Canelo Alvarez is considering his next opponent for a fight in September, with Edgar Berlanga and Jermall Charlo emerging as the top contenders. Berlanga, who holds the WBA 168-lb mandatory position, has been frequently mentioned as Canelo’s likely opponent. However, Jermall Charlo, a former two-division world champion, is also in the mix. Salvador Rodriguez of ESPN Knockout reports that Canelo could face either Berlanga or Charlo on September 14th or within the following three weeks.
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Despite fighting only once in the past three years, the 34-year-old Jermall Charlo is considered a more proven competitor compared to the 27-year-old Berlanga. Many fans believe Charlo is more deserving of a title shot against Canelo, the undisputed super middleweight champion. Jermall’s recent performance on November 25, where he defeated Jose Benavidez by a ten-round unanimous decision, showcased his capabilities and added to his credibility as a strong contender.
Social media fans have expressed a clear preference for Jermall Charlo over Berlanga as Canelo’s next opponent. While enthusiasm for either matchup may not be overwhelming, fans see Charlo as a more formidable and experienced fighter, having won world titles in two divisions and fought better opposition. Berlanga, on the other hand, has faced criticism for being coddled by his promoters and matched against weak opponents since turning professional.
Berlanga’s reputation as a self-promoter has also influenced fan perception. Some view him as a creation of his promoters at Top Rank, designed to attract New York fans. If Canelo’s goal is to draw in East Coast supporters, choosing Berlanga could be a financially savvy move. However, this decision would likely attract significant criticism in the lead-up to the fight. Berlanga’s ability to generate interest through self-promotion makes him an intriguing figure, but many feel he is not yet ready for a fight of this magnitude.
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