Results Canelo Alvarez vs. Edgar Berlanga: Winners and Highlights

Canelo Alvarez easily prevailed over the Mexican Independence Day weekend, winning a unanimous decision (117-110, 118-109 and 118-109) against Edgar Berlanga on Saturday night at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Although Berlanga was able to remain somewhat active throughout, he was soundly beaten in every aspect of the sport. Fortunately, the decision was final. No one could argue that Berlanga kept the fight close. You could say Canelo won every round, and that might be a stronger argument.

The key to Canelo's victory was his superior hand speed and boxing skill. The Mexican icon kept finding a target for his jab and some nifty hooks from both sides. A hook resulted in the only knockdown of the fight. Alvarez knocked Berlanga down in the third round, but the rugged Puerto Rican must be admitted to getting back up, staying in the firefight and lasting 12 spirited rounds.

A quick and powerful left hook knocked Berlanga to the ground in the third round.

Berlanga was not injured and quickly got back to his feet. He did not retreat after the knockdown. Instead, he stayed in the pocket even longer and took the penalty.

After the fight, Terence Crawford, who had made it clear that he wanted to fight Canelo, delivered this message to X.

Crawford's wish may not come true. Canelo has said he wants a rematch with Dmitry Bivol in May if he defeats Artur Beterbiev to become undisputed light heavyweight champion.

Nevertheless, Crawford's appeal is unlikely. Former world champion and current analyst Shawn Porter criticized Berlanga for his “moral” victory.

After the fight, Berlanga seemed happy for the opportunity. He made a point of thanking Canelo several times for the chance, and it really sounded like the words of a man who never thought he had a chance to win.

It will be interesting to see how this attitude is received by the fans – especially the die-hard Puerto Rican boxing fans.

Canelo's former promoter and current arch-enemy Oscar De La Hoya criticized the fight to X, presumably because it did not end in a KO.

Canelo may not have the knockout power he once did, but his pure boxing ability doesn't seem to have faded. He proved to be much better than Berlanga, which was enough for the dominant win.

Canelo's last 5 results before defeating Edgar Berlanga

• Win against Jaime Munguia by unanimous decision at T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, on May 5, 2024.
• Win against Jermell Charlo by unanimous decision at T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas on October 1, 2023.
• Win against Gennady Golovkin by unanimous decision at T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas on September 17, 2022.
• Loss to Dmitry Bivol by unanimous decision at the T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, on May 7, 2022.
• Win against Caleb Plant by TKO (punches) at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, Las Vegas, on November 6, 2021.

If Canelo faces Bivol or Beterbiev in May, he won't have to worry about critics attacking his choice of opponent. Bivol and Beterbiev are monsters, and the former already has a win over Canelo.

Berlanga may have enhanced his reputation. Nobody gave him a real chance to win the fight. At least he proved he's tough.

Edgar Berlanga's last 5 fights before losing to Canelo Alvarez

• Win against Padraig McCrory by KO in the 6th round at the Caribe Royale Orlando, Florida, on February 24, 2024.
• Win against Jason Quigley by unanimous decision at Madison Square Garden, New York, on June 24, 2023.
• Win against Steve Rolls by unanimous decision at the Hulu Theater, Madison Square Garden, New York, on March 19, 2022.
• Win against Marcelo Esteban Coceres by unanimous decision at T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas on October 9, 2021.
• Win vs. Demond Nicholson by unanimous decision at Silver Spurs Arena, Kissimmee, Florida, on April 24, 2021

However, his satisfaction with the defeat might put off some boxing fans.