Alvarez makes ultimate business move in fighting Berlanga

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. — In a little more than a month, Canelo Alvarez and Edgar Berlanga will meet in Las Vegas for the unified WBC, WBA and WBO Super Middleweight World Titles.

The press tour arrived in Los Angeles on Tuesday to preview the Sept.14 event at T-Mobile Arena. Canelo Promotions is presenting a Mexican Independence Day weekend event headlined by a PBC Pay-Per-View available on Amazon Prime Video. 

The rivalry between Mexico's Alvarez and Puerto Rico's Berlanga is fueling the excitement of this match. Canelo defeated Puerto Rican Hall of Famer Miguel Cotto in one of the most significant Mexico vs. Puerto Rico fights in recent memory.

“I’m proud to represent my country," Alvarez said, "especially on days like Mexican Independence Day and especially in a Mexico vs. Puerto Rico matchup.

"I’m going to represent my country in fashion on September 14."

Berlanga is eager to step into the ring on this historic day. Having recently knocked out Padraig McCrory in February, he has yet to face an opponent of Alvarez's talent.

“I’m blessed to have this opportunity to be in the ring with a legend,"  Berlanga said. "This is going to be a night for the history books.

"Mexico vs. Puerto Rico fights at this magnitude stay in the history books forever."

Some may think Alvarez is coming near the end at the age of 34. After 65 fights and almost two decades in the ring, Alvarez (61-2-2, 39 KOs) is seeking new ways to excite fans, while Puerto Rico's Berlanga (22-0, 17 KOs) seems ready to turn up the heat even more.

“I respect my opponents, but I like to respond when they talk," Alvarez said. "I’m going to be at my best on Sept. 14 and I’m not gonna have any compassion for him. I’m going to be different. He needs 20 of him to give me any problems."

The conversation about the main event is centered on Alvarez's choice of an opponent with similar skill. Berlanga's style played a key role in his selection by Alvarez for this match.

“I’m the type of fighter who comes to fight. I won’t be running," Berlanga said. "Canelo was once in my shoes and now it’s my time to make my name and become a legend in the sport of boxing."

Fans are already considering this bout as a mismatch. This could be Berlanga's only opportunity to shine on the big stage. According to DraftKings, Alvarez is a -1400 betting favorite and Berlanga as a +750 underdog.

Alvarez is very confident, and the press conference had many entertaining moments. There was a lot of back and forth between the fighters and Alvarez eventually had enough of Berlanga's trash-talk.

“Take it easy man, because your turn is coming," Alvarez said. "He thinks he has more intelligence than me and everyone I’ve fought. C’mon bro, he’s not gonna be able to touch me. I wanna see him try.”

Berlanga was talking about his IQ being a factor heading into the fight, but Alvarez disagreed with him. This could be the turning point in the main event, as it seemed that Berlanga was digging a hole for himself.