Edgar Berlanga has promised to knock out Canelo Alvarez when they clash in Las Vegas next week.
Berlanga challenges Canelo for his WBA ‘super’, WBC and WBO super middleweight world titles at the T-Mobile Arena on September 14, live on Amazon Prime pay-per-view.
‘The Chosen One’, who knocked out Padraig McCrory in six rounds in February, heads into the showdown as high as a 12/1 underdog to dethrone the four-weight world champion, who has only been beaten twice against Floyd Mayweather Jr and Dmitry Bivol, both on points.
Alvarez has won four on the spin since defeat to Bivol, dropping Jaime Munguia on route to a unanimous decision win over his Mexican countryman in May.
Berlanga, unbeaten in 27 professional bouts, but taking part in his first world title fight, has vowed to see off Alvarez inside the distance and feels his rival is underestimating him.
“Edgar Berlanga, 22-0, 17 knockouts,” the 27-year-old told Matchroom Boxing.
“He’s overlooking me and he doesn’t respect me.
“Canelo is in the way of my dreams now.
“The Chosen One, ready to become the new face of boxing.
“I’mma knock him the f*** out.”
For the first time since 2021, Alvarez fights in a super middleweight contest without all four belts on the line after the IBF stripped him of their title for not facing mandatory challenger, William Scull.
Berlanga, who begun his career with 16 straight first round knockouts, has warned the 34-year-old against trading with him from the opening bell and insists victory will ensure his place as a legend of the sport.
“If he comes out that first round, you know it’s going to be a bloodbath for sure,” the Brooklyn man added.
“He’s in for a world of trouble.
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“It’s going to be the biggest upset in boxing history.
“September 14, I’ve got to step in that ring with that man and he’s a legend, but September 14 I’m going to be a legend.”
