In a recent bombshell interview, legendary boxer and promoter Oscar De La Hoya didn’t hold back his harsh critique of a rumored bout between boxing superstar Saul “Canelo” Alvarez and the rising contender Edgar Berlanga. De La Hoya labeled the potential matchup as “lame,” a comment that has sparked heated discussions across the boxing community. With such a high-profile figure like De La Hoya casting doubt on the fight’s legitimacy, fans and pundits are now debating whether this clash is worthy of Canelo’s legacy or just a mismatch.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into De La Hoya’s criticism, the background of both fighters, and what this could mean for boxing’s landscape. We’ll also explore fan reactions, the business side of the sport, and potential alternatives to the Canelo vs. Berlanga fight.
Oscar De La Hoya, one of boxing’s most successful fighters turned promoters, has never been one to shy away from giving his unfiltered opinions. In an interview, he described the potential Canelo vs. Berlanga fight as “lame,” indicating that he believes this matchup lacks the excitement or competitive edge that a marquee Canelo fight should bring.
“It’s a fight no one asked for,” De La Hoya remarked, mocking the speculation surrounding the bout. He went further by stating that Berlanga, while talented, hasn’t proven himself to be in the same league as Canelo. “People want to see Canelo fight champions, not someone who’s been knocked down in sparring,” he quipped.
These comments come on the heels of Berlanga’s gradual rise in the super middleweight division, where he has gained attention for his early knockout streak but has yet to face the level of competition that Canelo is used to. De La Hoya’s criticism draws attention to the disparity between the two fighters’ résumés, making many wonder if Berlanga is being fast-tracked to a high-profile fight that he may not be ready for.
Canelo Alvarez needs no introduction. The Mexican icon is widely considered one of the best pound-for-pound boxers of his generation. With multiple world titles across different weight classes, Canelo has faced—and often defeated—the best in the sport. Names like Gennady Golovkin, Sergey Kovalev, and Daniel Jacobs grace his résumé. His skill, discipline, and granite chin have earned him a massive global fanbase and an unshakable legacy in the sport.
However, after his recent victory over Jermell Charlo, there are questions about who he should fight next. Fans are hungry for a blockbuster showdown—perhaps a trilogy fight with Golovkin, or a clash with other top contenders like David Benavidez. The idea of Canelo facing a less experienced fighter like Berlanga has left many fans disappointed, feeling that it would be a step down from the level of competition they expect Canelo to face.
Edgar Berlanga, a Puerto Rican-American boxer, burst onto the scene with a remarkable string of first-round knockouts. His power was undeniable, and for a time, he seemed destined to become the next big thing in the super middleweight division. However, as he’s faced tougher opponents, the cracks in his game have started to show. While he’s still undefeated, Berlanga’s performances have become less explosive, and his defensive weaknesses have been exposed.
Critics argue that Berlanga has yet to face a top-tier opponent, making a potential bout against Canelo seem premature. For De La Hoya, this is the crux of his argument: Berlanga is not ready to face someone of Canelo’s caliber. A fight between the two, in his view, would be more spectacle than sport—a money grab rather than a legitimate contest.
The boxing community has been buzzing with reactions to De La Hoya’s critique. Some fans agree with the Golden Boy, asserting that Canelo should be fighting established champions, not up-and-coming prospects who have yet to prove themselves.
“I love Berlanga, but he’s not ready for Canelo. It would be a massacre,” said one fan on Twitter, echoing the sentiment of many who believe that Berlanga needs more time to develop before stepping into the ring with a fighter of Canelo’s pedigree.
Others, however, see the potential Canelo vs. Berlanga fight as an intriguing matchup, especially considering the commercial appeal. Berlanga’s Puerto Rican roots and Canelo’s Mexican heritage could make for a thrilling rivalry, tapping into the historic Mexico vs. Puerto Rico boxing rivalry that has produced some legendary bouts in the past.
For some, the idea of a fight between Canelo and Berlanga offers an opportunity for an entertaining spectacle, even if the competitive balance is skewed in favor of the Mexican superstar.
In boxing, business often trumps competition, and this could be the driving force behind a potential Canelo vs. Berlanga matchup. Both fighters have massive fan bases, and a fight between them would likely generate huge pay-per-view numbers. For promoters, this is a dream scenario: two marketable fighters squaring off in a high-profile event, regardless of the competitive merits.
De La Hoya’s comments also shine a light on the growing trend in boxing, where fights are made not based on merit, but on marketability. Berlanga’s undefeated record and his knockout power make him an attractive opponent, even if he hasn’t fought at Canelo’s level. For many fans, this is a worrying trend, as it dilutes the integrity of the sport.
If the Canelo vs. Berlanga fight doesn’t happen, there are plenty of other potential opponents for Canelo. Many fans are calling for him to fight David Benavidez, another rising star in the super middleweight division who has earned his place as a legitimate contender. A fight between Canelo and Benavidez would be a true test of both fighters and could further solidify Canelo’s legacy if he emerges victorious.
Another option could be a jump back up in weight to face a light heavyweight champion like Artur Beterbiev, a move that would further challenge Canelo and offer fans a truly elite contest.
