As Saul ‘Canelo‘ Alvarez’ traditional next fight date in September approaches, talk is starting to build around who he might take on.
Last time out on Cinco De Mayo, Canelo was involved in an all-Mexican showdown with his rival Jaime Munguia. The undisputed super-middleweight champion knocked his opponent down once on his way to a relatively straightforward points win.
He has since been called out by Terence Crawford, who many think is too small for the Mexican who has competed all the way up to light heavyweight.
David Benavidez has also continued to make his case for the fight. He recently moved up to light heavyweight to become the interim WBC champion and earn himself a potential shot at the winner of the upcoming undisputed fight between Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev should the dream of the Canelo fight never materialise.
Though many believe the Benavidez fight is the right one, 27-year-old challenger Edgar Berlanga has told Cigar Talk that he deserves a shot.
Berlanga has won all 22 of his fights with 17 coming by way of knockout, including a victory over Padraig McCrory last time out. He is currently number one contender with the WBA and would bring an intriguing national rivalry to the table.
“He knows I’m about to make that bag, and we’re going to beat him. It’s legacy for me. It’s Puerto Rico vs. Mexico. Everybody keeps talking about that fight. I feel I got to get bugged out. Now, I feel it’s time for me to go to that level.”
“I know he [Canelo] fought big punchers and everybody, but I feel with me, it’s something different. I’m going to bring something different to the table. I elevate with the competition. My IQ goes through the roof. I’m a big draw. I know a lot of people love knockouts, and that’s what I give.”
As well as Berlanga, Chris Eubank Jr has emerged as a late frontrunner for the fight.
