In a surprising turn of events, Dmitry Bivol, the reigning WBA light heavyweight champion, has issued a stern warning to Edgar Berlanga, advising the up-and-coming middleweight star not to pursue a fight with Canelo Álvarez anytime soon. Bivol, who handed Canelo his first loss in over a decade in 2022, has shared his thoughts on Berlanga’s potential clash with the Mexican boxing legend, urging the Puerto Rican powerhouse to be cautious.
Berlanga, known for his explosive knockout power and unbeaten record, has quickly gained attention in the boxing world. His thrilling knockouts in the early stages of his career earned him a reputation as a dangerous knockout artist, leading to discussions about a potential showdown with Canelo. However, Bivol, who handed Canelo a clear unanimous decision victory in their light heavyweight bout, believes that Berlanga may not yet be ready for the challenge.
During an interview following his most recent victory, Bivol was asked about the potential for Berlanga to face Canelo in the near future. Without hesitation, Bivol made it clear that he felt Berlanga needed more time to develop his skills and experience before stepping into the ring with someone of Canelo’s caliber.
“Don’t fight Canelo yet,” Bivol said. “Edgar Berlanga is a very talented fighter, but Canelo is on another level. I’ve been in the ring with him, and it’s not just about power; it’s about technique, ring IQ, and the ability to adapt. Berlanga is still young, and he has a lot to learn. If he faces Canelo now, it could be a very tough night for him.”
Bivol’s warning is rooted in his own experience with Canelo. When he faced the Mexican superstar in 2022, many boxing pundits predicted that Canelo would dominate the fight due to his pedigree and success in multiple weight classes. However, Bivol, who entered the ring as an underdog, used his superior footwork, jab, and defensive skills to outbox Canelo over 12 rounds, earning a clear decision victory. It was a result that shocked the boxing world and confirmed Bivol’s place among the elite fighters in the sport.
Despite Berlanga’s impressive knockout record, Bivol emphasized that raw power alone wouldn’t be enough to defeat a fighter like Canelo. “I have nothing against Berlanga, but boxing is more than just knocking people out,” Bivol continued. “Canelo is a master of adapting, of controlling the pace, and of finding ways to beat you. Berlanga will need more than power to go through him. He needs more experience, more rounds under his belt, and better technical skills.”
Bivol’s comments come at a time when Berlanga is continuing to climb the ranks of the middleweight division. The 26-year-old fighter has been vocal about his ambitions to face Canelo, particularly after the Mexican champion’s recent return to the ring following his loss to Bivol. Berlanga, who has been a fan of Canelo since his youth, has made it clear that fighting Canelo is a dream matchup for him, but Bivol’s cautionary advice may serve as a reality check for the young contender.
Canelo, for his part, has already made it known that he plans to continue defending his super middleweight titles and possibly move back up to light heavyweight in the future. While there is no official word yet on who he will face next, many in the boxing world have speculated that a fight with Berlanga could be on the horizon. However, after Bivol’s warning, Berlanga may reconsider rushing into that fight and instead look for more opportunities to refine his skills before taking on Canelo.
As for Bivol, his victory over Canelo has positioned him as one of the top pound-for-pound fighters in the world, and the light heavyweight division is now his to dominate. He continues to call for bigger challenges, with names like Joe Smith Jr. and the winner of the upcoming Oleksandr Usyk vs. Anthony Joshua rematch potentially on the horizon.
While Berlanga’s future in the sport is undeniably bright, Bivol’s advice serves as a reminder that the road to greatness is not just about raw power and hype—it’s about learning, adapting, and growing in the ring. If Berlanga does eventually face Canelo, it will likely require a more mature and well-rounded approach, something Bivol believes the young fighter will need to develop before stepping into the ring with the Mexican superstar.
For now, the spotlight remains on both Bivol and Berlanga, as their respective careers continue to evolve. Bivol’s warning, however, is a sobering reminder that in boxing, experience, technique, and strategy are just as important as power. Whether Berlanga heeds this advice or pushes forward with his Canelo aspirations remains to be seen, but one thing is for certain—Canelo Álvarez remains a formidable opponent, and beating him is no simple task.
