The super-middleweight division is currently in an interesting state. Many contenders at 168lbs have already been defeated by the dominant unified champion, Saul `Canelo` Alvarez.
Edgar Berlanga, with a record of 23 wins and 1 loss (18 knockouts), and Caleb Plant, 23 wins and 2 losses (14 knockouts), were recently rumored to be in talks for a fight. However, this potential matchup now appears unlikely. Plant`s recent fight announcement, where he will face a different opponent, has led Berlanga to publicly criticize Plant, calling him a `disgrace to boxing`.
Several fighters previously beaten by Canelo are hoping for a rematch opportunity in 2026. In the meantime, these boxers are expected to compete against each other to establish themselves as top contenders in the division, where the hierarchy is not yet clearly defined.
Among the possible rematches for Canelo at super-middleweight, a second fight with the popular Caleb Plant is considered by many to be the most appealing and commercially viable for pay-per-view.
Plant aims to prove himself as Canelo`s main rival in the weight class. A fight against Berlanga, who Canelo defeated by decision in September, was considered a step towards this goal. To strengthen his position, Plant would need to outperform Canelo and possibly achieve a knockout victory against the Puerto Rican fighter.
However, it was announced yesterday that Plant has chosen to fight Jose Armando Resendiz instead of Berlanga. Plant will be on the same fight card as Jermall Charlo, the undefeated two-division world champion with a record of 33 wins and 0 losses (22 knockouts), who is also a potential future opponent for Plant.
Edgar Berlanga took to social media to express his disappointment, labeling Plant a `disgrace to boxing`. He ironically criticized Resendiz as an unworthy opponent, given that Berlanga himself has faced similar criticism regarding his own past opponent choices.
“After all the trash talk from Caleb Plant, he is now fighting an unranked prospect with two losses. You are a disgrace to boxing, it`s truly pathetic!” Berlanga stated online.
It is now widely anticipated that a Plant versus Charlo fight will be officially announced soon after their separate fights on May 31, assuming both fighters emerge victorious and without injuries.
