A Historic Feud Continues as Canelo vs. Berlanga Reignites Puerto Rican Mexican Boxing Rivalry
Saúl ‘Canelo’ Álvarez reignites the historic boxing rivalry between Mexico and Puerto Rico by choosing to fight Puerto Rican contender Édgar Berlanga, emphasizing the ongoing significance of this storied conflict in the ring.
Saúl ‘Canelo’ Álvarez reignites the historic boxing rivalry between Mexico and Puerto Rico by choosing to fight Puerto Rican contender Édgar Berlanga, emphasizing the ongoing significance of this storied conflict in the ring.
The undisputed super middleweight champion, Álvarez, stated that it was more important to give the fans a fight against Berlanga to rekindle the Mexico-Puerto Rico boxing rivalry than to challenge David Benavidez. This decision has sparked conversations among fans and the media, with many seeing Berlanga as a formidable opponent who can test Álvarez’s dominance.
Many say that the rivalry between Mexican and Puerto Rican boxers began when Sixto Escobar knocked out Mexican idol Rodolfo ‘Chango’ Casanova in nine rounds. Others believe it started when Wilfredo Gómez ended Carlos Zárate’s unbeaten streak. Regardless of its precise beginning, this hostility in boxing is the oldest and most emotional in the sport.
From Sixto Escobar to Wilfredo Gómez, Félix Trinidad, Wilfredo Benítez, Héctor’ Macho’ Camacho, Iván Calderón, Juan Manuel López, Román Martínez, and Miguel Cotto for Puerto Rico, to Kid Azteca, Salvador Sánchez, Julio César Chávez, Óscar de la Hoya, Pipino Cuevas, Orlando Salido, Antonio Margarito, Ricardo ‘Finito’ López, Francisco Vargas, and Giovani Segura for Mexico, these fighters have written epic chapters in the annals of boxing for both nations.
Iconic Fights and Their Impact
Over the years, Mexico and Puerto Rico have contested the world championship 105 times. Puerto Rican fighters have secured 55 victories compared to 47 by Mexican fighters, with one draw and two no-contests. These statistics underscore the evenly matched and fiercely contested nature of the rivalry. Besides titles, these bouts are also about the prestige of two great boxing schools and the pride of two nations hungry for glory.
The first significant fight between Mexicans and Puerto Ricans dates back to June 26, 1934, when Puerto Rican Sixto Escobar won the bantamweight title from the Montreal Commission by knocking out Rodolfo ‘Chango’ Casanova in nine rounds. However, it wasn’t until the 1970s that the real “hatred” began.
In 1976, Pipino Cuevas dethroned Ángel Espada. In 1978, Wilfredo Gómez ended Carlos Zárate’s unbeaten run, and a year later, Wilfredo Benítez took the world title from Carlos Palomino. From there, great duels followed in the 1980s, featuring Julio César Chávez, Salvador Sánchez, José Luis Ramírez, Rafael Limón, Mario Martínez, and Lupe Pintor for Mexico, and Juan Laporte, Edwin Rosario, Héctor’ Macho’ Camacho, and Wilfredo Gómez for Puerto Rico.
In the 1990s, the rivalry saw a renewal with Chávez, Ricardo López, and Óscar de la Hoya, alongside ‘Macho’ Camacho, Alex ‘Nene’ Sánchez, and ‘Tito’ Trinidad. In the first 15 years of the new century, they reawakened the rivalry with Fernando Vargas, Daniel Ponce de León, Jorge ‘Travieso’ Giovani Segura, Antonio Margarito, and Orlando Salido against ‘Tito,” Juan Manuel López, Wilfredo Vázquez, In Miguel In Cotto In, In and Iván Calderón. These were legendary fights.
