Alvarez (61–2–2, 39 KOs) choosing Berlanga as his opponent comes with some controversy. The Mexican superstar will reportedly be stripped of his IBF title for not facing mandatory challenger William Scull, which mean he will no longer be the undisputed champion at 168 pounds.

He will, however, be defending his WBC belt despite David Benavidez being the WBC’s mandatory challenger and pursuing a shot at Alvarez since 2022.

However, Alvarez bypassed Benavidez and WBA mandatory challenger David Morrell in favor of Jaime Munguia earlier this year and now Berlanga (22–0, 17 KOs).

Alvarez, 34, defeated Munguia by unanimous decision after knocking him down in the fourth round on May 4. He has 39 knockouts in his career, but hasn’t won via knockout since 2021.