By: Sean Crose
“It’s simple to say you’ll knock me out,” Canelo Alvarez instructed Edgar Berlanga at a Tuesday press convention on Wednesday, “however it’s far more troublesome to do it. Saturday night time is gonna be very troublesome for him, for certain. I’ve ready for the knockout. I like the sensation of a knockout and I’m gonna do my finest to get it accomplished.” Canelo has taken criticism for going through Berlanga this weekend as a substitute of tremendous middleweight terror David Benavidez, however seems untroubled by the accusations of ducking.
“I simply can’t await Saturday night time,” he continued. “That is going to be an excellent matchup for the individuals. Mexico vs. Puerto Rico is at all times thrilling.” Certain sufficient, Canelo shall be representing his native Mexico this Saturday night time in Las Vegas, whereas Berlanga shall be representing Puerto Rico. Suffice to say, the Mexico-Puerto Rico rivalry is likely one of the largest rivalries within the sport. “It’s an honor to combat on this date,” mentioned Canelo. “Mexican Independence Day is essential for us. It’s very particular and I’m very proud to combat for the Mexican individuals.”
Though he’s clearly a giant favourite heading into this weekend Canelo made it clear throughout Wednesday’s press convention that he’s taking Berlanga as severely as he does another opponent. “I at all times put 100 per cent into my fights and into coaching, irrespective of who I’m combating,” he mentioned. “It’s the identical mentality each combat. That is no exception. I’ve had an excellent coaching camp and I’m prepared.”
The undefeated Berlanga, in fact, is totally conscious of how massive a match he’ll be having on Saturday. “That is the chance of a lifetime for Group Berlanga,” he mentioned. “It’s gonna be a firefight this weekend. On Saturday night time, I’m gonna make everybody a believer. We’ve Puerto Rico vs. Mexico and we’re going at it on Saturday night time.” Certain sufficient, Berlanga is seeking to finish the combat early this weekend. “I’m a knockout artist,” he mentioned. “Each fighter desires the knockout. We all know that he’s a legend and we will’t simply go swing for the fences. We’ve to do it the appropriate method. Sixth-round knockout, that’s what we’re going for. However we’re prepared for all 12 rounds if now we have to.”
As for Canelo, the long run Corridor of Famer desires to show he’s not over the hill on the nonetheless comparatively younger age of 34. “I simply wish to present everybody that I’m nonetheless one of the best,” he mentioned.
