Results and highlights of the fight Canelo Alvarez vs. Edgar Berlanga: Mexican star defends title with systematic victory

LAS VEGAS – Despite the animosity between the two ahead of Saturday's continuation of the celebrated boxing rivalry between Mexico and Puerto Rico, Edgar Berlanga managed to earn the respect of unified super middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez with his toughness.

Unfortunately for Berlanga (22-1, 17 KOs), that was the only thing he won that night.

Alvarez (62-2-2, 39 KOs) systematically dominated his younger and far less experienced opponent from start to finish, including a knockdown he scored with a brutal left hook in Round 3. The Mexican superstar took scores of 117-110 and 118-109 (twice) at the T-Mobile Arena to defend his WBC, WBO and WBA titles in the 168-pound division with a dominant unanimous decision victory.

“I did well. What will they say now?” said Alvarez. “I have fought all fighters. What will they say now? They always talk, but I am the best fighter in the world.”

Alvarez was heavily criticized early on for avoiding key fights against super middleweight bogeyman David Benavidez and pound-for-pound star Terence Crawford. But despite the constant trash talk and taunts between Alvarez and Berlanga that continued throughout their 12 rounds against each other, the two shared a lengthy hug after the fight, which saw Berlanga display good posture and a strong chin despite the crushing loss.

“He said he respected me and I was his idol,” Alvarez said. “But you know? He did well. I got a little angry [before the fight] but I'm Mexican, man.”

“I told him that he was my idol and that it was a shame that we signed the contract before I could even speak to him,” said Berlanga. “But he was my idol since I was a child. I always looked up to him and I was sorry that we had to become enemies later on. I just wanted to thank him for the opportunity. I say that with all modesty.”

Alvarez, 34, cornered Berlanga and hit him with ropes at will, outscoring the 27-year-old Berlanga 201 to 119, according to CompuBox. Alvarez also landed an incredible 43% of his punches and 49% of his power punches.

The sell-out crowd of over 20,000 fans chanted Alvarez's name throughout the Mexican Independence Day celebration over the weekend as he happily sent his countrymen home despite losing the fight by decision for the fifth consecutive year.

“I feel great and I feel ready. It is an honor to represent my country,” said Alvarez.[It was] my experience, my talent, my hard work and my intelligence. It's all of it together. Because if you have talent but no discipline, you have nothing.”

After a slow and tense opening round, Alvarez went on the attack by partitioning the ring and knocking Berlanga down with powerful punches. In round 3, a beautiful left hook landed while Berlanga had his back to the ropes and Alvarez scored first with a beautiful knockdown.

But Berlanga, who had never faced an elite opponent before this fight and was an 8-1 underdog against the favorite Alvarez (20-1), was able to earn his respect by taking hard hits and continuing to try to win until the final bell, even though he was ultimately defeated.

“We put on a great performance,” Berlanga said. “I'm upset because at the end of the day I'm a winner. But he's a legend. I fought a legend tonight. I know I was there. I took his best punch in the third round and went down, but I fought back. And I knew that was the best punch he could give me and I took it.”

Alvarez hit Berlanga twice in the legs in the second half but was unable to finish him.

After the fight, despite Crawford's presence at ringside, a satisfied Alvarez chose not to reveal who he would like to face in May, when he likely returns to Las Vegas for Cinco de Mayo weekend.

“I'm going to rest now and enjoy time with my family and then I'll respond,” Alvarez said.

However, Alvarez gave Berlanga a heartfelt message in front of the entire arena. “Hey, keep going,” Alvarez said. “You're a good fighter. Keep working and being active in boxing. Stay focused, my friend.”

CBS Sports was with you all day Saturday with live scores and highlights below.

Fight card, results

• Canelo Alvarez (c) def. Edgar Berlanga by unanimous decision (117-110, 118-109, 118-109)
• Erislandy Lara (c) defeated Danny Garcia by TKO in the ninth round.
• Caleb Plant defeated Trevor McCumby by knockout in the ninth round.
• Rolando Romero defeated. Manuel Jaimes by unanimous decision (99-91, 99-91 99-91)
• Stephen Fulton defeated Carlos Castro by split decision (94-95, 96-93, 95-94)

Alvarez vs. Berlanga score, live coverage