Canelo Álvarez and Edgar Berlanga went face-to-face Monday at a press conference in New York

NEW YORK – August 5, 2024 – Pound-for-pound great and Mexican superstar Canelo Álvarez and undefeated Puerto Rican knockout artist Edgar Berlanga went face-to-face Monday at a press conference in New York to preview their upcoming showdown as Canelo Promotions presents a Mexican Independence Day weekend extravaganza headlining a PBC Pay-Per-View event available on Prime Video taking place Saturday, Sept. 14 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The press conference also featured Cuban star and reigning WBA Middleweight World Champion Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara and hard-hitting two-division world champion and Puerto Rican star Danny “Swift” García as preview their 12-round co-main event between two of this era’s most accomplished fighters. The pay-per-view will also see former super middleweight world champion Caleb Plant take on undefeated contender Trevor McCumby for the Interim WBA Super Middleweight Title, while the former 140-pound world champion Rolando “Rolly” Romero steps into the ring against the hard-hitting Manuel Jaimes in a 10-round bout opening the pay-per-view at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. Additionally, former unified WBC and WBO World Champion at 122-pounds Stephen Fulton Jr.  was in attendance on Monday to announce his upcoming September 14 bout that headlines PBC on Prime Video action leading into the pay-per-view as he faces hard-charging contender Carlos Castro in a 10-round featherweight bout. The main event showdown will deliver the latest chapter in the long boxing rivalry between Mexico and Puerto Rico with the fighting pride of Mexico in Canelo Álvarez defending his unified WBC, WBA and WBO Super Middleweight World Titles against Puerto Rico’s Edgar Berlanga, the WBA’s No. 1-Ranked Mandatory Contender. Highlighted by numerous historic matchups including Salvador Sánchez vs. Wilfredo Gómez and Julio César Chávez Sr. vs. Héctor Camacho, Canelo is no stranger to this heated rivalry, having defeated Puerto Rican Hall of Famer Miguel Cotto in one of the biggest Mexico vs. Puerto Rico fights in recent memory. For the Brooklyn-born Berlanga, who was joined on stage Monday by hip-hop legend Fat Joe, September 14 offers him a chance to honor his Puerto Rican heritage with a career-defining victory. In addition to the PPV being available for purchase on Prime Video, regardless of Prime membership, fans will also be able to purchase the PPV via DAZN.com. Additionally, fans can purchase the PPV at PPV.com. On top of those options, fans will continue to be able to access the telecast through traditional cable and satellite outlets. Tickets for the live event are on sale now through AXS.com. The event is promoted by Canelo Promotions and TGB Promotions, in association with Matchroom Boxing. Here is what the press conference participants had to say Monday from Palladium Times Square: CANELO ÁLVAREZ “I’m very happy to be here in this position representing Mexico versus Puerto Rico. I know I’m facing a young fighter and a strong fighter, and I’m going to put all of my best into training and into this fight. I love boxing and I love what I do. I’m going to make this a great day for Mexico. “This is a good fight for the fans. I know he’s going to bring something different. It’s the kind of fight you’re going to remember. “I know he’s going to come to bring everything, and I will too. It’s the kind of fight I enjoy a lot. I can’t wait. “Mexico vs. Puerto Rico is history. There have been so many great fights between them and this is going to be another one added to that story. This is going to be a great night for boxing. “If he’s dreaming about fighting me, that’s perfect. He’s got it. Dreams coming true for him, but it’s gonna hurt.” EDGAR BERLANGA “There’s a lot of doubt out there on me, but I’ve been facing adversity all my life. This is my opportunity to be legendary in the sport of boxing. September 14 is going to be something to remember. Puerto Rico vs. Mexico is the biggest rivalry in boxing and we’re making history September 14. “Even if I had a world title, I’d still be overlooked. Nobody wanted to sign me when I went pro, I had to dig my feet deep into the ground and work. I feel like I’m in the same position right now. “Canelo is definitely going to bring the best out of me. He’s going to have the best Edgar Berlanga ever in front of him. Every time I step up, I step up my abilities. “This fight is all about intelligence. We have to make sure we match him there. It’s will versus will. We’re not running. We’re going to stay right there and we’re going to do what we do. “I’ve been boxing for 20 years and we’ve been dreaming about this fight. When I first turned pro, Canelo was on my mind. I manifested this fight. “We’re coming to turn up on September 14. We have business to handle.” ERISLANDY LARA “I’m very … Continue reading "Canelo Álvarez and Edgar Berlanga went face-to-face Monday at a press conference in New York"