Analysis of WBC’s Tamaulipas II Belt and Canelo Alvarez vs. Edgar Berlanga Fight

BY BOXING HIT STAFF-

The introduction of the special commemorative ‘Tamaulipas II’ belt by WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman for the winner of the Canelo Alvarez vs. Edgar Berlanga fight adds to the already cluttered world of boxing belts. With numerous organizations each having their own set of belts, the addition of another one, even if it is meant as a gesture of celebration, only serves to confuse casual fans further. This move highlights the need for a restructuring of boxing titles and a consolidation under one governing body to bring clarity to the sport.

Unified super middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez, who is set to fight Berlanga, does not seem to be particularly interested in adding another belt to his collection. At 34 years old, Canelo has already established himself as one of the top fighters in the world and may see the Tamaulipas II belt as unnecessary. While he is unlikely to refuse the belt when presented to him, it raises questions about the significance of such commemorative titles in the sport.

The choice of Edgar Berlanga as an opponent for Canelo Alvarez has also raised eyebrows in the boxing community. Berlanga, despite his undefeated record, has yet to face top-tier competition, leading to doubts about his readiness for a title shot. The high price of the pay-per-view event, set at $90, has further dampened expectations for the fight, with many predicting a one-sided affair in favor of Canelo. The lackluster undercard featuring older fighters adds to the negative impression of the event’s value for money.

Overall, the introduction of the Tamaulipas II belt, the mismatch in the main event, and the high cost of the pay-per-view combine to create a sense of disillusionment among boxing fans. There is a clear need for greater transparency and accountability in the sport to ensure that events like these are met with enthusiasm rather than skepticism. The focus should be on delivering competitive matchups and meaningful titles that elevate the sport of boxing rather than adding to its current state of confusion and commercialization.