Promoter Eddie Hearn is campaigning for his fighter, Edgar Berlanga, to face undisputed super middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez on May 4th if the unbeaten contender looks impressive beating Padraig McCrory this Saturday night at the Caribe Royale Orlando in Orlando, Florida.
(Photo credit: Ed Mulholland/Matchroom)
The Buzz Deficit
Berlanga lacks the mainstream appeal needed for a fight between him and Canelo to sell on DAZN PPV. There’s currently zero buzz about Berlanga’s fight with McCrory this Saturday, February 24th.
You can argue fans are more interested in the co-feature fight between 2020 Olympic gold medalist Andy Cruz and Brayan Zamarippa than in Berlanga’s headliner. Of course, Hearn didn’t help Berlanga out by matching him against the little-known McCrory instead of a talented fighter like David Morrell Jr.
Now, that would have been a fight that would have put Berlanga on the map, getting him attention and a decent chance of getting a title shot against Canelo if he were victorious. McCrory isn’t a big enough name for Berlanga to gain any momentum for beating him. Also, he’s not young at 35, so that’s another reason Edgar won’t get anything from a win over this guy.
Canelo’s Options
Canelo doesn’t have an opponent yet for his May 4th, and he seems to have struck out with his hopes of defending against Jermall Charlo after PBC reportedly rejected that fight, wanting him to face Mexican Jaime Munguia for him to receive his $35 million guaranteed purse.
If Hearn is throwing Berlanga’s name in the hat for Canelo’s next fight, it must mean that he believes DAZN will agree to pay $35 million for Alvarez if that’s what his asking price is for his next fight. That’s a lot of money for Canelo to get for a fight that will likely be a PPV failure against Berlanga.
Hearn’s Bold Call
“He looks for a world championship, and with Canelo Alvarez currently without an opponent for May 4th, we put this man’s name in the hat with an impressive performance on Saturday night,” said Hearn during today’s press conference, talking about wanting Berlanga to face undisputed super middleweight champion Canelo on May 4th if he successfully defeats Padraig McCrory this Saturday night in Orlando, Florida.
“I’m calling it out now; Canelo doesn’t have an opponent. If Berlanga wins in spectacular fashion – Mexico vs Puerto Rico on May 4th,” said Hearn.
