Bernie Wilson
Updated on: October 11, 2024 2:20 pm GMT
As the much-anticipated boxing match between Canelo Alvarez and Edgar Berlanga approaches this Saturday, tensions are rising—particularly between Berlanga and legendary promoter Oscar De La Hoya. In a fiery response to De La Hoya’s recent criticisms, Berlanga made headlines by vowing to confront the Golden Boy Promotions founder verbally and physically if necessary.
Edgar Berlanga Responds to Criticism
Berlanga, who is set to challenge Alvarez for the WBC, WBA, WBO, and Ring Magazine super middleweight titles, expressed his frustration towards De La Hoya during a pre-fight press conference. “Guys like Oscar De La Hoya out there trying to destroy my reputation, destroy Canelo’s reputation, trying to say that we’re not going to sell no tickets,” Berlanga stated. “That’s bitch shit, and if I see him I’ll smack the shit out of him.”
Berlanga accused De La Hoya of harboring resentment towards both him and Alvarez, claiming, “He’s just upset that he’s already old” and referencing De La Hoya’s previous attempts to sign him. “He wanted to sign me. He flew from Vegas trying to come out from LA, trying to come down to sign me. And we signed with one of the best, Eddie Hearn.”
*Edgar Berlanga and Canelo Alvarez set to face off for the super middleweight titles this Saturday.*
De La Hoya’s Assessment of the Fight
Oscar De La Hoya has publicly expressed doubt regarding the ticket sales and pay-per-view numbers for the Canelo-Berlanga fight, predicting it will fall short of the 100,000 mark. In contrast, Canelo has historically topped pay-per-view sales, even exceeding one million in previous bouts. This diminished estimate raised eyebrows, not least for Berlanga, who intends to prove his critics wrong.
“I want to say something, too: f*ck Oscar De La Hoya too,” Berlanga said, emphasizing his frustration with De La Hoya’s continued commentary. “That motherf*cker, he’s always — he keeps talking…We’re gonna smack him when we see him.” Berlanga’s comments come amidst De La Hoya’s ongoing feud with Alvarez, a fighter who left Golden Boy Promotions in 2020.
Background of the Alvarez-De La Hoya Feud
The contentious relationship between Canelo Alvarez and Oscar De La Hoya has long been a topic of discussion in the boxing community. De La Hoya was instrumental in Alvarez’s rise to fame but has since been at odds with the fighter, particularly after Canelo accused him of financial misconduct earlier this year. The split has only intensified the media exchanges between the two, with De La Hoya now critiquing Alvarez’s choice of opponents.
De La Hoya believes Alvarez is sidestepping tough competition, particularly when it comes to facing David Benavidez, whom many boxing analysts consider a formidable challenger. Instead, De La Hoya views Berlanga as an easy matchup, thus countering the legitimacy of this title fight.
The Business of Boxing: Ticket and Pay-Per-View Numbers
Berlanga’s upcoming fight with Canelo is not just a personal battle; it carries significant commercial implications. The fight is set to take place at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas and has drawn criticism regarding its pricing structure. De La Hoya called the pricing of tickets, which can exceed $500, “robbery” for what he characterized as a “snooze fest.”
Berlanga’s challenge is heightened by the existence of a competing UFC event in Las Vegas occurring on the same night, which may draw potential viewers and attendees away from the boxing match. This further complicates the financial expectations surrounding the fight.
Future Implications for Berlanga and Alvarez
Regardless of the ongoing feud with De La Hoya, this matchup is pivotal for Berlanga, who boasts an undefeated record of 22-0. While critics question whether he belongs in the ring with a superstar like Alvarez, Berlanga remains resilient, determined to prove his worth. A victory would not only elevate Berlanga’s status but could also redefine his career trajectory in the boxing world.
For Alvarez, the stakes are equally high. Having spent years holding multiple titles, a successful title defense against Berlanga is crucial to maintaining his dominant standing in the sport. As it stands, the upcoming fight serves as both a personal and professional litmus test for both fighters, with complex narrative threads interwoven through their histories.
Undercard Matches and Broadcast Information
The undercard for the event is also noteworthy and includes bouts featuring Caleb Plant vs. Trevor McCumby, Erislandy Lara vs. Danny Garcia, and Rolando ‘Rolly’ Romero vs. Manuel Jaimes. Fans can watch the event live through a pay-per-view format, with options available on platforms like Prime Video, DAZN, and PPV.com.
As the fight approaches, anticipation builds not just for the main bout but for the fireworks that may ensue outside the ring, particularly if confrontations between Berlanga and De La Hoya materialize. With multiple factors at play, including the potential divide among fight fans, this Saturday’s event promises more than just boxing; it offers a glimpse into the ongoing dynamics of the sport.
As fans gear up for what many hope will be an electrifying match, all eyes will undoubtedly be on the ring and the underlying tensions influencing this high-stakes boxing event.
In a sport full of rivalries and personal goals, the fight between Canelo Alvarez and Edgar Berlanga shows what this is all about. It promises to be an exciting showdown!
