Canelo Alvarez, boxing's top star, is on the verge of finalizing a deal to defend his super middleweight championship against Edgar Berlanga on September 14 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Alvarez, 34, is currently ESPN's No. 5 pound-for-pound boxer. The all-time great has collected titles in four weight classes: 154, 160, 168, and 175 pounds. While he hasn't scored a knockout since his victory over Caleb Plant in November 2021, he has achieved knockdowns in each of his last three wins. Alvarez has won four consecutive bouts since his decision defeat to Dmitry Bivol at light heavyweight in May 2022.
Edgar Berlanga, a 27-year-old from Brooklyn, New York, of Puerto Rican descent, will be facing Alvarez as a major underdog. Berlanga has never challenged for a world title nor competed at the world-class level. He is coming off a sixth-round KO of Padraig McCrory in February. Known for starting his career with 16 first-round KOs, Berlanga's recent fights have gone the distance as his competition has become tougher.
Watch Canelo vs. Munguia highlights: Watch
The other boxing star, Jaime Munguia, is gearing up for a return to the ring against Erik Bazinyan on September 20 in Arizona. This bout will be Munguia's first under a new multi-fight deal with Top Rank.
Munguia is reuniting with Hall of Fame fighter and trainer Erik Morales, following a brief period training with Hall of Fame coach Freddie Roach. Morales, who started working with Munguia in 2019, had to step aside last year due to political duties in Tijuana. Now back together, they aim to revitalize Munguia’s career after his loss to Saul "Canelo" Alvarez in May.
With his new contract, Munguia will continue to collaborate with longtime co-promoter Zanfer Boxing and Fernando Beltran. Zanfer will feature its fighters on Top Rank cards headlined by Munguia. An official announcement from Top Rank about Munguia’s signing and his fight against Bazinyan is forthcoming.
If Munguia defeats Bazinyan, a potential matchup with Christian Mbilli awaits, provided Mbilli wins against Derevyanchenko on August 17. Bazinyan, an Armenian fighter based in Canada, recently fought to a split draw with Shakeel Phinn. Known for their offensive firepower and defensive lapses, both Munguia and Bazinyan promise an exciting fight in September.
Read more about Saul “Canelo” Alvarez here.
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