A fight with Canelo Alvarez ostensibly slipped right through the fingers of Edgar Berlanga. Just a few months ago, he was a hot-shot free agent. Practically all of the big names surrounded him, wanting to get his name inked on the dotted line.
Berlanga (21-0, 16 KOs) took his time. He carefully listened to Al Haymon’s offer with Premier Boxing Champions. He did the same when Oscar De La Hoya came knocking on his door. Ultimately, they both talked a good game, but Eddie Hearn had one particular thing working for him, a great relationship with Canelo Alvarez.
In part, Berlanga signed with Matchroom Boxing for that very reason. Of course the money was nice, but Berlanga was convinced that Hearn could eventually get Alvarez to fight him. That thought seemingly went right out the window once Alvarez signed a three-fight deal with Haymon’s Premier Boxing Champions.
Berlanga was a bit apoplectic but he hasn’t lost all hope. After taking out Jason Quigley a few months ago, the 26-year-old is hoping to get his hands on Jaime Munguia. There are a number of reasons why Berlanga wants to take his man out. For one, Mexican and Puerto Rican fighters have been known for putting on legendary fights. Secondly, beating Munguia would be the biggest win of his career. Last but certainly not least, getting through Munguia could lead him to exactly where he’s trying to get to.
“I think if we get that Munguia fight and we spank his boots, we spank him out, I feel like that fight with Canelo will line up right after that fight,” Berlanga said to AB Boxing News.
Hearn, to a large extent, did his best to make that dream a reality. But, after months of painfully long negotiations, Hearn revealed that he couldn’t make any legitimate progress. For now, Berlanga will go in another direction. The longtime promoter already announced that Berlanga will return to the ring in the first half of 2024.
Alvarez, in the meanwhile, will do the same. He’s fresh off a one-sided win over Jermell Charlo. He’ll now play the waiting game and weigh his options. Ultimately, just about everyone wants to get the Mexican star in the ring. For Berlanga, at least in his opinion, he’ll be able to land a showdown against him once he gets Munguia out of the way.
“If we fight Munguia, I spank him, it’s on and poppin for me.”