‘Canelo’ Alvarez looks like a substantial favorite to beat Puerto Rican Berlanga

LAS VEGAS —

Edgar Berlanga has not known defeat after 22 fights as a professional. Of his victories, 17 have been by knockout, and the Puerto Rican says he not only wants to maintain his undefeated status, but also to settle Saturday’s fight in six rounds.

Even if he had to fight all the rounds, Berlanga says there is no problem, as long as he wins.

Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez rules out any of those possibilities.

“It’s easy to say you’re going to knock me out, but it’s very difficult to do it,” warned the Mexican star boxer. “Saturday night is going to be very difficult for him, for sure. I’ve prepared myself to knock him out. I love the feeling of a knockout and I’m going to do my best to achieve it.”

Bookmakers share Alvarez’s skepticism about the Puerto Rican. BetMGM Sportsbook considers “Canelo” a 25-1 favorite.

Alvarez, the World Boxing Council and World Boxing Organization (WBC and WBO) super lightweight champion, has a record of 61-2-2 with 39 knockouts. He will headline a card that includes two other title fights.

Cuban Erislandy Lara will face Danny Garcia, while Caleb Plant will fight Trevor McCumby for the interim World Boxing Association (WBA) super middleweight title.

Boxing will be one of two combat sports competing for the attention of visitors during the weekend of Mexican Independence Day.

Álvarez, born in Guadalajara 34 years ago, headlines the card at the T-Mobile Arena. About five kilometers away, the mixed martial arts organization UFC will debut at the Sphere, with seven Mexican fighters in action.

“Canelo” is confident that he will once again have the public on his side. Las Vegas has become his second home after Mexico.

“It’s an honor to fight on this date,” he said. “Independence Day is very important for Mexicans. It’s very special and I’m very proud to fight for the people of Mexico.”

Berlanga was born in New York to Puerto Rican parents.

“I could be the face of Puerto Rican boxing after Saturday night,” Berlanga said. “I have wanted this for many years and now it is my turn to do it.”

The fight will certainly be a challenge for Berlanga, 27, who will face a legendary boxer, who, however, seems to have left his prime behind.

Alvarez has not won a fight by knockout since beating Plant nearly three years ago to become the undisputed champion. The International Boxing Federation (IBF) stripped the Mexican of the title after he decided to face Berlanga instead of William Scull, the number one contender.

But Canelo’s three most recent title defenses were not even close, even though they were decided on the judges’ scorecards.

“We trained very hard because we know this fight is not defined by physique or height,” said Mark Farrait, Berlanga’s trainer. “It’s defined by experience and intelligence, something that Canelo thinks Edgar doesn’t have. We’re here to make a case and show the world our patience and our execution.

“I know that Canelo is going to come out and fight smart. He is not going to fight Edgar head on because if he does, there will be fireworks from the start. This is our chance to dethrone the king.”

Alvarez is not convinced. Neither are the bettors. And much less a good part of the public that will be supporting the Mexican.

“We have trained hard because we know we are facing a young boxer who wants to take our place,” said Eddy Reynoso, Alvarez’s manager and trainer. “Berlanga is strong and wants to prove himself against Canelo.”

“We have been very careful in training for this fight. We have everything we need for Berlanga and we are here to make history.”