Edgar Berlanga appears to be riding a wave of inflated self-esteem, positioning himself as boxing’s latest “A-side” while his recent performance history suggests otherwise. After suffering a significant defeat against Canelo Alvarez in September 2022, where Berlanga lost convincingly over twelve rounds, one would expect a fighter to recalibrate their ambitions and focus on meaningful wins over quality opponents. Instead, Berlanga seems more preoccupied with grandstanding and creating spectacle rather than solidifying his status through merit-based accomplishments.
In a social media post, Berlanga announced his willingness to offer Caleb Plant a mere $200,000 for a fight while simultaneously proclaiming his superior status. This tweet, laden with bravado, betrays a deeper truth: Berlanga lacks genuine big-fight credibility. His professional record of 23-1, with 18 knockouts, is largely built upon victories against relatively weak competition, leading to an undeniable impression that he may be pricing himself out when confronting real challenges.
Chasing the Spotlight
What is particularly curious about Berlanga’s approach is his fixation on other fighters’ circumstances while ignoring his need for substantial growth. He seems to have identified Jaime Munguia and Jermall Charlo as his next targets, framing the potential matches as a captivating rivalry rooted in the longstanding Mexico-Puerto Rico boxing narrative. However, this tactic feels less like a strategic career move and more like a desperate effort to stay relevant. The reality is, Munguia is struggling with a 1-2 record over his last three fights, while Charlo, at age 35 and out of the ring for nearly two years, presents a faded shadow of the formidable opponent he once was.
Berlanga’s insistence on these easy match-ups reveals an alarming trend: the willingness to seek out vulnerability rather than challenge oneself against elite competition. In a sport where legacy is built on triumph against the best, this mindset is baffling.
The Saudis and the Golden Contract
In a yet another striking twist, Berlanga is banking on the allure of Saudi Arabia’s burgeoning boxing scene to secure lucrative contracts. With the nation investing heavily in high-profile events, it’s no wonder fighters are drawn to the potential financial windfalls. However, does Berlanga genuinely believe that mere participation in extravagant events will solidify his career? The answer likely lies in a troubling misunderstanding of what it means to be a champion in boxing.
Merely signing with Saudi promoters while clamoring for matches against manageable foes does little to enhance his standing as a true fighter. If Berlanga wishes to elevate his status and become a recognizable name in the sport, he must confront the truth: fame without substance is fleeting. While packing arenas and generating pay-per-view numbers may seem appealing, it fundamentally lacks the credibility that is essential in boxing. The conflation of financial success and sporting achievement can often lead to a tenuous legacy, one that may crumble once the excitement fades.
Berlanga may wallow comfortably in his current narrative, manipulating the story he tells about his worth and desires. However, boxing fans are endlessly astute and have little patience for fighters who aim for the spotlight rather than the title. If Berlanga fails to acknowledge the distinction between self-promotion and genuine fighting prowess, he risks remaining not a star, but a mere footnote in boxing history.
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