Following Edgar Berlanga's recent victory over Padraig McCrory at the Caribe Royale in Orlando, Florida, promoter Eddie Hearn believes Berlanga has significantly bolstered his case for a bout with boxing superstar Canelo Alvarez. Berlanga, who had faced criticism for not securing a knockout in his previous five fights, delivered a compelling performance by ending the match against McCrory with a powerful right hand in the sixth round.
Hearn, in discussions with Boxing Social, praised Berlanga’s performance as precisely what was necessary to reignite interest in his career trajectory. He highlighted the importance of Berlanga’s victory, emphasizing that it solidifies his position as the WBA's number one and mandatory challenger for the world title.
The promoter stressed the high stakes for Berlanga entering the fight, pointing out the necessity of a convincing win to remain in contention for high-profile matches against the likes of Jaime Munguia and ultimately, Canelo Alvarez. Hearn’s commentary reflects a broader consensus that for Berlanga to be considered ready for such elite matchups, he needed to demonstrate his ability to dominate opponents convincingly.
With Berlanga now holding the WBA’s top spot, Hearn anticipates a future clash with Canelo, acknowledging the complexities and timing of such a high-caliber fight. Despite the uncertainties surrounding the exact timing of this potential bout, Hearn is confident that Berlanga’s opportunity will arise, whether in the near term or further down the line.
Hearn also conveyed his belief in Berlanga’s readiness to face Canelo, describing the potential matchup as the “ultimate challenge” in the super middleweight division. He assured fans that Berlanga would approach a fight against Canelo with aggression and determination, promising a competitive and engaging contest for boxing enthusiasts.
Image Credit: Matchroom Boxing