Eddie Hearn puts his fighter forward as Canelo searches for May opponent
Eddie Hearn has put Edgar Berlanga's name forward for a fight against Canelo Alvarez in the spring.
The Mexican icon is set to return to action on Cinco de Mayo weekend in May at the T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas although his opponent is yet to be announced.
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Jermall Charlo, the brother of Canelo's last opponent, Jermell, is said to be the frontrunner to land the money fight while Al Haymon's PBC are campaigning for an all-Mexican showdown with Jaime Munguia.
According to , PBC have made Canelo a $35m guarantee if he boxes Munguia next, which won't be on the table if he chooses Charlo.
PBC see the Munguia fight as the more financially viable option due to both fighters' Mexican heritage, however, Canelo has already insisted he won't be fighting one of his compatriots.
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In an interview with TV Azteca, the former pound-for-pound king claimed he would be boxing an American opponent next.
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One man who fits that bill is Berlanga, born in Brooklyn to Puerto Rican parents.
The 26-year-old has been tearing it up at 168lb and is quickly establishing himself as one of the most exciting prospects in the sport.
He is set to box undefeated Irishman Padraig McCrory in his next outing on Saturday.
After which, provided all goes well, Berlanga wants a shot at the undisputed super-middleweight crown.
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Berlanga's promoter Hearn said of a possible clash between his client and Canelo: "He looks for a world championship, and with Canelo Alvarez currently without an opponent for May 4th, we put this man’s name in the hat with an impressive performance on Saturday night.
“I’m calling it out now; Canelo doesn’t have an opponent. If Berlanga wins in spectacular fashion – Mexico vs Puerto Rico on May 4th.”
Berlanga has also used his pre-fight media duties to drum up interest in the Canelo clash.
“I got to really perform my a** off in this fight. I’ve got to make a statement," said Edgar Berlanga to Manouk Akopyan’s YouTube channel.
"I’ve got to do my thing in this fight and really look phenomenal, and I feel that right there should be an opener for a fight with Canelo in 2024."
Ultimately though the decision lies with Canelo.
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