Why This Weekend's Canelo Alvarez vs. Edgar Berlanga Card is the Best Thing Happening in Combat Sports

Boxing’s Big Night: Legends, Knockouts, and the Showdown You Can’t Miss in Las Vegas

Combat sports fans, get ready to feast because September 14 in Las Vegas is shaping up to be a true banquet. And no, I’m not talking about the UFC card down the street. In the fight capital of the world, boxing is stealing the show on Prime Video PPV with one of the most stacked cards of the year.

Let’s be honest—boxing PPVs have had a reputation. You pay your hard-earned cash, only to end up with one decent fight buried at the end of a forgettable undercard. For years, UFC exploited that gap, serving up fight cards that at least had 4-5 matchups worth the price of admission. You didn’t have to wait for the main event to enjoy yourself; the action started right away.

But now? Boxing’s back. And it’s back with a vengeance. Thank Saudi Arabia, thank Turki Al-Alshikh, thank whoever you want—but the game has changed. These cards are stacked, top to bottom. And what the PBC is delivering in Las Vegas is proof that boxing promoters have finally figured out how to give fans what they’ve been asking for: a mix of legends, champions, and young guns, all on one epic night of action.

Here’s why you need to tune in.

The Main Event: Canelo Alvarez vs. Edgar Berlanga – For the Super Middleweight Throne

Sure, people are going to say, “This isn’t the fight Canelo should have taken.” I get it. The boxing world is buzzing about rising star David Benavidez, who has been calling out Canelo louder than a kid with a foghorn at recess since his war with Caleb Plant. But let’s not forget who we’re dealing with here—Canelo Alvarez. The face of boxing, the king of the PPV castle since Floyd Mayweather. Canelo’s career reads like a who’s who of every boxing weight class from 154 to 175 lbs. He’s fought Mayweather, Golovkin (three times!), Kovalev, Cotto, Plant, Lara, Billy Joe Saunders, Bivol, Daniel Jacobs—you name it.

So, if Canelo wants to pick and choose his opponents at this stage in his career, he’s earned that right. And don’t sleep on Berlanga. The Puerto Rican knockout artist started his career with 16 straight first-round KOs! His power is real, but questions linger. Can he really hang with Canelo? His recent five-decision streak suggests his one-punch knockout strategy isn’t going to cut it at the top level. If Berlanga’s path to victory lies in a KO, he’s going to have to crack the granite chin of Canelo, a fighter who’s never been knocked down, let alone stopped.

This main event may seem like an uphill battle for Berlanga, but that’s the drama. That’s the excitement. Will the Brooklyn brawler rise to the occasion, or will Canelo remind the world why he’s the pound-for-pound king? Either way, it’s must-watch TV.

The Undercard: Legends, Grudges, and Rising Stars

But hold on, that’s just the main event. The undercard? It’s just as juicy.

Erislandy Lara vs. Danny Garcia – WBA Middleweight Title Fight

Two names, two Hall of Fame resumes, one big question: Does Danny Garcia still have it? Garcia’s been inactive—he’s fought just once since 2020. Sure, he squeaked by with a majority decision against Jose Benavidez Jr., but this isn’t prime Garcia anymore. Meanwhile, Lara, at 41, is still the favorite. This fight feels like two guys trying to prove they’ve got one more run in them—and that’s a recipe for something special.

Caleb Plant vs. Trevor McCumby – WBA Interim Super Middleweight Title

Plant is a fighter’s fighter, always taking on the best of the best. He’s coming off a war with David Benavidez, and this bout feels like a tune-up—Plant’s way of keeping his name in the mix for another crack at Canelo. If Alvarez ducks Benavidez, Plant might be the next name on the dance card. Plant’s a huge favorite, but McCumby is a game challenger, and there’s a lot at stake for Plant’s future.

Rolly Romero vs. Manuel Jaimes – Junior Welterweight Bout

Fan favorite Rolly Romero is looking to bounce back, and this fight is a chance for him to show why he’s still a name to watch at 140 lbs. Expect fireworks in this one.

Stephen Fulton vs. Carlos Castro – Featherweight Bout

Fulton, a former 122 lb champion, is out to prove that his recent loss to Naoya Inoue hasn’t knocked him off course. Fulton got steamrolled by Inoue, but that’s no knock—everyone gets steamrolled by Inoue. Now, Fulton’s in bounce-back mode, and he’s still got the skills to contend at featherweight and beyond.

A Shot at UFC 306 (Sorry, Not Sorry)

Look, combat sports is delivering a stacked weekend. But if you’re in Vegas on September 14, there’s only one event you have to see—and it’s not at the Vegas Sphere. The UFC’s card is fine, sure, 2 title fights and 1 exciting undercard match up,  but it doesn’t hold a candle to the spectacle, the drama, the sheer star power of this boxing event. 

This card isn’t just a fight night—it’s an experience. It’s the best of the old school and the new school, champions and contenders, brawlers and boxers. This is the kind of event you’ll be talking about for years. 

Don’t miss it.