Canelo Alvarez believes he has answered his critics with a statement win over Edgar Berlanga, proclaiming himself as "the best fighter in the world."
The Mexican delivered a comfortable victory by unanimous decision against the Puerto Rican fighter at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday.
It extends his record to 62-2-2 with 39 KOs, and saw him bring Berlanga's unbeaten tenure in professional boxing to an end with another assured performance.
Canelo has taken flak in some quarters for his choice of opponent, but the 34-year-old believes his latest win underlines his status as one of the era's premier fighters.
"I did good," he said afterwards. "Now what are they gonna say? They said I don't fight young fighters. They always talk, but I'm the best fighter in the world."
Canelo floored Berlanga in the third round, though the latter was able to continue, and the pair exchanged low blows and running words throughout the rest of the bout.
"I got a little angry with his tactics, but I'm Mexican man,” he added. “It means a lot to fight on this day. It's an honour to represent my country on this day.”
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