Canelo Retains Unified Super Middleweight Title After Beating Berlanga by Unanimous Decision

In a thrilling showdown on Saturday night, Mexican boxing icon Saul “Canelo” Alvarez successfully defended his unified super middleweight title against rising star Edgar Berlanga. The highly anticipated fight, held in a packed arena, ended with a unanimous decision in favor of Canelo, solidifying his status as one of the greatest fighters of his generation.

Dominating Performance by Canelo

Canelo, 34, entered the ring as the overwhelming favorite, and from the opening bell, he showed why he holds the unified super middleweight crown. The veteran boxer displayed exceptional skill, using his signature combination of powerful body shots, calculated counters, and relentless pressure to wear down Berlanga, who had built a reputation for his punching power and undefeated record.

Berlanga, known for his knockout prowess, came into the fight with a perfect record, but facing a legend like Canelo proved to be a challenge like no other. The younger fighter attempted to impose his will in the early rounds, throwing heavy punches and trying to find openings. However, Canelo’s experience and ring intelligence allowed him to neutralize Berlanga’s offensive efforts, keeping the fight firmly in his control.

By the mid-rounds, it became clear that Canelo was in full command. His combination of speed, footwork, and timing consistently outmatched Berlanga, who struggled to land any significant blows. Canelo’s precise counterpunches and relentless body attacks took their toll, as Berlanga began to show signs of fatigue.

Berlanga’s Grit and Heart

Despite being outclassed for much of the bout, Berlanga displayed incredible heart, refusing to back down and showing resilience in the face of Canelo’s onslaught. The Puerto Rican fighter, still just 27 years old, took heavy shots from the champion but continued to press forward, trying to make the fight competitive. His determination earned him the respect of the crowd and showed that he has the potential to grow into an even more formidable fighter in the future.

Although Berlanga showed flashes of his power, he could not break through Canelo’s defense. As the fight went on, Canelo’s tactical superiority and precise counterpunching left little doubt as to who would emerge victorious.

The Unanimous Decision

At the final bell, the judges’ scorecards reflected what had been a masterful performance by the champion. All three judges scored the fight unanimously in favor of Canelo, with the cards reading 118-110, 117-111, and 119-109. Canelo’s dominant showing not only reaffirmed his place atop the super middleweight division but also solidified his legacy as one of the all-time greats in boxing.

What’s Next for Canelo?

With this victory, Canelo Alvarez retained his WBA, WBC, WBO, and IBF super middleweight titles, further cementing his status as the undisputed king of the 168-pound division. At this stage of his career, Canelo has achieved nearly everything there is to accomplish in boxing, but questions remain about his future.

There has been speculation that Canelo might pursue another big-money fight, possibly moving up in weight to challenge for titles in the light heavyweight division or seeking a blockbuster rematch with an old rival. Whether it’s a showdown with fighters like David Benavidez or even a rematch with Dmitry Bivol, fans are eager to see what challenges await the Mexican superstar.

Berlanga’s Future

For Berlanga, the fight was a learning experience. While his undefeated streak has come to an end, the 27-year-old has a bright future ahead. Facing a champion like Canelo so early in his career will undoubtedly provide invaluable lessons as he continues to develop his skills. Berlanga showed resilience and determination, qualities that will serve him well as he aims to rebuild and work his way back into title contention.

Conclusion

Canelo Alvarez once again proved why he is one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world, outclassing a young, hungry contender in Edgar Berlanga. With his dominant unanimous decision win, Canelo retained his unified super middleweight titles and further solidified his legacy in the sport. Meanwhile, Berlanga, though defeated, earned respect for his toughness and resolve, and he remains a promising fighter with a bright future ahead.

As boxing fans look forward to what’s next for both fighters, one thing is certain: Canelo continues to reign supreme in the super middleweight division, and his reign shows no signs of slowing down.