Edgar Berlanga, once a promising contender in the super middleweight division, has recently garnered attention due to significant physical changes following his loss to Canelo Alvarez. His latest training video reveals a fighter who appears to have bulked up to over 200 pounds, casting doubt on his future in the 168-pound weight class. In the aftermath of his defeat on September 14th, Berlanga, hailing from Brooklyn, New York, seemingly transformed from an emaciated figure struggling to meet weight into a more robust and heavier fighter. This shift not only complicates his ability to return to a weight that once defined his career but also raises questions about his overall strategy moving forward.
Looking ahead, Berlanga is set to make his next appearance in the ring on March 8th, potentially facing off against veteran Gabe Rosado in a bout rumored to take place in Puerto Rico. While some may view this matchup as a mere warm-up, it presents its own challenges for Berlanga, primarily related to his newly acquired weight. The flexibility to weigh in at 175 pounds or more might provide him some leeway, but the choice to engage with Rosado, a fighter who has struggled in recent bouts, invites scrutiny. Critics argue that Berlanga should seek contenders who genuinely challenge him rather than recycle opponents with diminishing returns, especially given his history of facing primarily less formidable foes before his title shot against Alvarez.
Berlanga’s career trajectory has been a mix of impressive highlights and controversial decisions. With a record of 22 wins, 1 loss, and 17 knockouts, the 27-year-old has carved out a notable presence in the boxing world. However, the tattoo he recently sported on the back of his neck, which bears an uncanny resemblance to Canelo’s iconic imagery, poses intriguing questions about his motivations. Is it a tribute or a strategic move to curry favor with Alvarez for a potential rematch? Given his substantial earnings from the fight against Canelo—a reported $10 million—it’s no surprise that the allure of another high-stakes encounter remains in Berlanga’s ambitions.
Berlanga’s aspirations extend beyond Rosado, as he has named several elite fighters he hopes to face, including Jamie Munguia and Jermall Charlo, among others. The prospect of a Munguia match is particularly enticing, given the potential draw based on the rivalry between Puerto Rican and Mexican boxers. Berlanga, despite not being Puerto Rican himself, understands the cultural significance and marketability associated with such matchups. Success in these upcoming fights is crucial for his reputation and career, especially if he intends to reestablish himself as a serious contender in the super middleweight landscape.
Edgar Berlanga’s journey is marked by his physical evolution and the strategic decisions he faces in the wake of defeat. With challenges ranging from managing his weight to selecting appropriately challenging opponents, his path forward demands careful navigation if he hopes to reclaim his standing in the boxing world and emerge victorious against the best.
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