Saul “Canelo” Alvarez beat Edgar Berlanga in Las Vegas on Saturday, retaining the unified super-middleweight titles at the T-Mobile Arena.
Canelo, 34, dropped his challenger with a perfect left hook in round three and continued to outbox the American, 27, ultimately handing Berlanga the first loss of his career.
Berlanga had his moments, but Canelo’s famous chin held up to the younger fighter’s offence, and much of the drama came when the boxers traded fouls and heated words – the latter both during and between rounds.
Yet it was all respect between the pair after the final bell, as Berlanga apologised to Canelo for some of his behaviour and congratulated the champion on his victory.
Re-live updates and see results from the undercard and main event, below.
Canelo outpoints Berlanga to retain titles – LIVE
You can read our full fight report here:
Alex Pattle15 September 2024 07:20
Canelo outpoints Berlanga to retain titles – LIVE
Berlanga pays a lot of respect to Canelo in his post-fight interview in the ring.
He says he feels bad that they didn’t get a chance to talk one-to-one before signing the contract or fighting, and that their first meetings were consumed by promotion and trash talk.
Alex Pattle15 September 2024 05:35
Canelo vs Berlanga LIVE
Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez def. Edgar Berlanga via unanimous (117-110, 118-109, 118-109)
Canelo: “I did good. Now what are they gonna say? I fight younger fighters; before they say I only fight older fighters. They always talk. I’m the best fighter in the world.”
Opening up on his post-fight conversation with Berlanga, he says: “He said he respects me, I’m his idol. He said he feels bad for the way he acted. But you know, he did good. With adrenaline, I got a little angry. I’m Mexican, man. Viva Mexico, cabrones!”
Canelo reportedly landed about 50 per cent of power punches. He puts it down to his “talent, experience, discipline”.
And his next fight? “I’m gonna rest, enjoy my family now, and then I’m gonna decide.”
Alex Pattle15 September 2024 05:28