Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez defeated Edgar Berlanga en route to a near elimination on the scorecards in Las Vegas.

The fans showed up for Alvarez on Mexico’s Independence Day and his 66th professional fight. Ultimately, it was a routine victory, with a tough Berlanga not really giving him any trouble. The performance sees him retain his WBA, WBO and WBC belts.

After the match, Canelo declared that he is the best in the world.

“I did well. What are they going to say now? I’ve tried younger fighters, they always say I’ve fought older fighters. They always talk. I’m the best fighter in the world… It could have been (over in the third), but Eddie slows me down and it works. I put on a great show for my people.

He said he respected me so much that he felt bad about the way he acted. He did a good job… I got a little mad. I’m Mexican, man.

The victory means a lot. I feel great, I feel grateful. It is an honor for me to represent my country on this day. Mexican independence. I am proud of it. Some people say you don’t love me, but guess what? You are here to support me. Viva Mexico, Cabrones!

I’m going to rest now, enjoy my family and then decide (what’s next).”

The man considered by many to be the best fighter in the world, Terence Crawford, watched intently.

The 36-year-old from Omaha has been a contender for the fight for about a year and recently closed the gap in size somewhat by making his debut at super welterweight, two divisions below where Canelo currently dominates.

Towards the end of the game, Crawford reiterated his desire, posting on social media: “Put me in the game, coach” – clearly convinced he poses a much greater challenge than Berlanga.

Put me in the competition coach!

— Terence Crawford (@terencecrawford) September 15, 2024

There is a general feeling that Crawford is considering retirement if he doesn’t win the fight. Canelo has made it clear that he will listen to offers, and it is likely that an offer will come soon from the American’s big backers in Saudi Arabia.

In a separate post on social media, Riyadh Season’s Turki Alalshikh said along with Crawford:

“Canelo, come on. Let’s go. We’re ready.”

Crawford concluded by telling the Mexican directly to “come for the biggest fight in boxing.”