BY BOXING HIT STAFF-
This upcoming Saturday could spell disaster for Mexican boxing legend Canelo Alvarez if he is defeated by the underdog Edgar Berlanga at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Alvarez, who is approaching 35 years old, has shown signs of decline in recent years and has not faced a power puncher of Berlanga’s caliber since his trilogy with Gennadiy Golovkin. Despite a successful record of 61-2-2 with 39 knockouts, Alvarez has been criticized for cherry-picking opponents in his last few fights following a loss to Dmitry Bivol in 2022. A loss to the relatively unknown Berlanga (22-0, 17 KOs) would raise questions about Alvarez’s future in the sport and potentially force him into retirement.
Implications of a Defeat
If Edgar Berlanga manages to knock out Canelo Alvarez on Saturday, it is almost certain that a rematch would be in the cards. However, a second defeat at the hands of Berlanga could mark the end of Alvarez’s illustrious career. The proud Mexican boxer would likely become a stepping stone for young up-and-coming fighters to use as a means to boost their own resumes and reputations. While Alvarez may still be able to secure lucrative paydays by facing these rising stars, each loss would chip away at his legacy and tarnish his reputation as one of the sport’s greatest fighters.
Boxing analyst Chris Mannix has speculated that a loss to Edgar Berlanga could indeed signal the end of Canelo Alvarez’s career. Mannix believes that despite Alvarez’s resilience and determination, the physical toll of aging and the wear and tear from years of professional fighting may catch up to him. Berlanga’s stated goal of not just defeating Alvarez but forcing him into retirement adds an extra layer of pressure to their upcoming bout. A potential rematch between the two fighters could serve as a monumental event in Alvarez’s career, with fans eagerly anticipating whether he can stave off retirement for a little longer.
In his most recent fight against Jaime Munguia, Canelo Alvarez displayed signs of a fighter past his prime. Watching him struggle against an opponent who would not be considered a top-tier fighter in the super middleweight division was concerning for many observers. Alvarez’s decision to face Berlanga instead of younger, more talented fighters like David Benavidez raised eyebrows and led to questions about his ability to compete at the highest level. The harsh reality is that time waits for no one, and even the greatest fighters must eventually accept the inevitable decline that comes with age.
The upcoming fight between Canelo Alvarez and Edgar Berlanga carries significant implications for the Mexican boxer’s future in the sport. A loss to Berlanga could potentially mark the end of Alvarez’s storied career, forcing him to come to terms with his mortality as a fighter. While Alvarez’s legacy as one of the sport’s all-time greats is secure, the harsh realities of aging and declining skills may finally catch up to him in the ring. Only time will tell whether Canelo Alvarez can overcome the odds and continue to compete at the highest level or if Edgar Berlanga will be the one to deliver the final blow to his career.
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