The owner of Matchroom Boxing, Eddie Hearn, believes he has the definitive name of Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez‘s next opponent for September 14 and, according to his information, it would not be David Benavidez or Terence Crawford, but the Puerto Rican fighter, Edgar Berlanga, who is the mandatory challenger of the World Boxing Association (WBA).
In an interview with Boxing News, Hearn confirmed that, although there are no firm negotiations with the Canelo Team at the moment, he did point out that if the fight is finalised, it could take place in the Saudi Arabian market, at the Kingdoom Arena in Riyadh.
“In a million years I can’t believe they’re going to fight Scull,” (International Boxing Federation mandatory challenger).
He added: “I would think it’s a deal to step aside. I’m sure there’s a lot of talk with Canelo Alvarez around the world. I’m not really involved in that, apart from a possible fight with Edgar Berlanga, which there have been some whispers about. There are no negotiations about that fight. Obviously, he’s under contract with us. He’s a Matchroom fighter.”
What are the certainties for the possible fight between Canelo and Edgar Berlanga?
According to El Nuevo Herald, Canelo Alvarez has three finalists for his September fight: Edgar Berlanga, David Benavidez and William Scull, all mandatory opponents and the final decision will be known in the coming weeks.
In Scull’s case, which is the most delicate because if he does not reach an agreement it could cost him the IBF title, Canelo has already made him a financial offer to avoid the fight, but it is still unknown if he accepted the offer to step aside. Several reports confirm that Scull has too little card to challenge for an undisputed 168-pound title fight.
While in the case of Berlanga, he has enough name to challenge the Mexican and, in addition, by becoming WBA mandatory challenger, he has intensified his campaign in search of becoming Canelo’s challenger.
Also in the pipeline remains the possibility of David Benavidez, who looks like the most attractive opponent for Canelo and has been waiting for the opportunity for three years.
Canelo Alvarez, 33, has 61 wins (39 by knockout), two losses and two draws in his professional career and although he is in the beginning of the final stretch of his career, he still has some good fights ahead of him.
