Fireworks and choice words were thrown instead of pulled punches when Canelo Alvarez and Edgar Berlanga shared the stage in their second LA press conference. The animosity of Mexico vs. Puerto Rico channeled through the two was spilling all over the place, giving the boxing world a glimpse of what they could expect on September 14. If the challenger’s words are to be taken, “It’s gonna be fireworks.”

Alvarez, 34, and Berlanga, 27, as soon as they came to the center of the stage for a traditional faceoff at this Tuesday’s presser, started a war of words. A back-and-forth of jibes soon followed, and eventually, they had to be separated. However, that didn’t cool off their heat.

The fans could hear the Mexican champion playing down Berlanga’s power, which is the reason he has attracted fans’ eyeballs. Berlanga, at 22-0, has swayed the fans with his brute force behind his punches and a penchant for knockouts, as he finished 17 of his fights. What’s more? Sixteen of those were his first sixteen career fights. However, Alvarez, at 61-2-2, believed the Puerto Rican boxer was in for a difficult night, as he declared, “You’re gonna feel so much pain. You hit like my son.”

Soon, the two would stand and trade words, held by security, and the champion specified his intent not to lay hands on Berlanga. Why? Alvarez said, “I don’t want to f*ck you up right now because your money is gone. So, take it easy.” But Berlanga reiterated his determination and resolve to take the throne in return. ‘The Chosen One’ announced, “I’mma take your place.”

This altercation mirrored what Alvarez had told PPV.com. The Guadalajara native carried more motivation, zeal, and passion during the presser, as he had told PPV.com, “Mexico versus Puerto Rico motivates me even more.” It seems he is not the only one. When the two took their seats and answered the fans’ questions, Berlanga assured the fans and reporters that he was up for the task.

Edgar Berlanga’s win formula against Canelo Alvarez: intelligence, not power

The Brooklyn native pointed out that Alvarez had fought everybody, including the big names. The super middleweight champion’s list of legendary opponents included Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Gennady Golovkin. His varied advantages of size and speed at different career stages had worked for Alvarez. But Berlanga theorized that their bout would be different.

He added, “What makes it different about this fight is not about physical. It’s about IQ and intelligence, and that’s what gonna make the difference on Sept. 14.” Does Berlanga have the skills and ring IQ to outwit Alvarez? No one is sure after weighing in their resumes. The fans will find out whether this will be the case soon.

What do you make of this upcoming fight between Canelo Alvarez and Edgar Berlanga? Do you believe it will turn out to be a blockbuster fight? Let us know in the comments below.