Trainer Mark Farrait has hit back at online reports that his super middleweight contender Edgar Berlanga would not be ready to face Canelo Alvarez later this year.
In an interview earlier this week, Farrait was asked whether the New York-based Berlanga would be prepared to face the Mexican in 2024, and in his reply Farrait gave Canelo his props and said: “I don’t think anyone is ready for Canelo.”
But in a division that boasts the likes of Jaime Munguia, David Benavidez, Diego Pacheco, Jermall Charlo, Caleb Plant, Christian Mbilli and David Morrell, Farrait was giving Canelo credit rather than running down the chances of the others, not least his own fighter Berlanga. “Don’t get me wrong, Edgar Berlanga will be more than ready when he fights Canelo,” Farrait said. “I was just giving complements to Canelo. He is a Hall of Fame fighter, but my fighter will be ready and f*** anybody who thinks differently.
Berlanga is now 22-0 (17 KOs), and he stopped undefeated Irishman Padraig McCrory with a superb, crisp right-hand finish in Caribe Royale, Orlando, last week. Farrait was happy with what he watched from the corner, and during the build-up in training. “I saw a big improvement in Edgar in the McCrory camp,” added Farrait. “He’s locked in and focused, more than he has ever been before, and I’m confident he can shock the world.
“Don’t overlook The Chosen One.”
Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn also said Berlanga should be in the running for Canelo, who does not have an opponent yet for his May 4 date and is a free agent having parted company from PBC. Hearn not only was happy to utilize the Mexico-Puerto Rican rivalry to build the potential fight, but was certain Berlanga would be more aggressive than Jermell Charlo had been when he faced Canelo last year.
“A guy like Canelo will bring the best out of you, and force you to fight at a high pace,” added Farrait. “If a guy like Edgar fights at a high pace, he has every chance of knocking out Canelo in a firefight.”
Credits: written by BoxingScene
