In a surprising turn of events, Dmitry Bivol, the reigning WBA light-heavyweight champion, has publicly warned rising boxing star Edgar Berlanga not to rush into a fight against Canelo Álvarez. Bivol, who defeated Álvarez in their highly anticipated bout in May 2022, spoke out after rumors began circulating that Berlanga, a rising contender in the super-middleweight division, could potentially be lined up for a clash with the Mexican superstar.
Bivol’s Caution to Berlanga
During a recent interview, Bivol offered words of caution to Berlanga, urging the undefeated Puerto Rican fighter to carefully consider his next move. Bivol, known for his calculated and tactical approach in the ring, explained that fighting Álvarez is not a decision to be taken lightly, especially for a young boxer still making his way up the ranks.
Bivol stated, “Canelo is not just any fighter. He’s experienced, strong, and has faced the best in multiple weight classes. While Berlanga is talented and has a bright future, he should take his time and continue developing his skills. Facing Canelo too early could be a dangerous mistake.”
Bivol’s comments are not without merit. Álvarez, a four-division world champion, has cemented himself as one of the most dominant and versatile fighters in modern boxing. Despite his loss to Bivol at light-heavyweight, Álvarez remains a formidable force at 168 pounds, and Bivol believes that Berlanga may not yet be ready for such a high-stakes challenge.
Berlanga’s Meteoric Rise
Edgar Berlanga has been making waves in the boxing world with his incredible power and undefeated record. Known for his early knockout streak—16 consecutive first-round finishes—Berlanga has become one of the most talked-about prospects in the super-middleweight division. His aggression and punching power have earned him comparisons to some of boxing’s most explosive fighters, but his recent performances have shown that he still has room for improvement, particularly in terms of technique and endurance in longer bouts.
While Berlanga has expressed a desire to fight Álvarez, many within the boxing community, including Bivol, believe that he needs more time and experience before stepping into the ring with one of the sport’s most accomplished champions. Berlanga is still relatively young in his career, and taking on a fighter like Álvarez could potentially halt his momentum if he’s not fully prepared for the challenge.
The Canelo Álvarez Factor
Canelo Álvarez, widely regarded as the pound-for-pound king for much of the past decade, has faced and defeated a slew of top-tier opponents. From Gennady Golovkin to Sergey Kovalev and Callum Smith, Álvarez has proven himself against a range of world-class fighters. His skill set, combined with his ring IQ, makes him a difficult opponent for any fighter, especially one who may not have faced elite-level competition.
Bivol’s win over Álvarez in 2022 was a masterclass in strategy and discipline. Bivol was able to outbox Álvarez by maintaining distance, using his jab effectively, and avoiding Canelo’s power punches. However, the Russian fighter emphasized that beating Álvarez required not only physical preparation but also immense mental toughness, something that he feels Berlanga may not yet possess in abundance.
Berlanga’s Response
Though Berlanga has yet to publicly respond to Bivol’s advice, many boxing insiders believe that he and his team may take the warning seriously. While a fight against Álvarez would certainly elevate Berlanga’s profile, the risk of an early career-defining loss could outweigh the benefits. Berlanga has shown great potential, but there is a consensus that he still needs to develop a more complete skill set, including better defense and endurance in longer fights, before challenging someone of Álvarez’s caliber.
In the world of boxing, timing is everything, and rushing into a fight with a living legend like Canelo Álvarez could be a dangerous gamble for Berlanga’s promising career.
What’s Next for Berlanga and Álvarez?
As rumors of a potential fight between Berlanga and Álvarez continue to swirl, it remains to be seen whether the fight will actually materialize. Álvarez, who is always on the lookout for new challengers, may be interested in taking on a rising star like Berlanga to solidify his dominance at 168 pounds. However, Berlanga’s team may heed Bivol’s advice and opt for more gradual development before taking on such a significant challenge.
Bivol’s warning highlights the delicate balance that up-and-coming fighters must navigate in their pursuit of greatness. While fighting Álvarez could catapult Berlanga into superstardom, it could also expose his current weaknesses and potentially derail his undefeated record.
For now, both Berlanga and Álvarez have options. Álvarez is coming off a series of high-profile fights, and Berlanga remains one of boxing’s hottest prospects. Whether they will meet in the ring remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—Berlanga would be wise to consider Bivol’s words before making any hasty decisions.
In conclusion, Dmitry Bivol’s cautionary message to Edgar Berlanga serves as a reminder that even the most promising talents need time to grow. As the boxing world watches to see what Berlanga’s next move will be, fans are left wondering whether the young Puerto Rican fighter will take Bivol’s advice or risk it all by challenging one of the sport’s greatest champions.