Mexican middleweight contender Edgar Berlanga isn’t holding back in his pursuit of a lucrative fight with Canelo Alvarez.  With Canelo’s recent win over Jaime Munguia reigniting the middleweight scene, Berlanga is throwing shade at rivals vying for the same shot.

Canelo represents a massive payday for any boxer, and Berlanga, campaigning at 168 lbs, wants to cut the line ahead of others, particularly Caleb Plant.  Plant, who was previously knocked out by Canelo and lost to David Benavidez, is seen by Berlanga as an undeserving contender. 

Experts question whether Berlanga, a fighter under promoter Eddie Hearn, has truly earned a Canelo shot at this point in his career.  Some see it as a potential marketing ploy to secure a big fight in September.

Berlanga isn’t shy about voicing his opinion.  Speaking to Fight Hub TV, he directly addressed Plant, referencing a past sparring session.  “What are you even doing here, man? You got destroyed by Canelo and Benavidez, and now you’re coming into Mexican and Latino territory? Just chasing a payday?” Berlanga fired.  “You ain’t on my level.  Step in the ring with me, and I’ll end your career.”

There’s also a personal element to Berlanga’s dislike for Plant.  “We sparred back when I was 17, barely even pro!  I was like 18 with two fights, and I dropped him with a body shot. Dude’s a joke,” Berlanga declared with a menacing stare into the camera.

Berlanga’s brash comments add fuel to the fire of the competitive middleweight division.  It remains to be seen if his aggressive tactics will land him the coveted fight with Canelo.