In the world of boxing, ambition can be a double-edged sword. Edgar Berlanga, a promising contender in the super middleweight division, is fervently eyeing a rematch with the celebrated Canelo Alvarez. His strategy involves defeating three targeted opponents: Jaime Munguia, Jermall Charlo, and Caleb Plant. While this goal is ambitious, it raises several questions about Berlanga’s short-term viability and long-term potential.
Berlanga (23-1, 18 KOs) is undeniably an exciting fighter with notable power, but his tactics may seem misguided. The notion that victories over Munguia, Charlo, and Plant would naturally lead to a rematch with Canelo appears overly simplistic. Each of these fighters holds varying degrees of relevance in the boxing hierarchy—though not all are formidable threats by current standards.
Questionable Quality of Competition
Let’s dissect Berlanga’s chosen foes. First, Jaime Munguia is no longer the boogeyman he once seemed; having suffered setbacks in recent fights, including a humbling knockout loss to Bruno Surace, Munguia’s stock has plummeted. With a patchy record against elite competition, he barely qualifies as a stepping stone for Berlanga. Similarly, Jermall Charlo hasn’t stepped into the ring in years and is approaching a critical age in a sport where reflexes and stamina are everything. It raises the validity of Berlanga’s claim that beating Charlo would equate to a signature victory.
The third contender, Caleb Plant, similarly offers a mixed bag. Plant is a talented boxer but hasn’t convincingly excelled since his loss to David Benavidez. His size advantage over Berlanga could play to his favor, but the lack of noteworthy opponents has dulled his competitive edge. Berlanga appears to be banking on the assumption that these fights alone will enhance his credentials. However, merely picking off former contenders pales in comparison to taking on the best fighters in the division.
A Question of Size and Strategy
Berlanga’s size has become a topic of discussion. He has a tendency to miss weight and rehydrate into the ring noticeably heavier than his competitors, often resembling a cruiserweight rather than a super middleweight upon fight night. While size can indeed be a weapon, it also introduces questions about his discipline and readiness. Will he be able to maintain a winning strategy without compromising his eligibility in the division?
His recent performance against Jonathan Gonzalez-Ortiz might suggest he can bulldoze through lesser opponents by virtue of sheer size. However, one cannot help but question whether this tactical margin will withstand the test against a versatile opponent like Munguia, who has proven he can absorb punishment. Berlanga’s reliance on physical attributes rather than a well-rounded fighting style could prove detrimental in more complicated matchups.
Negotiations: Bridging the Gap to Opportunity
Berlanga has expressed intent to bypass traditional promotional avenues, opting instead for direct negotiations with DAZN executives. This approach, while bold, might also be an admission that he seems uncertain about who to align himself with in order to truly establish a legendary legacy in the boxing world. If Berlanga looks to carve out his path independently, he will need not only to secure fights but also to elevate his brand on his terms.
While his aspirations are commendable—planning fights that could define his career in the coming years—he should realize that quality will always outweigh quantity in terms of opponent selection. Simply fighting three recognizable names is not enough to solidify his standing; he must aim higher.
The Challenge of Realizing Greatness
Berlanga’s burning desire to secure a rematch with Canelo Alvarez symbolizes more than just personal ambition; it reflects the driving passion shared by many aspiring boxers. The aura surrounding Canelo makes such a rematch tantalizing, yet the path remains fraught with uncertainties. Without solidifying wins against relevant opponents, any dream of facing the Mexican superstar remains just that—a dream.
While Berlanga’s self-belief is commendable and integral to a fighter’s identity, it risks overexposure if not met with tangible results. The boxing landscape is littered with stars who never quite reached their peaks due to an inability to navigate their career trajectories effectively. He might need radical improvements in both training focus and competitive mindset if he is to emerge not only victorious but as a legitimate title contender deserving of the spotlight.
In a sport where moments can transform legacies, Berlanga has the potential to shine brightly. Yet, this can only happen if he takes a step back, reassesses his ambitions, and makes insightful choices about his future in the ring. The road to boxing greatness is rife with challenges, but with the right approach, Berlanga can indeed become the warrior he envisions himself to be.
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