Former Mayweather Promotions CEO Leonard Ellerbe makes a bold claim to predict the outcome of Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez vs Edgar Berlanga.
Canelo Alvarez will put his three super middleweight world titles on the line against his unbeaten rival in a Mexico vs Puerto Rico clash on September 14.
Alvarez comes off a clinical performance over Jaime Munguia in May when he outpointed his countryman after flooring him in the fourth round.
Better yet, with wins over the likes of Gennady Golovkin and Miguel Cotto, the four-weight world champion enters this bout as a resounding favourite.
Former Mayweather Promotions boss gives his take on Canelo Alvarez vs Edgar Berlanga
Since losing to Floyd Mayweather back in 2013, Canelo has refined his skills and become a fearsome operator in his own right, remaining unbeaten at 168 lbs.
And now Ellerbe, who once sat in the opposite corner, backs the box office star to do the business against Berlanga in emphatic fashion.
Speaking to Fight Hub TV, Ellerbe said: “In my opinion, I think the fight’s going to end with a body shot.
“Canelo is definitely one of the top body punchers in the entire sport. That’s something he does really well. He knows how to place those shots.
“A lot of these fighters are, like Floyd [Mayweather] used to say, ABC – 123 – basic. And [Canelo’s] able to counter all of that. He’s seen every style that’s out there.”
What chance does Edgar Berlanga have at dethroning Canelo Alvarez?
It is fair to say that, should Berlanga defeat the king of his division, it would be a monumental upset.
That being said, the 27-year-old does have a significant height advantage over his more decorated opponent – standing at around five inches taller.
Moreover, he has earned a reputation of being a pulverizing puncher after ending his first 16 contests inside the opening round.
On the other hand, before his impressive sixth-round stoppage win against Padraig McCrory last time out, Berlanga’s last fight that ended inside the distance had been in 2020.
Because of this, some have questioned whether his power remains as effective at world level – something that will be put to the test in 11 days time.