Saúl "Canelo" Álvarez, the undisputed super middleweight champion, announced on Monday that it was more important to "give the people" a fight against Edgar Berlanga, reigniting the historic boxing rivalry between Mexico and Puerto Rico, rather than challenging David Benavidez.

"This will be a good fight for the people. Mexico vs. Puerto Rico always makes for great fights," explained the Mexican when asked why he chose to face the Puerto Rican Berlanga over Benavidez, who many in the media and fans see as the only one capable of taking Canelo's titles.

Álvarez and Berlanga will face off on September 14th at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

"I'm happy to be in this position to add to the Mexico vs. Puerto Rico rivalry. I'm not underestimating Berlanga; I know he's a strong, young fighter. I'll give my best in training to put on a great show," added Álvarez, who will defend his WBC, WBA, IBF, and WBO super middleweight titles against Berlanga.

In recent weeks, there was speculation that the IBF might strip Álvarez, with a record of 61 wins (39 by knockout), two draws, and two losses, of his title for not defending it against mandatory challenger William Scull of Cuba. However, the federation continues to list Álvarez as its champion on its official website.