BTN News: Canelo Álvarez returns to the ring on September 14, 2024, to defend his unified super middleweight title against Puerto Rican contender Edgar Berlanga in Las Vegas, a fight that has fans buzzing despite its apparent lack of risk for the Mexican superstar. While Álvarez is heavily favored, seasoned boxing commentator Jim Lampley points out that nothing in the ring is guaranteed. Drawing comparisons with legendary fighters like Muhammad Ali and Sugar Ray Robinson, Lampley argues that even great champions sometimes choose lower-risk bouts to maintain momentum. However, the pressure is on Canelo to prove he still has the ambition and skill to face the toughest opponents.
Canelo Álvarez: A Champion with Nothing Left to Prove?
Jim Lampley, a respected voice in boxing commentary and a member of the International Boxing Hall of Fame, believes Canelo Álvarez, at this stage in his career, has little left to prove. Yet, like all fans, he recognizes a pattern of low-risk matchups that suggest the Mexican champion may be in a phase of limited ambition. Canelo has earned the right to take a few easier fights, similar to what past legends have done. Still, fans yearn for him to face the top contenders and showcase his renowned skills against the best.
A Fight on Familiar Turf: Mexican Independence Day in Las Vegas
This Saturday’s bout against Edgar Berlanga comes as part of the traditional boxing spectacle on Mexico’s Independence Day weekend in Las Vegas. Canelo, who hasn’t secured a knockout in five consecutive fights, aims to reassert his dominance in the ring. For Berlanga, the underdog challenger, it’s a chance to pull off a historic upset, reminiscent of Buster Douglas’s shocking win over Mike Tyson in 1990.
Why Berlanga Faces an Uphill Battle Against Canelo
While Lampley admits that “anything can happen in the ring,” he is clear about Berlanga’s slim chances. The Puerto Rican fighter’s primary strategy is to come forward aggressively, throwing powerful punches — a plan that seems unlikely to trouble a seasoned and resilient Canelo. “Canelo has the best chin in boxing,” Lampley remarks, “but nothing is impossible.” The veteran commentator predicts that Canelo may not need a knockout to win but expects one in the later rounds.
Comparisons to Boxing Legends: The Right to Take Less Risky Fights
Lampley draws parallels between Canelo Álvarez and other boxing legends, noting that even Muhammad Ali and Sugar Ray Robinson took low-risk fights during their careers. “Every great fighter earns the right to choose a fight that may not significantly advance their career,” Lampley explains. Yet, to gain the “complete adulation” of Mexican fans, Canelo may need to face more challenging opponents like David Benavídez, David Morrell, or Terence Crawford.
Can Canelo Cement His Legacy as Mexico’s Greatest Boxer?
Jim Lampley is confident that Canelo Álvarez has already achieved enough to be considered one of Mexico’s greatest boxers. At a recent event at the International Boxing Hall of Fame, even legends like Erik “Terrible” Morales and Marco Antonio Barrera acknowledged Canelo’s credentials for such a title. However, Lampley argues that if Canelo seeks “total admiration,” he must take on greater risks in the ring.
Muhammad Ali’s Unforgettable Gesture to Jim Lampley
Lampley’s affinity for boxing dates back to Muhammad Ali’s rise as Cassius Clay during the 1960 Rome Olympics. He recalls a touching moment from 1991 when Ali volunteered to look after Lampley’s daughter, Brooke, during an awards dinner. “Ali instantly said, ‘Leave her with me, I’ll take care of her,'” Lampley recounts. The young Brooke spent the evening learning magic tricks from Ali, an unforgettable experience that Lampley cherishes to this day.
Future Challenges for Canelo: What’s Next?
Looking ahead, Lampley believes that the next two years will be critical in determining Canelo’s legacy. As other fighters build their reputations, they may generate enough public demand to force Canelo into the ring with them. “But no matter what happens,” Lampley concludes, “Canelo will never lose all his credibility or his audience. Many already see him as the greatest Mexican fighter of all time.”
Conclusion: The Stakes for Canelo and Berlanga
As Canelo Álvarez prepares to defend his title against Edgar Berlanga, the boxing world waits with bated breath. The Mexican champion’s legacy is already formidable, but questions remain about his ambition and willingness to face the most challenging opponents. Saturday’s fight may not answer all those questions, but it will undoubtedly set the stage for what comes next in Canelo’s storied career.
