Canelo Alvarez’s next fight is reportedly moving closer to being confirmed, with the Mexican superstar set to choose between two unbeaten opponents for his upcoming bout. This decision comes amid potential changes to the fight date to avoid clashing with a significant UFC event.

In his most recent match, Canelo Alvarez successfully defended his undisputed super-middleweight world titles against Jaime Munguia during the Cinco De Mayo weekend in May. As the holder of the WBA, WBC, IBF, and WBO super-middleweight titles, Canelo has solidified his status as one of boxing’s top fighters.

Canelo’s next fight is traditionally expected to take place on September 14, coinciding with the Mexican Independence Day weekend. This date has become a hallmark for the champion’s fights, aligning with his cultural celebrations and drawing massive viewership. However, recent developments suggest that this date might be adjusted.

According to ESPN Mexico reporter Salvador Rodriguez, Canelo’s team is considering pushing the fight date back by a few weeks. The primary reason for this change is to avoid a scheduling conflict with the UFC event that Dana White is organizing at the Sphere in Las Vegas on September 14. This strategic move aims to maximize viewership and ensure that fans can fully engage with both major sporting events.

Edgar Berlanga, promoted by Eddie Hearn, boasts a record of 22-0 with 17 knockouts. The Puerto Rican contender is Canelo’s WBA mandatory challenger and has been vocal about his desire to face the champion for several months. Despite his impressive record, Berlanga is viewed as a significant underdog in a potential bout with Canelo. 

The other candidate is Jermall Charlo, who fights under Al Haymon’s PBC banner. Charlo’s twin brother, Jermell Charlo, was defeated by Canelo in a lackluster fight last year. Jermall, however, maintains an unbeaten record of 33-0 with 22 knockouts. Despite this, some believe that Jermall’s prime might be behind him due to his recent inactivity. He spent over two years out of the ring dealing with injuries and mental health issues, only returning to defeat Jose Benavidez Jr late last year. His performance in that fight left some doubts about his ability to challenge Canelo effectively.

The decision on Canelo’s next opponent and the potential date change are crucial for maintaining the momentum of his career and maximizing fan engagement. Moving the fight date away from the UFC event allows for greater focus on the boxing match, ensuring it receives the attention it deserves.

For Berlanga, a fight with Canelo represents a career-defining opportunity, even if the odds are stacked against him. For Charlo, it is a chance to reclaim his status as a top contender and prove his resilience after a challenging period.

As boxing fans eagerly await confirmation of Canelo Alvarez’s next fight, the anticipation continues to build. Whether he faces Edgar Berlanga or Jermall Charlo, the bout promises to be a significant event in the boxing calendar. With the potential date adjustment, fans can look forward to an uninterrupted showcase of talent, strategy, and determination in the ring.