Once Edgar Berlanga's lifeless body hit the mat for the final time this past Saturday night, a door to Canelo Alvarez revealed itself.

Hamzah Sheeraz immediately walked through.

At the Louis Armstrong Stadium in Queens, New York on Saturday night, Berlanga was bulldozed by the British native on his super middleweight debut. Although the first three rounds were incredibly competitive and made for compelling viewing as advertised, Berlanga's chin cracked from a violent right hand in the fourth, resulting in two knockdowns.

While ultimately saved by the bell, this wasn't the case early in round five as Sheeraz impressively closed the show in their Ring III main event.

Anthony Yarde, who watched ringside, jumped up and down as he witnessed his Queensberry stablemate and fellow east Londoner get the job done on the big stage. Now that he has, they hope the WBC will stay true to their word - having declared the Berlanga bout a title eliminator - forcing the hand of Canelo after his own upcoming megafight.

At some point, the sanctioning body could put pressure on Alvarez but even if they do and the Mexican star decides to face Sheeraz, Yarde believes that would be a bit premature.

"I think Hamzah needs a few more fights," Yarde told The Ring post-fight. "Then I would say, get in there with Canelo."

At the moment, a potential Sheeraz showdown is the furthest thing from Alvarez's mind.

On September 13, at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada, the undisputed super middleweight champ will attempt to defend his titles and further enhance an ever-increasing legacy against four-division titleholder Terence Crawford.

In the minds of many, Crawford will be too skillful and flat-out too good on the night against a declining champion - even if he's three years his senior and notably less active by comparison. Even if he does prove victorious against the Omaha native, several critics are convinced that Sheeraz has all the ingredients - physical gifts, power and youthful exuberance - to prove too much if granted a crack at Alvarez next year.

Yarde though, is looking around and wondering where's the reverence? The moment Alvarez decides to hang his gloves up, he'll be immediately ushered towards an inevitable spot in the Hall of Fame. His accolades, resume and much more should be contextualised.

"We need to respect Canelo’s name. Canelo is a phenomenal and historical fighter."