Everyone thought they knew how it would end. The "Chosen One" stepping into the lion's den against a living legend. Honestly, when the Edgar Berlanga last fight against Canelo Alvarez was announced for September 14, 2024, the boxing world was split between hope and harsh reality. Most people saw Berlanga as a sacrificial lamb for a Mexican Independence Day celebration at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
He wasn't.
Berlanga lost, sure. But the way he lost changed the trajectory of his career. You've got to look at the numbers and the grit to understand why this wasn't just another blowout.
The Night the Hype Met the Legend
The atmosphere in Vegas was thick. Canelo walked in as the heavy favorite, defending his unified WBC, WBA, and WBO super middleweight titles. Berlanga, the 27-year-old from Brooklyn with Puerto Rican roots, brought a 22-0 record but a massive question mark regarding his level of competition.
Basically, he’d never seen anything like Canelo.
The fight started with a lot of posturing. Berlanga used his 6-foot-1 frame and 73-inch reach to try and keep the shorter champion at bay. It worked for about six minutes. Then came the third round.
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That Left Hook
In the third, Canelo did what Canelo does. He timed a perfect, snapping left hook that caught Berlanga flush on the chin. Down he went. It was the kind of shot that usually ends a "young lion's" night. Berlanga hit the canvas, but instead of looking dazed, he looked annoyed.
He hammered his gloves together. He got up.
That moment was the turning point for his reputation. Even though he was outclassed technically, he showed a chin made of granite. Most experts, including the crew at CompuBox, noted that Canelo’s power was relentless, but Berlanga refused to fold.
Breaking Down the Scorecards
The judges didn't see a close fight, but they saw a competitive one. Here is how the scoring shook out at the end of the 12 rounds:
- David Sutherland: 117-110 (Canelo)
- Max DeLuca: 118-109 (Canelo)
- Steve Weisfeld: 118-109 (Canelo)
Canelo outlanded Berlanga 201 to 119 in total punches. More impressively, the champion landed nearly 50% of his power shots. It was a masterclass in "ring generalship." Canelo backed Berlanga into the ropes at will, digging those signature hooks into the body that make even the toughest guys want to quit.
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Berlanga had his moments in the middle rounds—specifically the seventh and the twelfth—where he stood his ground and traded. He even gave Canelo a "shiner" under the eye. But you can't beat a legend by winning two or three rounds.
Why the Edgar Berlanga Last Fight Changed Things
Before this bout, critics called Berlanga a "frontrunner." They said he couldn't handle adversity. Well, he took the best shots from the best fighter of this generation and stayed on his feet.
The trash talk before the fight was legendary. They nearly came to blows at the press conferences. But after the final bell? They embraced. Canelo was caught on camera telling Berlanga to "keep going" and that he was a "good fighter." That’s the ultimate validation in this sport.
What Happened Next?
Since that high-profile loss, Berlanga didn't just sit around and mope. He actually got back in the win column fairly quickly.
- March 15, 2025: He faced Jonathan Gonzalez-Ortiz in Orlando and secured a TKO victory in the very first round. It was a return to the "old" Berlanga—the guy who knocks people out before they can sit down.
- July 12, 2025: He took a massive step up against the undefeated Hamzah Sheeraz. This one didn't go his way. In a brutal war at Louis Armstrong Stadium, Berlanga was stopped in the 5th round.
It's been a roller coaster. He went from a career-high against Canelo to a rebuilding win, then a devastating TKO loss to Sheeraz.
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The Reality of the Super Middleweight Division
Currently, Berlanga sits with a record of 23-2. He’s no longer the undefeated prospect, but he's a proven gatekeeper-plus who can sell tickets. His fight with Canelo proved he belongs on the big stage, even if he isn't quite at the "Pound for Pound" level yet.
The biggest takeaway from the Edgar Berlanga last fight against Canelo is the respect he earned from the Puerto Rican fan base. He fought with the "Boricua" heart that fans demand. He didn't run. He didn't clinche for 12 rounds. He fought.
Actionable Insights for Boxing Fans
If you're following Berlanga's career or looking to bet on his future fights, keep these points in mind:
- Chin Strength: The Canelo fight proved he can take a world-class punch. Don't expect him to be easy to KO early unless he's caught cold.
- Technical Gaps: The Sheeraz fight exposed that he still struggles with elite-level jabbers and tall, rangy technical boxers.
- Marketability: He remains a massive draw in New York and Florida. Expect his next fight to be a "rebound" bout against a top-15 opponent rather than a world champion.
Keep an eye on the WBA rankings. Even with the recent losses, Berlanga remains in the top 15 because of the strength of his schedule. His next move will likely be a return to New York to headline a card at the Hulu Theater, where he typically thrives.