It’s been four months since ‘The Chosen One’ suffered his first professional loss. It’s time to move on. However, Edgar Berlanga‘s attempt to kick-start a fresh campaign – despite the lack of a fight announcement – has drawn attention for all the wrong reasons. On September 14 last year, Canelo Alvarez defeated Berlanga unanimously at the T-Mobile Arena.
With the arrival of the new year, discussions about a potential matchup have seemingly surfaced. In the past, Berlanga had expressed a desire to get back at rival Caleb Plant, with whom he has unfinished business, or face Jaime Munguia. Now, there could be a new name joining the list: Diego Pacheco. The young fighter defeated Terence Crawford‘s friend, Steven Nelson, convincingly, making a case for a potential fight with Canelo Alvarez. For the time being, though, it’s Berlanga’s training footage that seems to have become a major talking point among fans and followers.
Edgar Berlanga: Back in the ring
Fight Hub TV‘s social media posts asked followers to suggest the two matchups they would prefer for Edgar Berlanga. “Edgar Berlanga’s first look in training after his loss to Canelo!” the post read. The less-than-half-minute clip showed the Brooklynite hitting the mitts held by a trainer.
Edgar Berlanga first look in training after his loss to Canelo!
What two fights would you like to see from Berlanga this year? #Boxing pic.twitter.com/7OnvN0St6K
— Fight Hub TV (@FightHubTV) January 27, 2025
Berlanga followed regular combination patterns: 1-1-right cross-left hook, and so on. While hitting the mitts, he moved linearly, ducked, and weaved. A few variations followed. but there were two problems. First, the tattoo on Berlanga’s neck. Second, his movements.
To most fans, the entire pattern was reminiscent of how his former adversary, Canelo Alvarez, moved and trained. What bothered some, however, was the tattoo – specifically, the most Canelo-like tattoo, the wings that shot out from Berlanga’s neck.
Should he copy someone who handed him his first defeat? The question raised eyebrows for some. Let’s see what a few of them had to say.
Taking cues from others’ moves
One fan jumped in with a probing question. “Did he get matching neck tattoos with Canelo too?” they asked. The resemblance was quite striking. But still it’s unclear whether Edgar Berlanga would go as far as to mimic the lifestyle of a boxing icon.
However, another fan was quite confident. They said, “He copied Canelo’s tattoo.” So, it seems the Canelo tattoo is a reality. But then, aren’t there many people who never hesitate to imitate their favorite celebrities and proudly show it off? What’s the reason to single out Berlanga?
The next two comments echoed similar sentiments. “Boy got the same tat as Canelo ,” said one user, while another stated, “My boy got the Canelo neck tatt .” Perhaps some attention could have been paid to Berlanga’s boxing skills as well?
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – SEPTEMBER 14: Saul Canelo Alvarez (R) punches Edgar Berlanga (L) during the WBC, WBA, WBO World Super Middleweight Championship fight at T-Mobile Arena on September 14, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Omar Vega/Getty Images)
One user appeared to focus more on the boxing, even if Berlanga’s movements reminded them of Canelo Alvarez. “That combination looks similar to what Canelo hit him with. Look at the way he throws the double jab to cover the face. Straight Canelo move ,” they said. Undoubtedly, Alvarez is known for being merciless with himself when it comes to training. Over the years, the popularity of his techniques has reached legendary levels, making it no surprise that others may incorporate them into their own regimens.
Another user perhaps ignored the tattoo chatter and focused on potential matchups. “I’d say Charlo, but since he’s not up to par, maybe @boobooandrade,” they said. Given that Charlo is yet to make a comeback, Demetrious Andrade might be a better option for Berlanga.
Maybe fans should wait for more details on Edgar Berlanga’s next fight to see how much copying Canelo Alvarez’s moves has actually helped him.
For now, Berlanga’s comments on Diego Pacheco’s recent win seem to have gained traction. Some fans believe that David Benavidez’s stablemate could prove too much for ‘The Chosen One,’ who will turn 28 on May 18.
What about you? Who do you want Edgar Berlanga to fight next?
The post Edgar Berlanga Hits a Nerve as Fans Accuse Him of Copying Canelo Alvarez appeared first on EssentiallySports.