Canelo Alvarez's Pursuit of Undisputed Glory: A Clash of Mexican and Puerto Rican Boxing Titans

Mexican boxing superstar Saul "Canelo" Alvarez is set to continue his tradition of fighting on the Mexican Independence Day weekend, as he steps into the ring to defend his WBC, WBO, WBA, and The Ring super middleweight titles against Puerto Rican challenger Edgar Berlanga. This highly anticipated showdown promises to be a thrilling display of the rich boxing heritage shared by these two nations.

A Titanic Clash of Boxing Titans

Canelo's Undisputed Ambition

Canelo Alvarez (61-2-2, 39 KOs) has been on a relentless pursuit to become the undisputed super middleweight champion, a feat he accomplished in 2021 when he defeated Caleb Plant. This Saturday's bout against Berlanga will be another step in Canelo's quest to cement his legacy as one of the greatest boxers of his generation. However, the Mexican superstar will not be defending all of his undisputed titles, as the IBF stripped him of his belt for failing to agree to a fight with the mandatory challenger, Cuban William Scull. Instead, Canelo has opted to face the opponent chosen by the WBA, setting up a thrilling Mexico vs. Puerto Rico showdown.

Berlanga's Explosive Rise

Edgar Berlanga (22-0, 17 KOs) enters the fight with an undefeated record and a reputation for his devastating punching power. The Puerto Rican fighter has made a name for himself with 16 consecutive first-round knockouts to start his professional career. However, in his last six victories, he has only secured one knockout, suggesting a potential shift in his fighting style as he prepares to face the formidable Canelo.

The Financial Stakes

The purses for professional fights are typically disclosed weeks after the event, often through interviews or leaks. Based on Canelo's previous earnings, it is expected that he will earn a substantial payday for this fight, potentially in the range of $35 million or more, not counting additional earnings from pay-per-view (PPV) sales. Canelo has revealed that he retains 80% of the revenue from ticket sales and concessions, further bolstering his financial gains.As for Berlanga, this will be his first world title fight and his debut in a PPV main event. While no official figure has been released regarding his purse, it is expected to be the biggest payday of his career. After parting ways with Top Rank and joining Matchroom Boxing, Berlanga is looking to secure better financial rewards, and this fight against Canelo presents a golden opportunity to do so.

A Special Commemorative Belt

In addition to the substantial financial rewards, the winner of the Canelo-Berlanga showdown will also receive a special commemorative belt called "Tamaulipas II," inspired by the traditional Cuera Tamaulipeca, a typical costume from the Mexican state of Tamaulipas. This unique belt, created by the WBC, adds an extra layer of prestige and significance to the already highly anticipated bout.

A Clash of Boxing Cultures

The Canelo Alvarez vs. Edgar Berlanga fight is not just a battle for boxing supremacy; it is a clash of two rich boxing cultures. Canelo, the Mexican superstar, represents the proud tradition of Mexican boxing, while Berlanga, with his Puerto Rican roots, brings the fiery spirit and passion of the island's boxing heritage. This clash of styles and national pride is sure to captivate fans around the world and add an extra layer of excitement to the already highly anticipated showdown.