The stage was set on Saturday night at T-Mobile Arena: superstar Saul “Canelo” Álvarez (61-2-2) and challenger Edgar Berlanga (22-0-0) battling for the WBC and WBO Super Middleweight Title.
Prior to the main event, Premier Boxing returned to DraftKings Network with three exciting preliminary bouts: Lopez v. Medina, Villa v. Salas, and Fulton v. Castro.
Álvarez entered the fight as a massive -1800 favorite on DraftKings Sportsbook. 76% of bettors were backing the Mexican legend, but 62% of the handle was laid on Berlanga (+1000 ML).
Álvarez had the first major moment of the night with a knockdown in the third round.
Things never really got much better for Berlanga. Despite his smaller stature, the 5’7″ Álvarez was the clear aggressor all night, backing the 6’1″ underdog into a corner frequently.
Things got extra chippy in Round 8, when Berlanga appeared to lay down an intentional headbutt. Right before the challenger was warned by the official, Álvarez had some choice words (and a jab).
Even as it became apparent that Álvarez was in control of the fight, the animosity between the two fighters did not dissipate. During the 12th and final round, he sent a clear message to the fighter from Brooklyn.
In the end, it was a clear unanimous decision for Canelo Álvarez by scores of 117-110 and 118-109 (twice). While there have been plenty of triumphs in his career (63 career victories), a win on Mexican Independence Day weekend clearly meant something to the 34-year-old.
68% of Álvarez bettors were backing a win by knockout, technical knockout, or disqualification on DraftKings Sportsbook. The most bet prop of the night (47% of the handle) was on Álvarez to win by decision or technical decision.
The Crown Is Yours: Sign up for DraftKings and experience the ultimate host for games and betting experiences!
I am a promoter at DraftKings and am also an avid fan and user (my username is barmy) and may sometimes play on my personal account in the games that I offer advice on. Although I have expressed my personal view on the games and strategies above, they do not necessarily reflect the view(s) of DraftKings and do not constitute a representation that any particular strategy will guarantee success. All customers should use their own skill and judgment in building lineups. I may also deploy different players and strategies than what I recommend above. I am not an employee of DraftKings and do not have access to any non-public information.
