American fighter Edgar Berlanga, who holds a 20-0 record as a professional, recognises the quality of Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez as one of the best pound-for-pound boxers in the world, although he said those days are coming to an end.
The 26-year-old thinks the Mexican’s best days are behind him, but he still hopes to face him soon.
Berlanga, who fights Irishman Jason Quigley in New York on Saturday, said in an interview with BoxingScene.com that Canelo is no longer in the position he once was in boxing’s elite.
“I think he’s declining,” said Berlanga to BoxingScene.com
“I don’t think he’s at where he was before.”
Berlanga and Quigley will hold their bout on Saturday, June 24 at Madison Square Garden’s Hulu Theater, and the New Yorker has now gone a year without stepping into the ring after defeating Roamer Angulo on June 11, 2022.
Berlanga has just signed a contract with Eddie Hearn and his Matchroom Boxing company.
The Brooklyn native’s words are backed up by Canelo‘s recent performances (59-2-2, 39 KOs), who not only failed to defeat Russian Dmitry Bivol, but was widely outclassed, and then had an average performance against John Ryder.
Berlanga hopes to attract Canelo’s attention
With Saturday’s fight against Quigley, Berlanga hopes to catch Alvarez’s eye and reach 21 wins without defeat.
Of the 26-year-old’s 20 wins, 16 have come by knockout for an 80-per-cent success rate, more than enough credentials to earn him a shot at Canelo‘s titles.
Still, the New Yorker respects Canelo‘s legacy, and while he again noted that Alvarez is no longer the same, that doesn’t mean he has lost all of his dangerousness during his fights.
Time will tell if he will get the chance to back up his words with actions.
“He’s still a beast man. You can’t sleep on that guy,” said Berlanga.