Among the great fights in this epic rivalry, a few stand out: Wilfredo Gómez’s victory over Carlos Zárate in 1978, Wilfredo’s defeat by Salvador Sánchez in 1981, Julio César Chávez’s win over ‘Macho’ Camacho in 1992, and ‘Tito’ Trinidad’s victories over De la Hoya and Fernando Vargas in 1999 and 2000, respectively.
Canelo vs. Berlanga
Now, with the upcoming fight between Canelo Álvarez and Édgar Berlanga scheduled for September 14 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, this legendary rivalry is set to write a new chapter. Álvarez, the holder of multiple super middleweight titles, emphasized the importance of this matchup, stating, “This will be a good fight for the people. Mexico vs. Puerto Rico always means good fights.”
Despite speculation that the IBF might strip Álvarez of his title for not defending it against mandatory challenger William Scull, the federation still lists him as their champion on their official website. Berlanga, the mandatory challenger for the WBA, acknowledged that many people doubt his ability to defeat Álvarez but remains confident.
“People have always underestimated me, even as a world champion. Nobody wanted to sign me when I debuted, but after my first knockout, they did. Now, everyone talks trash and says I’ll be knocked out, but I need to stay humble,” Berlanga stated. With an unbeaten record of 22 fights, including 17 knockouts, Berlanga is determined to prove his critics wrong and deliver a memorable battle.
The Legacy of the Rivalry
The legacy of the Mexico-Puerto Rico rivalry is rich with drama, passion, and unforgettable moments. Each generation of fighters has contributed to this legacy, building upon the achievements and struggles of their predecessors. The rivalry has also fostered deep respect between the fighters from both nations, who recognize the skill and heart required to compete at the highest level.
This deep-seated rivalry extends beyond the ring, influencing cultural and national identities. The battles between Mexican and Puerto Rican fighters have often mirrored broader social and political dynamics, reflecting the tensions and aspirations of their respective countries.
As the rivalry continues to evolve, it remains a crucial part of boxing’s landscape. The upcoming fight between Álvarez and Berlanga is not just about titles or records; it’s about continuing a legacy that has defined boxing for decades. Both fighters understand the significance of this and what it represents for their nations and the sport.
Álvarez expressed his excitement about the fight, saying, “I’m happy to be in this position to heighten the Mexico vs. Puerto Rico rivalry. I won’t underestimate Berlanga; he’s a strong, young fighter. I’ll give my best in training to put on a good show.”
The fight promises to clash with styles and generations, with Álvarez’s experience and technical prowess pitted against Berlanga’s youth and power. Berlanga, known as ‘The Chosen One,’ has vowed to bring his best to the ring and silence his critics.
“Canelo will bring out the best in me. In September, you’ll see the best Édgar Berlanga ever. This fight won’t be decided by physical strength alone. Canelo has fought and beaten strong opponents like Gennady Golovkin. This fight will be a mental battle. I’m young and strong, and I won’t run. I’ll stand and fight,” Berlanga declared.
The Continuing Saga
The Mexico-Puerto Rico boxing rivalry remains one of the most compelling narratives in sports. Its history is filled with legendary fighters and unforgettable bouts that have captivated fans worldwide. As Canelo Álvarez and Édgar Berlanga prepare to step into the ring, they carry the weight of this rich legacy and the hopes of their respective nations.
This fight is more than a title defense or a challenge; it continues a tradition that has defined boxing for generations. The anticipation and excitement surrounding this are a testament to the enduring appeal of the Mexico-Puerto Rico rivalry. As the fighters prepare for their showdown, fans can look forward to another chapter in this epic saga that promises to deliver all the drama, skill, and passion that have come to define this historic feud.
Also read: Latin American and Caribbean Nations Still Seeking Olympic Glory
Ultimately, the fight between Canelo and Berlanga will not just be about who wins or loses but also celebrate the rich history and ongoing significance of the boxing rivalry between Mexico and Puerto Rico. As the countdown to September 14 continues, the world will be watching, eager to see how this next chapter unfolds in one of boxing’s greatest stories.
