as well as both having high knockout percentages to see exchanges from the opening bell. When fights are fought at such a quick pace as this one was, the challenge for an observer and more importantly those who score a fight in an official capacity is to distinguish which fighter is getting the better of what can be heated exchanges of offense. 

 

In this case, the fight seemed to follow a pattern, Rocha trying to cut the ring off from Cobbs, who tried to use his lateral movement to offset Rocha’s pressure. Although there were several exchanges throughout the fight where both fighters had their moments, it appeared at least in my view that Rocha had a little more power on his punches, particularly when he was able to land his left hand from the southpaw stance.  

 

As the fight progressed, Rocha had increased success in finding a home for his left hand on Cobbs’ head. Although Cobbs remained on the move for much of the fight, the dynamic changed in that he became more and more defensive whereas with the success he was having, Rocha became more aggressive. It seemed that Cobbs did not have an answer to avoid Rocha’s left hand. Despite being able to make him miss periodically, Cobbs was unable to land anything to disrupt the pattern of Rocha pressing forward and landing power shots. 

 

With the combat increasingly giving the appearance of one fighter gradually breaking the other down, I did wonder whether or not Cobbs would be able to turn the tempo in his favor. Even though the circumstances were different, much like Edgar Berlanga, Cobbs did not appear to have a plan B. Unlike Berlanga, who was still able to do enough to gain a victory in his bout against Steve Rolls by landing the more effective punches, Blair Cobbs could not land anything to discourage Alexis Rocha from coming forward. It was also noticeable that Cobbs’ activity also began to decrease as the fight went on. 

 

 In round eight after administering significant punishment for several rounds, Rocha would finally get to Blair Cobbs dropping him with a flush left hand to the head followed by a right uppercut that sent Cobbs down and badly hurt on the canvas. To his credit, Cobbs was able to get up, but at this point he was in defensive mode and barely managed to survive the round after sustaining more punishment from a Rocha barrage in the closing seconds. 

 

At this point in the fight, I felt that had the eighth round had more time in it, Referee Rudy Barragan would have stopped the fight. As it was, I was surprised not only based on what had been happening throughout the fight, but what had happened in round eight that the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) allowed Cobbs to come out for the ninth round.  

 

It was in the ninth round that the fight would come to its conclusion. Rocha connected with a right hook to the jaw that set off a barrage of punches that went unanswered that gave Barragan all the justification needed to stop the fight, which he did. Although I was surprised that the fight was not stopped between rounds eight and nine, it is important for me to be honest with the reader who may not have seen this fight, that both Rudy Barragan and Cobbs’ trainer Hall of Famer Freddie Roach each told him that he needed to show them something or they would stop it. Roach in particular appeared as though he was seconds away from stopping it when he told his fighter shortly before a CSAC physician went into the corner to examine Cobbs that he was getting killed out there. 

 

Freddie Roach is one of the best trainers not just in the sport currently, but in Boxing history. Roach learned his trade after his own career as a fighter under the learning tree of his trainer the late great Hall of Famer Eddie Futch. Both Roach and Futch have at times made the difficult decision to pull their fighters out of fights to protect the fighter from themselves. While some may criticize Roach for allowing his fighter in this case Blair Cobbs to talk him into letting him come out for the ninth round, there have also been times where Roach has given his fighters the benefit of doubt and given them a chance. While those chances have not always resulted in come from behind victories for his fighters, Roach understands a fighter’s mentality and it is in some ways good that he treats such situations on a case-by-case basis. 

 

While I feel Roach would have been within his rights to stop this fight as I have seen him do before under similar circumstances, I can appreciate that he wanted to give his fighter the benefit of doubt, while also telling his fighter repeatedly that if he did not show him something in the next round, he would stop it. Although Rudy Barragan did just that before Roach could, if the referee had delayed his stoppage, I believe Freddie Roach would have thrown in the towel.  

 

For Alexis Rocha, this victory will likely move him up the rankings towards a potential world title shot down the line. As for Blair Cobbs, sometimes fighters do not pass the first significant test that is put in front of them. Despite being stopped in this fight by Alexis Rocha, Cobbs did show a lot of heart by getting up from a knockdown that would have ended the night for most fighters. He also did show a true fighter’s mentality by arguing with his trainer and with the CSAC physician to let him try and fight on.  

 

Although we live in an era where no matter what a fighter does, they are always under a microscope and criticized either for their performances in the ring or for their conduct outside the ring, if one is objective, they should tip their hat to Cobbs for the heart he showed in this fight. While one loss will certainly not be a career ender and will be something that Cobbs can learn from in the long-term, hopefully, he will not rush himself back into the ring and will allow himself to physically and mentally heal from the punishment he suffered in this fight. Hopefully, after he has taken some time to both digest and reflect on things, Cobbs can begin the rebuilding process. He does have one of the best trainers in the fight game in his corner that can help in that process when the time is right. 

 

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.” 

 

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